2020 Cadillac CT5 Review

　　

2020 Cadillac CT5 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　The 2020 Cadillac CT5 has a tough assignment. Not only does it need to replace the cornerstone of Cadillac's sedan lineup — the now-discontinued CTS sedan — but it also needs to offer a compelling alternative to midsize luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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

　　$175/mo  for CT5 Luxury

　　CT5 Luxury

　　Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $36,895 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $40,695 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $41,695 MSRPV 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $47,695 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　To that end, the CT5 offers two engines, three trim levels and more room than the outgoing CTS. The interior appears substantially better in quality and design than the previous model too. The CT5 also comes with all the business you'd expect of a midsize luxury sedan: heated, ventilated and massaging front seats; a 10-inch infotainment display; optional leather upgrades; and optional all-wheel drive for wet-weather climates.

　　The CT5 maintains Cadillac's modern character of crisp-handling sedans with precise steering. Driver-selectable modes can optimize steering, transmission and even brake calibration at the touch of a button. The Sport trim even comes with high-performance Brembo brakes. The new CT5-V ups the ante in terms of performance, though not to the degree of the outgoing 640-horsepower CTS-V.

　　Overall, the CT5 is a solid choice if you're looking for a strong combination of comfort, performance and technology from your luxury sedan.

　　

Which CT5 does zzdcar recommend?

Since there's not a big gap between the Luxury and the Premium Luxury trims, we're tempted to recommend the base trim, which saves a few thousand dollars. But we still say go with Premium Luxury for the additional driver aids and wireless device charging, then add one of the option packages to taste.

　　

2020 Cadillac CT5 models

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 comes in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport and CT5-V. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (237 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque) is standard  and comes paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available.

　　Optional for the Premium Luxury trim is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 335 hp and 405 lb-ft. The CT5-V has an upgraded version of this engine that makes 360 hp.

　　For a base trim, the Luxury comes well equipped with features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and imitation leather upholstery. Tech features include a 10-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Near-field Bluetooth device pairing is a nice touch at this level, too. (Just place your phone in the immediate area of a sensor to pair it.)

　　Standard driver assist features include automatic emergency braking and Teen Driver, which allows you to limit certain functions and features when a young driver is behind the wheel.

　　Upgrading to the Premium Luxury trim adds a blind-spot monitor, ambient lighting, leather seating surfaces and a wireless charging pad. More important, the Premium Luxury opens up access to an array of options unavailable on the Luxury trim. These include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, a head-up display and a premium audio system.

　　The Sport trim is similarly equipped to the Premium Luxury. Notable exceptions include larger wheels, high-performance Brembo brakes, a spoiler, magnesium paddle shifters, and the optional Platinum package, which adds just about every option available for the CT5.

　　The CT5-V includes the uprated V6 engine, an electronic limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers. Otherwise, its standard and optional features approximate those of the CT5 Sport.

　　

2020 CT5 Highlights

Type: SedanVSedan

　　Trim: LuxuryPremium LuxurySportVLuxury

　　

Base MSRP	$36,895
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$175/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles