2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. Its sleek and elegant lines were mostly flawless, with the exception of a chrome spear on the rear roof pillars that some felt visually shortened the car. Despite sticking with standard 18-inch wheels, the CT5 maintained a balanced and appealing stance. The Red Obsession Tintcoat paint, though costly, added a touch of extravagance. Inside, the CT5 offered a luxurious experience, especially in the Premium Luxury trim with the Platinum Package, featuring premium semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents. While the quality was superior to the smaller CT4, there was room for improvement in the use of plastics.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, was celebrated for its dramatic and sophisticated design, earning the World Car Design of the Year award for 2020. The sedan version, while more conservative than the hatchback, still offered a visually engaging experience. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, came with all-wheel drive and a choice of standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, lined with Nappa leather and featuring heated front seats, exuded a premium feel. However, it lacked some luxury features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. Despite these omissions, the Mazda3's interior design and attention to detail were commendable, with a focus on the driver and a high-quality feel throughout.

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 as an option on the Premium Luxury trim and standard on the CT5-V, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the Premium Luxury, and 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque in the CT5-V. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided exhilarating acceleration and a satisfying engine note, though the transmission's behavior in Sport mode could be unpredictable. The CT5's suspension was tuned for comfort, making it well-suited for real-world driving conditions, though it lacked the engagement expected at higher performance levels.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet with 87-octane. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system. The powertrain was specifically tuned for the Mazda3, offering smooth and predictable performance. Sport mode enhanced the driving experience by optimizing transmission shifts and G-Vectoring Control Plus for improved cornering. The Mazda3 Turbo's suspension and steering were finely calibrated for driving pleasure, and despite the absence of summer tires, the car delivered an engaging and trustworthy driving experience. Fuel economy during testing was 20.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior benefited from a stretched wheelbase, offering true midsize spaciousness. The Premium Luxury Platinum's front seats provided 18-way power adjustment, lumbar massage, and automatic climate features, ensuring comfort. Rear-seat 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 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather, offered a luxury feel, though it lacked some premium features. The driver's seat had eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat did not. Rear-seat accommodations were cramped, with no air conditioning vents or USB ports. In-cabin storage was adequate, but the optional wireless smartphone charging location reduced center console capacity. The sedan's trunk measured 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded.

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. Optional upgrades included navigation and a 15-speaker Bose sound system. The system's voice recognition was effective, though the climate system was not voice-controlled. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera, rearview-camera mirror, parking assist, and a head-up display, though the latter's speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. A WiFi hotspot and MyMazda app offered additional connectivity. However, the non-touchscreen display and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, which performed well with high-quality audio files. The Active Driving Display provided useful information, including speed and safety technology status.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a sophisticated safety technology suite, though it required upgrading beyond the Luxury trim. The lane-keeping assistance was subtle, sometimes leading to uncertainty about its operation. Adaptive cruise control worked smoothly, maintaining safe distances and accelerating promptly. Super Cruise was not available for the 2020 model but was planned for 2021. The CT5 received five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not rated it.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. Premium Plus trim added features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it for 2021.