2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2021 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 while the Red Obsession Tintcoat paint was a costly option, it added a touch of luxury. The CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials, although some areas still needed refinement.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to shed its previous image of being a generic sedan by incorporating bold styling elements. The design featured flared wheel arches and sleek headlights and taillights, which gave the car a wider appearance. However, certain trims like the SE, XSE, and TRD were criticized for excessive fake vents, adding unnecessary visual clutter. The interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of materials and trims that lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite this, the Camry offered a comfortable and supportive seating arrangement with excellent outward visibility.

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 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 engine transformed the CT5 into a powerful and exhilarating drive, although 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 the all-season tires limited its performance potential.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 206 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in the XSE trim. A naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 301 hp and 267 lb-ft was also available, along with a hybrid option. The Camry's Dynamic Force engine was lively and responsive, providing a surprisingly engaging driving experience. The chassis struck a balance between handling and ride quality, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. The Camry's AWD system, derived from the RAV4, added versatility without compromising interior space.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 boasted a spacious interior, thanks to its stretched wheelbase, offering ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim featured 18-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar massage, automatic heating and cooling, and premium leather upholstery. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console, glove compartment, 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 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, although front space was slightly compromised. The seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was average at 15.1 cubic feet, and in-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. The Camry featured analog controls for essential functions, enhancing ease of use, although some controls were a long reach from the driver's seat.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 featured an updated Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with a 10.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose audio system. The CT5 also offered a high-definition surround-view camera, a rearview-camera mirror, and a head-up display, although the speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, WiFi, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features. A 10-inch head-up display was available on select trims, and the Camry included multiple USB ports and a 12-volt outlet.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, although many were only available on higher trims. The lane-keeping assistance was subtle, and the adaptive cruise control functioned smoothly. 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 Toyota Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The standard TSS 2.5+ package included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, among other features. The Camry also introduced a Rear Seat Reminder and offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as options.