Our Opinion - 2025 Cadillac CT5 Review Apparently, Cadillac is no longer making land-yacht sedans. The 2026 CT5 line shows this by replacing the roomy cabins and floaty rides of past models with cars that are much more athletic. The standard model’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine isn’t particularly impressive, so consider opting for the optional twin-turbocharged V-6 instead. The 360-hp CT5-V is even better; it can really move like a sports car. We believe the CT5-V Blackwing is the best ultra-performance sports car, but we have a different review for that beast. The regular CT5 is less flashy and costs less. It competes with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the BMW 3 Series, and the Genesis G70, all of which have more luxurious models. The CT5 isn’t too expensive compared to its rivals, but its interior doesn’t look particularly fancy and resembles a Chevy more than a Cadillac. What's New? The CT5, which underwent an update last year, has only minor changes to its exterior color as it approaches 2026. Vibrant White Tricoat has been added to the list instead of Crystal White Tricoat. It now features Coastal Blue Metallic and Cyber Yellow Metallic. Pros vs Cons Pros The digital screen is very big. The Super Cruise features basic hands-free technology, as well as the interesting Blackwing CT5-V model. Cons It’s boring to drive a base model. Some rivals appear to have more financial resources. Blackwing Model Needs A Lot of Fuel. Engine, Transmission, and Performance You can and should opt for the 335-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine instead of the CT5’s standard 237-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. We’ve always liked that engine, but it’s too loud and slow for us. The CT5-V is a full-fledged sports sedan with a 360-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and adjustable dampers. It is designed for speed. A 10-speed automatic gearbox is paired with both engines. All-wheel drive doesn’t come standard but is available as an optional upgrade. The V model boasts body control and a mix of ride and handling that are as good as, or better than, those of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and BMW 3 Series. Safety All trim levels come with standard features that assist the driver, including rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision alert. Additional advanced technology is available as an optional upgrade. For example, GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system can steer, brake, and speed up a car on most highways while the driver’s hands are off the wheel. The following are important safety features: Most automatic emergency braking systems can detect pedestrians and other road users. Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist come standard to help keep the vehicle centered. Both hands-free driving mode and adaptive cruise control are available for added convenience. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The Cadillac is cheaper than its European rivals, but the materials and interior design don’t match; for example, nice open-pore wood is paired with cheap black plastic, which makes the CT5 look less like a luxury car. The back seat is much more spacious than in the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the BMW 3 Series, though. The Cadillac’s trunk offers enough space to fit five carry-on bags behind the rear seats. The trunks of the Alfa and BMW, on the other hand, are only two and six cubic feet. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA says that the base CT5 turbo-four can get up to 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Next is the 360-hp model, which gets 18 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway. The 335-hp V-6 model, on the other hand, gets 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. A four-cylinder rear-drive car achieved 31 mpg on our highway fuel-economy test route, which includes a 75 mph segment as part of our rigorous testing program. Infotainment and Connectivity The huge 33-inch curved touchscreen in the CT5 shows the newest version of Cadillac’s entertainment system. It goes from the driver to the middle of the dashboard. This plan was first introduced on Cadillac’s Lyriq electric SUV and is now applied to all of the company’s vehicles. There are two ways to control the system: the tablet or the rotary wheel in the center hub. The vehicle comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as hotspot functionality, wireless phone charging, a nine-speaker sound system, and the option of an AKG-tuned luxury radio. Range, Charging, and Battery Life A four-cylinder turbocharged rear-drive CT5 we tested took 6.6 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, which is slow for the class. It took 4.8 seconds for a rear-drive CT5-V to reach 60 mph. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti and the BMW 330i, two of the CT5’s main competitors, crossed the 60-mph line in 4.6 and 5.1 seconds, respectively. Price and How to Choose Various trims and extras can increase the 2026 Cadillac CT5’s cost to anywhere from $50,095 to $59,095. We suggest two trims for the CT5 because it has two distinct personalities. If you’re looking for a good deal on a well-appointed mid-size luxury car that handles well, we recommend the Premium Luxury version. The car has an AKG sound system, a heated steering wheel, GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, and front seats that are heated, cooled and massaged. On the other hand, the CT5-V model is a good choice if you want a sports sedan that can compete with top European cars, such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and BMW 3 Series, on any road.
