2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2021 Lexus IS

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 extravagance. The CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS, offering a spacious cabin with high-quality materials, though some areas still needed refinement. The Premium Luxury trim, with its semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents, provided a luxurious and comfortable driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and dynamic stance. Its design captured a sense of motion, even when stationary, and exuded elegance with its well-measured front axle-to-dashboard distance. The fast roofline and distinctive window design added to its sporty appearance. The interior of the IS was tastefully simple, with a modern aesthetic and high build quality. The center stack's retro hi-fi feel was a unique touch, though the analog clock felt outdated. Overall, the IS offered a driver-focused environment with comfortable seating and a well-thought-out layout.

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 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 transformed the CT5 into a thrilling performer, though the 10-speed automatic transmission's behavior in Sport mode was sometimes unpredictable. The CT5's suspension provided a comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections well, but its all-season tires limited its performance potential.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the IS 300 RWD. The IS 300 AWD featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft, while the IS 350 models boasted 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. The IS 350 RWD, with its balanced weight distribution and precise handling, provided an engaging driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 25 mpg combined, while the IS 350 RWD managed 23 mpg combined.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a highlight, offering true midsize spaciousness with its stretched wheelbase. The Premium Luxury Platinum's front seats provided exceptional comfort with 18-way power adjustment, lumbar massage, and automatic climate control features. 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 2021 Lexus IS focused on driver-centric design, with a comfortable and supportive seating position. The F Sport trim's bolstered seats, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage options were plentiful, with an open cubby, cupholders, and spacious door pockets. The rear seat was comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare tire.

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 offered optional upgrades like a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose sound system. The CT5 also included a surround-view camera system, rearview-camera mirror, and parking assist with automatic emergency braking. A head-up display was available, though its speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Lexus Enform services offered various connected features, including a three-year trial of Safety Connect and a 10-year complimentary subscription to Service Connect. The IS also offered a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system, providing an exceptional listening experience. However, the subscription model for some features, like navigation, could be a drawback for some buyers.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 came equipped with advanced safety features, though some were only available on higher trims. The lane-keeping assistance was subtle, and the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth operation. The CT5 earned five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2021 Lexus IS included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, featuring a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera. The IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but expectations were high based on its platform.