CadillacCT5

　　

2024 Cadillac CT5 Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar., rating written byJosh JacquotSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Cadillac's CT5 offers a wide range of talents — from good looks to competitive pricing to a massive spectrum of performance across its range. This breadth of utility is a requirement for any midsize luxury sedan to remain relevant today. Still, the CT5 struggles when compared to the best in the class. Its base trim rides rough, its interior lacks the design, finish and refinement found elsewhere in the segment, and it's hard to see out of. But we still think it's worth a look for someone who wants a sedan and doesn't want to pay German luxury car pricing.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Cadillac CT5 Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$172/mo  for CT5 Luxury

　　CT5 Luxury

　　Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $38,395 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $42,895 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $44,095 MSRPV 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $51,495 MSRPV Blackwing 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) - $93,495 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: A CT5 for every need

Possibly the CT5's biggest strength is that it hits nearly every target available to a midsize sedan. Base model with an attractive price? Check. Multiple engines and an all-wheel-drive option? Check. Abundant, effective tech, including one of the best hands-free driving systems sold today? Check. So what's the problem? Well, in some crucial ways — think fit and finish and visibility — the CT5 still isn't on par with the best in the class. Its interior isn't ergonomically bad; it just lacks the opulence and finish quality of its German competition. And rear visibility can be a problem, especially if you're tall. It's possible, depending on the trim level, and your height and preferences, that neither issue will matter to you.

　　

Competitors to consider

The CT5 faces stiff competition from Germany. Audi's A6, BMW's 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz's E-Class all offer trims to match most of the CT5's range. But all three start nearly $20,000 higher than the base CT5. Keep that in mind when considering our grumbles above.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the CT5 drive? Our test CT5 had the 335-horsepower V6. At our test track it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph 5.5 seconds. It's certainly quick, though that kind of acceleration is typical for a midsize luxury sedan with six-cylinder power. Around town, the V6 feels smooth and strong.

　　The engine is aided by a smooth 10-speed automatic that keeps the engine revving at just the right speed. The engine's auto stop-start system is unobtrusive, so the biggest issue driving in traffic is the somewhat touchy brake pedal that can make it hard to stop smoothly. We found the CT5's handling to be stable and secure. The CT5 isn't a sport sedan, but it's more entertaining than it might seem thanks to a well-tuned suspension and accurate steering.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the CT5? Comfort and refinement should be among the main focuses when designing a luxury car, and Cadillac comes up a bit short in some areas. The front and rear seats are relatively comfortable and supportive. But the ride quality is pretty poor for a luxury car. The CT5 crashes over bumps rather than absorbs them, and uneven roads can make the car rock like a boat. Getting the Sport trim with the available adaptive suspension can help smooth out the ride.

　　The climate control system generally works well. There are physical buttons for all controls, a rarity in a class that prefers slick but distracting touchscreens. We also like the quick-acting seat heaters. The fans work quickly to bring the car to an even temp, but they're overly loud for a luxury sedan.

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