2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. It boasted sleek and elegant lines, with only minor quibbles such as the chrome spear on the rear roof pillars. The standard 18-inch wheels fit well with the car's proportions, 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 true midsize spaciousness and high-quality materials, especially in the Premium Luxury Platinum trim. The cabin featured premium semi-aniline leather, carbon-fiber trim, and a range of comfort features, making it a luxurious and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. It offered a range of vibrant paint colors and optional two-tone schemes, enhancing its visual appeal. The Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch, and the Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys. The Sentra's second row was spacious for its class, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between a 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 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 ideal for real-world driving conditions, while the steering and brakes offered excellent feedback.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, the Sentra delivered adequate performance for daily commuting and city driving. Its lightweight design contributed to its agility, and the suspension setup provided tidy road manners. The Sentra's fuel economy was impressive, with ratings of 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models. While not a powerhouse, the Sentra's performance was well-suited to its intended purpose, offering a balance of efficiency and practicality.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a highlight, with a spacious cabin and comfortable seating. The front seats offered 18-way power adjustment, lumbar massage, and automatic heating and cooling. The rear seat provided ample legroom, and interior storage was generous, with a smartphone tray, large glove compartment, and door-panel bins. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with a user-friendly layout and traditional controls. It featured ample storage options, including a large glove compartment and door pockets. The Zero Gravity front seats were comfortable for long drives, and the available Premium Package added power-adjustable seats and a moonroof. The Sentra's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's infotainment system, known as Cadillac User Experience (CUE), featured a 10.0-inch high-definition touchscreen with intuitive controls and crisp graphics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and optional upgrades like a Bose sound system and navigation. The CT5 also offered advanced safety technologies, including a surround-view camera and parking assist.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgraded to 8 inches on higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The NissanConnect system offered a WiFi hotspot and remote access to vehicle functions. While navigation was only available via subscription, the Sentra's tech features were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a range of advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview-camera mirror. It received five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA. However, Super Cruise was not available for the 2020 model.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for families.