2023 Cadillac CT5
Overview
Here at Car and Driver, we’re big fans of crisp-handling sports sedans, and the 2023 Cadillac CT5 by all accounts should be a car that raises our collective pulse rate. It does and it doesn’t. Essentially the entry-level version of the wild, wonderful, 10Best-winning CT5-V Blackwing supersedan (reviewed separately), the standard-issue CT5 offers handsome styling and sits on the same brilliant chassis. Driving thrills should be standard—but they’re not. If you want driving satisfaction in a CT5, you’ll need to opt for the twin-turbo V-6 CT5-V—the second-highest performing version after the Blackwing. The rest of the CT5 lineup has been tuned for comfort rather than engaging driving dynamics. Rivals such as the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class, and Genesis G70 are sportier and more fun to drive than the standard non-V CT5s. Nor does the Caddy’s cabin project the high-quality, upscale appearance you find inside those thoroughbreds. The CT5 makes up for some of its downfalls with onboard tech that is impressive and impressively easy to use, and Cadillac will even sell you a version equipped with its Super Cruise hands-free driving system. But if you want a CT5 that acts like a world-class sports sedan, specify the model with the extra letter affixed to its trunk lid.
What’s New for 2023?
The CT5 is essentially unchanged for 2023, although three new hues freshen up the exterior color palette: Radiant Red Tintcoat, Argent Silver Metallic, and Midnight Steel Metallic.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Since there are two distinct flavors of CT5s—high-comfort and high-performance—this is the rare situation wherein we recommend two models in the lineup rather than just one. If you’re into a good looking, decent driving, mid-size luxury sedan that’s also a good value, the Premium Luxury CT5 is our pick. It adds features such as interior ambient lighting, illuminated exterior door handles, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel, rear parking sensors, and power lumbar support for the driver and front-seat passenger. We’d recommend it, but you should note that it also requires that you select the Lighting package, which consists of front cornering lamps and illuminated doorsills. On the other hand, if you love to drive and want a CT5 that can compete with world-class sports sedans like the BMW 3-series and Alfa Romeo Giulia, the V-series model offers a worthy alternative.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The standard engine in the CT5 is a 237-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but you can upgrade to a 335-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. The performance-oriented CT5-V boasts a 360-hp version of the twin-turbo V-6 as well as adaptive dampers and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. In our testing, a rear-drive CT5 with the turbo four-cylinder sauntered to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. A rear-drive CT5-V hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. By comparison, the BMW 330i and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti, two of the CT5’s key rivals, completed the same test in 5.1 and 4.6 seconds, respectively. When it comes to ride and handling, the standard CT5 is both more softly sprung and less athletic than those two rivals. The V model flips that; its ride-and-handling balance and body control are every bit as good as the Alfa’s and Bimmer’s—if not better.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the 2023 CT5 with the standard turbo-four is rated for up to 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 335-hp V-6 is rated up to 19 mpg city and 27 highway, with the 360-hp version slightly behind at 18 mpg city and up to 27 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the rear-drive Sport model managed 31 mpg. For more information about the CT5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Cadillac corrected some of the old CTS’s interior flaws with the CT5; namely, the new version of the sports sedan provides a more user-friendly interface and straightforward design. Unfortunately, the quality of the cabin materials seems unworthy of the CT5’s positioning as a luxury vehicle. Premium Luxury models are available with handsome open-pore wood trim that elevates the interior design, but it mingles alongside cheap black plastic that could’ve been lifted from the plebian Chevrolet Malibu family sedan. The rear seat is more spacious than the old CTS’s, but rivals such as the Acura TLX and the Volvo S60 feel roomier. All three vehicles have similarly sized trunks, though, and each fit five of our carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
The CT5 features the latest version of Cadillac’s infotainment system displayed on a 10.0-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. It’s much more logically structured than the old system and swaps some of the touch-sensitive controls for physical ones. You can control the system via a rotary wheel located behind the shifter or by interacting with the touchscreen itself. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration comes standard. Desirable available features include a head-up display, wireless device charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A host of driver-assistance technology is available, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. GM’s Super Cruise Level 2 autonomous-driving feature—which can manage a vehicle’s steering, acceleration, and braking without the driver needing to keep his or her hands on the wheel—is optional on the Premium Luxury, Sport, and V-Series trims. For more information about the CT5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The CT5’s warranty coverage is more generous than that of the German sports sedans, particularly in the powertrain warranty, where it outdoes the 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class by two years or 20,000 miles. Better warranties are available in the entry-luxury marketplace with the Genesis G70 and Kia Stinger, both of which offer longer limited and powertrain warranties. The Genesis even comes with three full years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, while Cadillac includes only the first visit free of charge.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Cadillac CT5 350T
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$54,590 (base price: $42,690)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power
237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSISSuspension (F/R): struts/multilinkBrakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented discTires: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S ZP, 245/40R-19 94V M+S TPC SPEC 3132MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.0 in
Length: 193.9 in
Width: 74.1 in
Height: 57.2 in
Passenger volume: 99 ft3
Cargo volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3724 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 6.6 sec
100 mph: 17.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.0 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec
¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.92 g
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
2020 Cadillac CT5-V
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$61,640 (base price: $48,690)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
182 in3, 2990 cm3
Power
360 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque
405 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc /12.4-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP, 245/40R-19 94Y TPC
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.0 in
Length: 193.9 in
Width: 74.1 in
Height: 57.2 in
Passenger volume: 99 ft3
Trunk volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3993 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 4.8 sec
100 mph: 11.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec
¼-mile: 13.3 sec @ 107 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 168 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.99 g
More Features and Specs
