2024 Cadillac CT5
Overview
Although the 2024 Cadillac CT5 is built on the same platform that spawned the savage CT5-V Blackwing (reviewed separately), entry-level models lack the driving zeal we love so much in that flagship performance model. Four years after the sedan’s debut, we’re still unclear on why Cadillac tuned out so much of the platform’s potential in the lower trims. Every CT5 exudes bluff charisma outside. Getting the go to match the show requires paying quite a bit extra for the twin-turbo V-6 CT5-V—the second-best performer after the Blackwing. The rest of the CT5 lineup focuses on comfort rather than engaging driving dynamics, and it doesn’t score the highest marks for indulgence, either. Rivals such as the BMW 3-series, the Mercedes-Benz C-class, and the Genesis G70 are more inviting to sit in and more fun to drive than the standard non-V CT5s. The Caddy puts itself at the front in the tech race, though, offering a hands-free driving system that rivals don’t have (yet). But if you want velocity, vigor, and dynamic virtuosity, “V” is the letter to remember.
What’s New for 2024?
There are two small changes for the CT5. The first is a new extra-cost color, Midnight Sky Metallic. The second is that the Onyx Package, which adds dark accents and wheels, will include a black spoiler. Cadillac is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the V sub-brand, so the 2024 CT5-V receives more attention. Four new hues join the exterior color palette: Coastal Blue Metallic, Cyber Yellow Metallic, and the limited-edition Black Diamond Tricoat and Velocity Red. Special 20th Anniversary badging will be found in places like the grille, rockers, and in the animated gauge cluster. A facelifted CT5 is expected to debut sometime in 2024 as a 2025 model-year vehicle.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The CT5’s dual personalities compel us to recommend two trims. If you’re interested in a stylish mid-size luxury sedan that’s a respectable handler and a good value, we suggest the Premium Luxury CT5. It adds features such as a power-adjustable steering column, ventilated front-row seating with memory, interior ambient lighting, illuminated exterior door handles, and front and rear park assist. The Premium Luxury offers an expanded options menu, from the more powerful 3.0-liter V-6 to the 12-inch digital gauge cluster, surround-view camera, and Super Cruise. On the other hand, if you want a sports sedan that can compete on any road with world-class Europeans like the BMW 3-series and Alfa Romeo Giulia, the V-series model makes 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 2024 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
When Cadillac designers drew the CT5’s interior, they remedied the most frustrating flaws of the old CTS’s interior. Navigating the current sports sedan’s controls is much more straightforward and user-friendly. Now Cadillac needs to address the blemishes in the CT5’s cabin. Even considering the friendlier price compared to European rivals, the Cadillac’s interior design and materials don’t mix well together—handsome open-pore wood next to cheap black plastic, for instance—nor do they support the CT5’s positioning as a luxury offering. The rear seat is more spacious than the old CTS’s, beating rear legroom in the aforementioned BMW 3-series and Alfa Romeo Giulia by nearly three inches. The Cadillac’s trunk fits five of our carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats, but it gives up two cubic feet of trunk space to the Alfa and six cubes to the BMW.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2024 Cadillac CT5 features the latest version of Cadillac’s infotainment system displayed on a 10.0-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. Much more logically structured than the old system, it swaps some of the touch-sensitive controls for physical ones. You can control the system via a rotary wheel located behind the shifter or the touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as well as wireless phone charging and hotspot capability. The Technology Package and Lighting Package add nice touches like the configurable 12-inch digital gauge cluster and a head-up display.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Standard driver-assistance equipment on all trims includes forward collision alert, rear park assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional tech is available on all but the base trim, and includes GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving feature—which can manage a vehicle’s steering, acceleration, and braking on most highways without the driver needing to keep his or her hands on the wheel. 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 such as on the Genesis G70, offering longer limited and powertrain coverage. 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 visitArrow pointing downArrow pointing down
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
