2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 Lexus ES

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 CT5's design was a significant improvement over previous CTS models, offering a more cohesive and proportionate look. The test car, with its standard 18-inch wheels, did not appear awkward, and the Red Obsession Tintcoat paint added a touch of extravagance. The CT5's interior, especially in the Premium Luxury trim with the Platinum Package, was a testament to Cadillac's commitment to luxury. It featured premium semi-aniline leather, carbon-fiber trim, and a host of comfort features, creating an exclusive and appealing cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus ES underwent a transformation from its earlier "boring" label to a more aggressive and modern design. The large spindle grille, introduced in 2016, was further enlarged for the 2020 model, complementing the car's larger proportions. The rear design was more subdued, with thin taillamps and a pronounced kink in the side windows. Inside, the ES offered a blend of modern technology and organic aesthetics, with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen integrated into the dash. The interior was second only to Mercedes-Benz in terms of execution, providing a luxurious and comfortable environment for occupants.

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 in the Premium Luxury and standard in the CT5-V, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, and 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque 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 during spirited driving. The CT5's suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining a nearly flat cornering attitude. The steering and braking systems were well-calibrated, contributing to a confident driving experience.

The 2020 Lexus ES was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination allowed the ES to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. While not a performance powerhouse, the ES provided confident acceleration and smooth power delivery. The ride was comfortable and refined, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension, enhancing the driving experience with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes. The ES's steering was light yet precise, making it a pleasant car for daily driving.

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 features like lumbar massage, automatic heating and cooling, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents for rear passengers. Interior storage was impressive, 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 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with generous head- and legroom in both rows. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES provided 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was competitive for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to transport larger items.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's infotainment system, known as Cadillac User Experience (CUE), was a significant improvement over previous iterations. It featured a 10.0-inch high-definition touchscreen with intuitive controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. The CT5 also offered a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and parking assist with automatic emergency braking. However, the speed-limit data in the HUD was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2020 Lexus ES utilized the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlled by a touch-sensitive pad in the center console. The system operated an 8-inch or optional 12.3-inch display, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. A head-up display was available, providing crisp graphics and customization options.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a sophisticated suite of safety technologies, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview-camera mirror. However, Super Cruise, Cadillac's hands-free driver-assist technology, was not available for the 2020 model. The CT5 received five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. The ES also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included a full array of airbags, traction control, and stability control.