2023 Cadillac CT5

　　

2023 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.

　　In the frenzy of automakers twisting the SUV into ever more shapes and sizes, the humble four-door sedan continues its slow fade into obscurity. At least among American brands, that is. Today you can count domestic sedans on one hand, and two of them belong to Cadillac. The 2023 Cadillac CT5 is one, a midsize luxury sedan that will not go gently.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) (Most Popular) - $38,195 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $42,695 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $43,895 MSRPV 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $50,995 MSRPV Blackwing 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) - $91,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　Although overmatched by benchmarks like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, the CT5 offers a premium American alternative to European sedans. The CT5 comes with a choice of two punchy engines, finely tuned handling and Super Cruise, one of today's most advanced semi-automated driving systems. With its ability to stay centered, manage curves and maintain gaps in traffic while the driver can remain (mostly) hands-off, Super Cruise is freakishly intuitive and effective. If you often commute in heavy traffic, this alone could be a deal-maker.

　　But overall, the CT5 can't match the refinement or build quality of its rivals. The ride is rougher, the interior materials aren't as nice, and the cabin and trunk space comes up short. The CT5 costs significantly less than some worthy alternatives, including the Genesis G80, but in this case, you get what you pay for. Read our Expert Rating below to see if the CT5 makes a good fit for your lifestyle.

　　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 in 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.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below