Cadillac XT6 vs. Volvo XC90 Comparison

In the battle of three-row midsize crossovers, will the 2021 Cadillac XT6 prove itself capable of toppling its Scandinavian counterpart?

2021 Cadillac XT6

2021 Cadillac XT6 Starting Price: $48,990 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Full-size third row; smooth ride; price undercuts some foreign competitors; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Below Average: No hybrid option; less power than competitors; 4,000-pound max towing; could use more cargo space; luxury interior can feel generic.

Consensus: New for last year, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 is a 3-row luxury SUV that falls between Cadillac’s 2-row XT5 and the gargantuan Escalade. Now offered with a turbocharged 4-cylinder as well as a 3.6-liter V6, the XT6 offers all the luxury and style you would expect from a Cadillac.

2021 Volvo XC90

2021 Volvo XC90 Starting Price: $49,995 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Optional plug-in hybrid; beautiful interior; superb upgrade B&W audio system.

Below Average: No V6 or V8 engine options; too much touchscreen instead of physical controls; plug-in hybrid starts close to $70,000.

Consensus: The 2021 Volvo XC90 offers a good blend of safety, driver-assist and tech features, and plenty of luxury options in a three-row, seven-passenger SUV, all starting under $50,000. The base turbo four-cylinder is a bit weak, however, and the third row is best suited for smaller passengers.

XT6 vs. XC90: Home Depot vs. Ikea

Cadillac XT6

A luxury SUV with three rows of legitimate adult seating, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 slots between XT5 and Escalade. Brand-new last year, the XT6’s most significant change for 2021 is the base engine changing from a V6 to a turbocharged 4-cylinder, although there is a 3.6-liter V6 upgrade. The 2021 XT6 comes with everything one would expect from Cadillac: comfortable seats, a large touchscreen, leather, and nice woods. There are also a few different driving modes, trims ranging from the sharp Sport model to the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims in either front- or all-wheel drive. While we like the interior and the details, in some ways, it feels a bit generic, without some of the premium touches offered by European competitors. And with the base engine offering only 237 horsepower to pull six adults, it’s a bit down on power.

XC90

Volvo has a reputation for strong, well-built cars and wagons, and SUVs. They are endowed with elegance and grace, tasteful design, and plenty of safety. The 2021 Volvo XC90 is the company’s 3-row variant, offering seating for seven or, with optional captain’s chairs in the second row, six. Note the third row is best for children or smaller passengers. Power comes from a 4-cylinder engine, which is turbocharged or both turbocharged and supercharged. There is also a hybrid variant that adds an electric motor to the turbo-supercharged engine. While there’s no V8 or even a V6 available and the base T5 engine a bit sluggish, the T6 offers plenty of grunt. The interior is luxurious if a bit conservative, with lots of safety and driver-assists There is also a superb optional 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins stereo upgrade. The base model is front-drive, with all-wheel drive optional. All others get AWD standard.

Similarities

Starting price; base turbo 4-cylinder engine; premium stereo upgrade; optional six-passenger configuration,; available AWD.

Cadillac XT6 Advantages

Third row accommodates full-size passengers; Sport model; physical buttons for climate control; longer powertrain warranty.

Volvo XC90 Advantages

Optional hybrid; maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity; cargo space.

Final Recommendation

With the 2021 Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90 having nearly identical starting prices, your decision may come down to specific needs. The Volvo offers a higher tow rating and more cargo capacity, whereas the Cadillac offers larger rear seats. Beyond that, though, it’s hard to beat the interior of the Volvo. It offers a level of luxury and detail that Cadillac just can’t match here. If you’re shopping for luxury, the Volvo wins this one.

Ready to buy a Cadillac XT6 or Volvo XC90? Shop for one on sale now near you.