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.
The 2021 VW Atlas is a competent family hauler that assimilates into the daily routine without fuss.
Pros Plenty of space Good warranty Good tech Relative value among competitors Solid powertrains
Cons A little boring Base touchscreen is on the small side Not fuel-efficient Cross Sport gets lost
VW refreshes the 2021 Atlas by adding updated front and rear ends that increase its overall length by almost three inches. Its face is graced by a more attractive three-bar grille and revised headlights, which now feature standard LED elements that continue out back. Models with the R-Line option also get new looks courtesy of its special badging, body kit, and 20- or 21-inch rims. Inside, there's a new steering wheel, updated stitching on the seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen on most models, and the latest iteration of the company's Car-Net smartphone app. The four-cylinder Atlas is now available with all-wheel drive for the first time.
Pros No shortage of cargo or passenger space, reassuring driving manners, hard-to-beat value.
Cons Uninspired interior aesthetic, less fuel efficient than advertised, rides rough on broken surfaces.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Restyled front and rear bodywork.Upgraded interior appointments.
Pros Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers in all three rows Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort Straightforward, easy-to-use cabin design
Cons Lackluster acceleration, even with the optional V6 Fuel economy lags that of most competitors
