2024 Cadillac CT5 V

　　

2024 Cadillac CT5 V 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.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 V 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 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

　　$214/mo  for CT5 V

　　CT5 V

　　V 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $51,495 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.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the CT5 V-Series drive? The CT5-V accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds in our testing. That's fine but not exceptional. Many rival sedans, such as the Mercedes E 450, are half a second quicker. Thankfully, the V-Series offers solid handling and steering. It didn't blow us away when driving on our test track at full whack, but in real-world driving, the lack of body roll gives you confidence to tackle corners with aplomb.

　　We like the smooth-shifting transmission, which always seems to be in the right gear. We're less impressed with the electronic parking brake, which takes too long to disengage and can lead to a jerky startup.

　　The biggest offender, however, is the abysmal brake pedal. It's super grabby when you first press on it, and it takes a long time to familiarize yourself with its action so you can brake smoothly. Shoppers taking the CT5-V for a test drive might avoid a purchase altogether.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the CT5 V-Series? The CT5-V's ride is firm but not punishing. The body gets a little jittery on patchy sections of the highway, but it rides comfortably over road surfaces that don't have excessive wear. Overall, the CT5-V is pretty comfortable. With side bolster and thigh adjustments, plus four-way lumbar, it's easy to dial in a pleasant seating position up front. The rear seats are also well sculpted.

　　The dual-zone climate control system works fine, but if the set temperature and ambient outside temperature are too close together, the vents only whisper air. The system will automatically activate the seat heating and cooling functions once you enter, which is pretty nifty if you want to be comfortable immediately.

　　Interior noise is abundant, which feels unlike Cadillac. The V6 snarls and cracks at full whack, but it's too noisy for puttering around town.

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