2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 Nissan Versa

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 a design that was largely free of flaws, save for a debatable 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, especially in the Premium Luxury trim with the Platinum Package, offered a high level of sophistication with premium semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents, though some lower-quality plastics were present.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Versa adopted a more refined and handsome design, shedding the oversized features of its predecessor. It drew inspiration from its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima, without directly copying their design elements. Inside, the Versa's cabin was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme and unique seat designs. The SV trim, which was recommended by CarGurus, offered a good balance of features and price, with upgraded cloth fabric and an improved infotainment system. However, the Versa's interior did have some harsh plastics, and the manual seat-height adjustment felt cheap.

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 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 could be unpredictable, affecting the driving experience. The CT5's suspension was tuned for comfort, making it well-suited for real-world driving conditions, though it was less engaging at its limits.

The 2020 Nissan Versa featured a revised 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT, offered improved acceleration compared to its predecessor. The CVT, particularly in the SV trim, managed power well and included a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. While the Versa's engine was noisy under hard acceleration, it provided adequate performance for an economy car. The steering was responsive, and the car handled well, though body lean was noticeable at higher speeds. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT-equipped Versa achieving 32/40/35 mpg.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a significant improvement over the old CTS, offering true midsize spaciousness. The Premium Luxury Platinum's front seats provided 18-way power adjustment, lumbar massage, and automatic heating and cooling, ensuring all-day comfort. The rear seat, thanks to a stretched wheelbase, offered ample legroom and comfort for adults. 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 Nissan Versa retained its predecessor's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of space, one of the largest in its class. However, it lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less accommodating for adults. The front seats, on the other hand, provided ample legroom, even for taller drivers. While the hatchback body style was not available for 2020, it could return in the future.

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 Near Field Communication for smartphone pairing. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose sound system. The CT5 also offered a high-definition surround-view camera, a rearview-camera mirror, and a head-up display, though the speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2020 Nissan Versa came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Siri Eyes Free. The SV trim featured the upgraded NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV also had an upgraded instrument panel with a digital screen, offering various displays and functions. This system provided a user-friendly experience, integrating technology seamlessly into the driving experience.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a range of advanced safety features, though they were not available on the base Luxury trim. The test car's lane-keeping assistance was subtle, sometimes making it difficult to determine if it was active. The adaptive cruise control system worked smoothly, maintaining a safe following distance. 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 Nissan Versa included standard driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. While these features were commendable, they could increase repair costs in the event of an accident. The Versa also came with a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.