2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 Subaru WRX

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 was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS, offering a spacious cabin with high-quality materials, particularly in the Premium Luxury Platinum trim. The semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents created an exclusive atmosphere, although some plastic elements could have been improved.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX maintained its aggressive styling, with a wider stance, lower front splitter, and functional air intake, making it the most assertively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty appearance, the WRX's cabin was straightforward and practical, with excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout. The interior offered ample space for front passengers and adequate room for rear-seat occupants, although it might not be ideal for long journeys. The WRX's design prioritized function, with easy-to-use controls and sufficient storage compartments, making it a practical choice for those who value performance without sacrificing everyday usability.

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 in the Premium Luxury and standard in the CT5-V, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, while the CT5-V boasted 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, featuring paddle shifters and Active Fuel Management for improved efficiency. The V6 provided exhilarating acceleration and a satisfying engine note, although 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, but the all-season tires limited its performance potential.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered to all four wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT with paddle shifters. The manual transmission offered precise feedback and a smooth clutch, enhancing the driving experience. The WRX excelled in handling, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant took performance further with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, generating 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for sharper cornering. However, the WRX's ride could be harsh on rough roads, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a standout feature, thanks to its spaciousness and comfort. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim offered 18-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar massage, automatic heating and cooling, and a heated steering wheel. The semi-aniline leather upholstery and cabin air ionization added to the luxury feel. Rear-seat passengers benefited from ample legroom and air conditioning vents, while interior storage was generous, with a smartphone tray, wireless charging, and a sizable center console. However, the CT5's trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, with a non-flat floor and enclosed hinges.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility, with a large windshield and well-designed sightlines. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. Front-row seating offered plenty of head- and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on shorter trips. The WRX's cargo space measured 12 cubic feet, comparable to other performance-oriented vehicles, though not particularly spacious for a compact sedan.

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 a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, 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 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch screen. The Starlink system was user-friendly, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations. While not as advanced as some newer Subaru models, the WRX's infotainment system offered essential features without overwhelming users.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a range of safety features, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert driver's seat. However, the lane-keeping assistance was subtle, and Super Cruise 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 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.