2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. It exuded a sleek and elegant aesthetic, with only minor quibbles such as the chrome spear on the rear roof pillars. The standard 18-inch wheels complemented the car's proportions well, and the Red Obsession Tintcoat paint, though costly, added a touch of luxury. The CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS, offering a spacious cabin with high-quality materials, though some plastics could have been better. The Premium Luxury trim, with its semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents, provided an exclusive and comfortable driving experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was available in both sedan and hatchback forms, with the hatchback boasting a unique and curvaceous design that stood out on the road. The sedan, while more traditional, still offered a premium look. The interior of the Mazda3 was minimalist and elegant, with a focus on simplicity and high-quality materials. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, providing a sporty driving position, while the rear seats, though a bit tight on legroom, were comfortable. The trunk space was modest, with the sedan offering 13.2 cubic feet and the hatchback 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between a less refined 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 was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and impressive acceleration. However, the transmission's behavior in Sport mode could be unpredictable, affecting the driving experience. The CT5's suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections well, while the steering and brakes offered a satisfying driving feel.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was powered by a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the immediate punch of a turbocharged engine, it provided a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3's handling was precise, with minimal body roll through corners, though the torsion beam rear suspension was a step down from the previous multi-link setup. The Mazda3 offered a six-speed manual transmission option for enthusiasts, but it was limited to specific configurations. Most models came with a six-speed automatic transmission, which was the choice for the test vehicle.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a highlight, with a spacious cabin thanks to its stretched wheelbase. The front seats offered 18-way power adjustment, including lumbar massage and automatic heating and cooling, providing exceptional comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was generous, with a smartphone tray, large center console, 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 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its compact dimensions, offered a comfortable and well-appointed interior. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with high-quality materials throughout. The rear seat was a bit tight on legroom, but the soft front seatbacks mitigated this issue. The trunk space was modest, with the sedan offering 13.2 cubic feet and the hatchback 20.1 cubic feet. The large transmission hump in the rear middle seat was a drawback for passengers.

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. 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 head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and parking assist with automatic emergency braking.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard, controlled via a rotary dial and dedicated buttons. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, with sharp graphics and a minimalist design. The head-up display projected onto the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a range of advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. 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, but the IIHS had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, receiving top scores in all crash tests. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Mazda3 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.