2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. It boasted sleek and elegant lines, with only minor quibbles such as the chrome spear on the rear roof pillars. The standard 18-inch wheels fit well with the car's proportions, and the Red Obsession Tintcoat paint, though costly, added a touch of extravagance. The CT5's interior, especially in the Premium Luxury trim, offered a plush experience with premium semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents, though some lower-quality plastics were present. Overall, the CT5 provided a luxurious feel at a competitive price point.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, on the other hand, was a revelation in design for a mainstream family car. Its long, elegant fastback profile and tailored body drew admiration from onlookers. The Sonata's design was a testament to Hyundai's evolution, with influences from design chief Peter Schreyer and ex-Bentley chief Luc Donckerwolfe. The Sonata Hybrid featured unique elements like the coolest LED running lights, a black ducktail spoiler, and optional solar roof panels. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid's interior was well-crafted, with luxury-grade materials and features like big screens, ambient lighting, and contrasting soft leatherette. It was a testament to Hyundai's commitment to quality and design.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between an unrefined 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more powerful twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The latter, available on the Premium Luxury and standard on the CT5-V, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, and 360 hp and 405 lb-ft in the CT5-V. The V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided exhilarating acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, the transmission's behavior in Sport mode was less enjoyable, occasionally causing unexpected shifts. The CT5's suspension was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for real-world driving conditions, though it was less engaging at its limits.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, producing a combined 192 hp. The Sonata Hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission offered a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. While the gearbox occasionally hesitated, the Sonata Hybrid's silent interior, plush ride, and competent chassis overshadowed these minor issues. The Blue trim level boasted impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. The Sonata Hybrid's powertrain allowed for smooth transitions between electric and gasoline power, providing a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS. With a stretched wheelbase, the CT5 offered true midsize spaciousness, featuring 18-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar massage and automatic heating and cooling. The rear seat provided ample legroom and comfort, while interior storage was impressive with a smartphone tray, large glove compartment, and door-panel bins. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, with a non-flat floor and enclosed hinges.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim featured solar panels that could generate extra driving range and run the air conditioning when parked. The rear seat offered generous legroom, with amenities like vents, manual side-window shades, and heated seats. Cargo space was ample at 16 cubic feet, with a convenient trunk release hidden in the "H" logo. The Sonata Hybrid's interior boasted a push-button gear selector, dual-zone climate control, and a high-res digital dash on the Limited trim. The overall design and functionality of the Sonata Hybrid's interior were impressive, offering a premium feel.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's infotainment system, known as Cadillac User Experience (CUE), featured a 10.0-inch high-definition touchscreen with stereo knobs and piano-key controls. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and optional upgrades like a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose sound system. The CT5 also offered a high-definition surround-view camera system, a rearview-camera mirror, and a head-up display, though the speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim was a standout feature, with a soothing color scheme and attractive typefaces. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Hyundai Blue Link, and a digital key for remote operation. The Sonata Hybrid also featured live camera feeds of blind spots, a hands-free trunk release, and a voice recognition system that adjusted climate settings for better voice processing. The Highway Driving Assist provided semi-automated driving, and the head-up display offered detailed information. The Sonata Hybrid's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a sophisticated safety technology suite, though it required an upgrade beyond the Luxury trim. The lane-keeping assistance was subtle, and the adaptive cruise control system provided smooth operation. The CT5 earned five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars in a frontal crash test. The regular Sonata was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The Sonata Hybrid came standard with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other safety features. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist. The Sonata Hybrid's safety package was comprehensive and well-regarded.