While the sedan market is not the hotbed of competition it used to be, it’s still among the most important sectors in the US car market. Cadillac has long been associated with luxurious and stylish sedan cars, and sedans are often what people think of first when you mention the brand Cadillac.
Two of their flagship sedans are the Cadillac CT4 and the CT5. Let’s take a closer look at how they compare.
Quick Summary
The Cadillac CT4 is a compact executive sedan, with dimensions typical of a sports sedan. But it’s the bigger and more practical mid-size Cadillac CT5 that is the more popular sedan in the US. Other than size, both cars are fairly evenly matched in terms of features, performance and level of luxury.
Pricing
The Cadillac CT4 starts at $33,695, with 3 available trim levels, namely the Luxury (from $34,890), Premium Luxury (from $39,780), and Sport (from $40,990).
The same 3 trims are available for the Cadillac CT5, which has a base MSRP of $37,295. The Luxury’s net price begins at $38,490, the Premium Luxury at $42,990, and the Sport at $44,190.
While not the subject of this comparison, it’s important to remember that there are also performance-tuned versions of the CT4 and CT5 sedans. These are the Cadillac CT4-V and Cadillac CT5-V sport sedans. And for true Cadillac Racing engineering, look no further than the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing models. Be warned though, the latter costs more than a Cadillac Escalade!
Exterior
The Cadillac CT4 and Cadillac CT5 share a number of exterior features, including the all-new Cadillac headlight and taillight signature, identical front-grille shape and design, as well as a clean, bold design defined by more square and boxy lines in the body, front and rear, but a sleeker curved rear roofline, especially on the CT5.
The Cadillac CT5 is several inches longer and wider, which gives the exterior a greater sense of grandeur and luxury. It also has a much larger and more prominently placed set of intakes on the front end. The CT5 also offers larger 18-inch wheels as standard, going up to 20 inches. By comparison, you get 17″ wheels as standard on the Cadillac CT4, ranging up to 19 inches.
Interior Styling
The interior on both models is comfortable, elegant, and well-designed. Material choices are premium in both, with leather and soft-touch materials abounding in both models.
But these Cadillac sedans lack some of the extra-luxurious flair that has become standard on many European models from the likes of Audi and BMW. That higher level of luxury is perhaps more in line with people’s expectations from an executive sedan in this price range.
Performance
The standard engine in both these Cadillacs is the 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder unit. In the Cadillac CT4, that’s paired with an 8-speed automatic as standard, or 10-speed on the Premium Luxury model when you upgrade to the 2.7L Dual Volute turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
The bigger Cadillac CT5 gets a 10-speed automatic across the entire range. Both the CT4 and CT5 are available in rear wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain configurations.
The Cadillac CT5 engine options include the same 2.0L unit, but instead of the 2.7 Volute engine, it gets the more powerful 3.0L twin turbo V6 engine as its upgrade option.
Comparing these three engines on offer, the base 2.0L 4-cylinder engine generates 235-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7L ups the horsepower to 309-hp, and the V6 to 325-hp.
On the road, the CT4 is generally the more pleasing option. The CT4 offers keen, responsive steering and quality suspension and damping that keep out road noise and do a decent job of keeping pothole vibrations out of the cabin.
The CT5 has less athletic handling, and fairly sluggish acceleration from 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds. Rivals like the BMW 3 Series can complete it in 5.1 seconds, which is a significant gap for cars in the same category.
Overall, those who care a lot about how the car performs on different road types and at a variety of speeds will find a better connection with the CT4.
Looking beyond just these two Cadillac models, both are more fun in the driver’s seat than their SUV counterparts, the XT4 and XT5.
Fuel Economy
Neither model is especially fuel-efficient compared to some European or Japanese models, but the numbers for both models aren’t all that bad.
The Cadillac CT4 can get as high as 23-mpg in the city, and 33-mpg on the highway, with a combined mpg rating of 27. The CT5’s best numbers are the same.
It should be noted however that if one opts for the V6 engine on the CT5, those numbers will drop to 19-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway.
Practicality
As you might expect from a sedan car, neither is very generous when it comes to cargo space, either. The CT4 offers 10.7 cubic feet in the trunk, and the CT5 just a little more at 11.9 cubic feet despite the additional length and width.
A point of contention among sedan owners is to do with leg room, especially for adults forced to sit in the back of the car. The Cadillac CT4 only offers 33.4 inches, whereas the CT5 offers 37.9 inches. Those who will need to be transporting adult passengers will have a happier car full of people in the Cadillac CT5.
Technology & Features
As we mentioned earlier, most materials in both the CT4 and CT5 are of a high order of quality with leather and soft-touch abounding, but it’s unfortunate that some cheap plastic has made its way into these Cadillac sedans.
Buyers by and large expect more from this brand. If you upgrade to the higher trim levels on either car, however, you do see some improvement.
As for features, the lack of space in the Cadillac CT4 is compensated with standard 12-way power adjustable seats in the front front, as well as dual-zone climate controls.
You can augment that seating with leather upholstery, memory functions, and ambient lighting when you upgrade to the higher trim levels.
The infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen with the latest Cadillac User Experience (CUE) software, and there’s an optional 14-speaker Bose sound system. It took until 2021 for Cadillac to offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard across their range, but at least it’s there now.
The CT5 gets all that but with a larger 10-inch infotainment screen. Interestingly, both models are eligible for GM’s Super Cruise technology that delivers hands-free ADAS technology on certain roads.
Safety
Both models have received top scores in safety tests, the Cadillac CT4 scoring Good “G” in from the IIHS and the Cadillac CT5 getting 5 stars from the NHTSA.
Besides Super Cruise, other assistance and safety features include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, parking assistance, forward collision alert and more. These are all part of the overall Cadillac Smart System.
Verdict
Both the Cadillac CT4 and Cadillac CT5 have a lot to offer drivers, but it seems that the CT4 offers more of a fun driver-centric on-road experience. This is not at all uncommon in the sedan market, since it is usually the compact sedans that become associated with sportiness (think BMW 3 series/BMW M3, Lexus IS and Honda Civic).
On the other hand, the CT5 is more spacious and comfortable, and perhaps more suited to the level-headed daily driving about town and the suburbs: the morning commute, the school run, errands, and so on.
The main negative point on both is the overall quality of materials as standard. For a brand like Cadillac, one shouldn’t have to be adding so many packages and trim upgrades to get a guarantee of premium and quality materials throughout. Having said that, the unifying positive points are handsome exterior design, and a good range of features to choose from.
Comparison Table
| 2022 Cadillac CT4 | 2022 Cadillac CT5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | ||
| Price | $33695 | $37295 |
| Performance | ||
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
| Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5000 rpm | 235 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Handling | ||
| Steering Type | Electric Rack & Pinion | Electric Rack & Pinion |
| Rear Suspension | Five-Link | Five-Link |
| Rear Wheel Size | P225/45R17 | 245/45R18 |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Front Wheel Size | P225/45R17 | 245/45R18 |
| Turning Diameter (ft.) | 37.1 | 39.0 |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG/MPGe - Hwy | 34 | 33 |
| MPG/MPGe - City | 23 | 23 |
| MPG/MPGe - Combined | 27 | 27 |
| Gas Tank Size (gallons) | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Cruising Range - Hwy (miles) | 578.0 | 561.0 |
| Size and Weight | ||
| Height (in.) | 56.0 | 57.2 |
| Length (in.) | 187.2 | 193.8 |
| Weight (lbs) | 3422 | 3659 |
| Max Width (in.) | 71.4 | 74.1 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 109.3 | 116.0 |
| Interior Dimensions | ||
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk Volume (cu. ft.) | 10.7 | 11.9 |
| Front Seat Leg Room (in.) | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Front Seat Head Room (in.) | 38.3 | 39.0 |
| Front Seat Hip Room (in.) | 53.0 | 53.7 |
| Front Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 55.2 | 56.7 |
| Rear Seat Leg room (in.) | 33.4 | 37.9 |
| Rear Seat Head Room (in.) | 36.5 | 36.6 |
| Rear Seat Hip Room (in.) | 52.5 | 53.7 |
| Rear Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 53.9 | 55.7 |
| Infotainment Features | ||
| HD Radio | Standard | Standard |
| MP3 Player | Not Available | Standard |
| WiFi Hotspot | Standard | Standard |
| Satellite Radio | Standard | Standard |
| Bluetooth Connection | Standard | Standard |
| Entertainment System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Premium Sound System | Optional | Standard |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | Standard | Standard |
| Smart Device Integration | Standard | Standard |
| Hard Disk Drive Media Storage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Interior Trim | ||
| Cloth Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Vinyl Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Leather Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Premium Synthetic Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Bucket Seats | Not Available | Not Available |
| Sun/Moonroof | Optional | Optional |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
| Woodgrain Interior Trim | Not Available | Not Available |
| Comfort Features | ||
| A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Rear A/C | Not Available | Not Available |
| Telematics | Standard | Standard |
| Seat Memory | Not Available | Not Available |
| Seat-Massage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| Keyless Start | Standard | Standard |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Multi-Zone A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Power Liftgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
| Head-Up Display | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Mirror(s) | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Parking | Not Available | Not Available |
| Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
| Power Driver Seat | Not Available | Not Available |
| Cooled Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Hands-Free Liftgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Remote Engine Start | Standard | Standard |
| Cooled Front Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Front Seat(s) | Optional | Optional |
| Power Passenger Seat | Not Available | Not Available |
| Remote Trunk Release | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Navigation from Telematics | Not Available | Not Available |
| Universal Garage Door Opener | Not Available | Standard |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Standard | Not Available |
| Safety Features | ||
| ABS | Standard | Standard |
| Brake Assist | Not Available | Not Available |
| Night Vision | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Parking Aid | Standard | Standard |
| Traction Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Stability Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Cross-Traffic Alert | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Airbags | ||
| Knee Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Driver Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Seatbelt Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Passenger Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Side Air Bag | Not Available | Standard |
| Front Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Front Side Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Warranty | ||
| Basic | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles |
| Maintenance | 1 Year/1 Visit | 1 Year/1 Visit |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles |