A CT5-V with rear-wheel drive achieved 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. For comparison, the BMW 330i and Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti, two of the CT5's most significant competitors, completed the same test in 5.1 and 4.6 seconds, respectively. Regarding driving behavior and handling, the standard CT5 is both softer and less sporty than these two competitors. With the V model, it's different: its driving and handling balance and body control are just as good as the Alfa's and the Bimmer's, if not better.
Fuel Economy and MPG in Practice
The EPA estimates that the 2023 CT5 with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine will consume up to 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The V6 with 335 horsepower achieves up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the version with 360 horsepower falls slightly behind with 18 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway. On our test track with a speed of 75 mph on the highway, which is part of our extensive testing program, the rear-wheel-drive sport model achieved a consumption of 31 mpg. For more information on the CT5's fuel economy, please visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Cadillac has addressed some of the old CTS's interior
weaknesses with the CT5: the new version of the sports sedan offers a more
user-friendly surface and a straightforward design. Unfortunately, the quality
of the interior materials does not seem to live up to the CT5's positioning as
a luxury vehicle. The premium luxury models are available with beautiful
open-pore wood trims that enhance the interior design, but they are mixed with
cheap black plastic that could also come from the simple Chevrolet Malibu
family sedan. The rear seat is more spacious than the old CTS's, but
competitors like the Acura TLX and the Volvo S60 feel more spacious. However,
all three vehicles have similarly sized cargo areas that fit five of our
carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The CT5 comes equipped with the latest version of the Cadillac infotainment system, displayed on a 10.0-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. The system is much more logically structured than the old one and replaces some of the touch-sensitive controls with physical ones. You can control the system using a dial behind the shift lever or by interacting with the touchscreen itself. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard. Desirable features include a head-up display, wireless device charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
A variety of driver assistance systems are available, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. GM's Super Cruise Level 2 autonomous driving function, which can control the steering, acceleration, and braking of the vehicle without the driver having to keep their hands on the wheel, is optionally available for the Premium Luxury, Sport, and V-Series trim levels. For more information on the CT5's crash test results, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning with lane keeping assist
- Available with adaptive cruise control and hands-free calling