2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. It boasted sleek lines and elegant proportions, with only minor critiques such as the chrome spear on the rear roof pillars. The standard 18-inch wheels complemented the car's design without appearing undersized. The Red Obsession Tintcoat paint was a costly option, but the overall aesthetic of the CT5 was sophisticated and modern. Inside, the CT5 offered a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, although some areas like the lower door panels could have been improved. The Premium Luxury trim, equipped with the V6 engine and Platinum Package, provided a premium experience with features like semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents, making it a compelling choice in the midsize luxury segment.

In contrast, the 2020 Dodge Charger maintained its iconic muscle car silhouette, with design elements that emphasized its aggressive and performance-oriented nature. The 2015 facelift introduced a thinner grille and more menacing headlights, aligning with Dodge's identity as a modern American performance brand. The Charger's interior combined retro themes with modern technology, featuring large bezels housing digital displays. The rear-wheel-drive platform contributed to a cockpit-like feel, with a raised transmission tunnel and tall center console. The Charger offered various trims, each with distinct visual and performance enhancements, from the base SXT to the high-performance Hellcat. The widebody variants added unique bodywork and wider tracks, enhancing the Charger's road presence and performance capabilities.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between an unrefined 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more desirable twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The latter, available on the Premium Luxury and standard on the CT5-V, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, and 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft in the CT5-V. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, featuring paddle shifters and Active Fuel Management for improved efficiency. The V6 transformed the CT5 into a powerful and exhilarating sedan, though the transmission's behavior in Sport mode occasionally detracted from the driving experience. The suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining a nearly flat cornering attitude. However, the all-season tires limited the car's performance potential.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 horsepower in the SXT and 300 horsepower in the GT. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping Hellcat Widebody came with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, delivering an impressive 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. All engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard. The Charger excelled in straight-line performance, with the Hellcat offering exhilarating acceleration. The widebody models featured Bilstein adaptive suspension, enhancing cornering precision and handling. The Performance Pages system provided detailed performance data and customization options, further enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS, thanks to a stretched wheelbase and enhanced cabin design. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim offered 18-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar massage, automatic heating and cooling, and premium semi-aniline leather. Rear passengers benefited from increased legroom and air conditioning vents, while interior storage was ample, with a smartphone tray, wireless charging, and a sizable center console. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, with a non-flat floor and enclosed hinges.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out for its spacious interior, offering ample legroom for rear passengers, even with the front seats slid back. The front bucket seats were well-bolstered, providing excellent head- and legroom for the driver and front passenger. The Charger featured practical storage solutions, including door trays, cup holders, and a large center console. The trunk offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing many performance sedans and large family sedans. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench further enhanced storage capacity, making the Charger a practical choice for those needing space and performance.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 featured an updated Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system, with a 10.0-inch high-definition touchscreen, stereo knobs, and piano-key controls. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Cadillac Connected Services, with optional navigation and a 15-speaker Bose sound system. The CT5 also offered a cloud-based voice-recognition system, a surround-view camera, and a rearview-camera mirror. However, the head-up display occasionally displayed incorrect speed-limit data.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8.4-inch screen. The Uconnect system was praised for its simplicity, offering Bluetooth, USB connectivity, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's logical menu layout allowed for easy navigation, with docked icons for quick access to functions. The digital display screen in the instrument panel provided additional information, including trip data and turn-by-turn navigation.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a range of advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The lane-keeping assistance was subtle, sometimes leading to uncertainty about its operation. The adaptive cruise control maintained a safe following distance and accelerated smoothly. The CT5 earned five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2020 Dodge Charger included standard safety features such as airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger's crash prevention technology earned a Superior rating from the IIHS, though many features were optional rather than standard.