The 2021 Cadillac XT6 is a sharp spin on three-row family crossovers, but misses on a few details.
Pros Comfortable interior Good V-6 power Sharp face Good active safety features Available all-wheel drive
Cons Rivals cost less... …and some have better interiors Rear is a dud No Super Cruise
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.Luxury trim level debuts below Premium Luxury and Sport.New base 237-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine.Wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Pros Quiet interior Third row is roomy enough for most adults Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons Minimal cargo space behind third row Many advanced driver safety aids don't come standard Jumpy throttle makes it hard to accelerate smoothly Low towing limits
A turbocharged four-cylinder joins the XT6 lineup for 2021 as part of the new entry-level Luxury trim level. The turbo four is shared with the smaller XT5 SUV, makes 237 horsepower, and comes paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The 310-hp V-6 is still standard on the Premium Luxury and Sport models.
PROS Sharply styled façade, three roomy rows of seats, high-tech features list.
CONS Less-than-luxe cabin trimmings, lackluster V-6 fuel efficiency, borrows too much from other GM SUVs.
Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models. A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim, and it includes 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint.
Pros Smooth and controlled ride, cargo friendly interior design, comfortable front seats.
Cons Third row space is tight, plasticky interior bits, most desirable models are pricey.
The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list.
Pros Wide range of powertrains Good looks Great active safety tech Available hybrid Quiet interio
Cons Hybrid isn’t refined Not a great value Cramped third row Clunky second row
New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability.
Pros Strong engines for quick acceleration Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing Roomy cargo area
Cons Too much wind noise at highway speeds The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry Lackluster interior material quality
