2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 Toyota Camry

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 optional Red Obsession Tintcoat paint added a touch of extravagance. The CT5's interior, especially in the Premium Luxury trim with the Platinum Package, offered a luxurious experience with premium semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents, though some lower-quality plastics were present.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Camry marked a return to form with a focus on quality and appeal. Its styling was more expressive than previous models, with bold lines and a sporty demeanor reminiscent of BMW's design cues. The interior featured high-quality materials and a driver-focused dashboard, making even the base trims feel upscale. The TRD model added sporty red accents, while higher trims offered leather and wood finishes akin to entry-level Lexus models. Despite not being a luxury car, the Camry's design and materials elevated its status among mainstream sedans.

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 hp and 405 lb-ft in the CT5-V. The V6 transformed the CT5 into a powerful sedan, though the 10-speed automatic transmission's behavior in Sport mode could be unpredictable. The CT5's suspension was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for real-world driving conditions, but less engaging at its limits.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered three powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and an AWD option. The V6 produced 301 horsepower and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. The four-cylinder engine, with 203 hp, was lighter and offered a more engaging drive, especially in the sporty XSE trim. The TRD model featured a stiffer suspension and enhanced brakes, appealing to those seeking a sportier ride. The Camry's AWD system improved traction without significantly impacting fuel economy, with the front-drive V6 achieving 26 mpg combined.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS, thanks to a stretched wheelbase and enhanced cabin space. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim offered 18-way adjustable front seats with lumbar massage, automatic heating and cooling, and premium leather upholstery. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and comfort, while interior storage was generous, with features like wireless charging and a large center console. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, with a non-flat floor and enclosed hinges.

The 2020 Toyota Camry provided a user-friendly interior with intuitive controls and increased front legroom and hip room. The rear seat, however, offered less legroom compared to competitors, and the trunk space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet. Despite these constraints, the addition of AWD did not compromise interior space. The Camry's center console featured practical storage solutions, including cupholders, a cell phone tray, and a storage bin, making it a convenient choice for everyday use.

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 supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, with optional upgrades like a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose sound system. The CT5 also offered advanced safety technologies, including a surround-view camera system and a rearview-camera mirror, though the head-up display's speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2020 Toyota Camry introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio. The standard infotainment system, while functional, felt dated compared to competitors. The Camry offered a 7-inch touchscreen with an optional 8-inch upgrade, and higher trims featured a 10-inch head-up display. A three-month trial of WiFi Connect and a one-year trial of Remote Connect were available, enhancing the Camry's connectivity and convenience features.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert driver's seat. The CT5 earned five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not rated it at the time of review. Super Cruise, Cadillac's hands-free driver-assist technology, was not available for the 2020 model but was planned for 2021.

The 2020 Toyota Camry came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which included emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and a Bird's Eye View camera system. The Camry received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. A recall for leaking engine coolant affected some models with the 2.5-liter engine.