2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. It boasted sleek and elegant lines, with only minor critiques 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 luxury. The CT5's interior, especially in the Premium Luxury trim, offered high-quality materials like semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents, creating an exclusive and comfortable cabin environment. Despite some areas needing improvement, the CT5's cabin provided a luxurious feel at a competitive price.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. It featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. However, certain design elements, like the hood shut line and over-styled rear bumper, were less favorable. The Corolla's interior, especially in the XSE trim, offered upgrades like SofTex leatherette seats and an eight-way power driver's seat, providing comfort and ease of access. While the rear seat had some limitations in headroom and legroom, the overall design was clean and functional, with a trunk offering 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

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 in the Premium Luxury and standard in the CT5-V, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, and 360 hp and 405 lb-ft 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 sometimes detracted from the driving experience, especially during spirited driving. The CT5's suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections well, but the all-season tires limited its performance potential.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE featured a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, with its mechanical first gear, offered a smooth driving experience, while the optional six-speed manual gearbox added a sporty touch. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering and a well-tuned suspension. While not a sport sedan, the Corolla XSE provided predictable handling and enough power for an engaging drive. The EPA rated the Corolla XSE at 34 mpg combined, with real-world results slightly lower at 31.1 mpg.

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 heating and cooling, ensuring comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was impressive, with a smartphone tray, large 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 Corolla XSE offered SofTex leatherette seats with fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and eight-way power driver's seat adjustment. The rear seats provided good support but had limited headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents. The Corolla's trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with no handle on the inside of the trunk lid.

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 sound system. The CT5 also offered a surround-view camera system, rearview-camera mirror, and parking assist with automatic emergency braking. However, the head-up display's speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The XSE trim added Service Connect and Remote Connect, with features like remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons, and the dynamic voice recognition was effective. The optional JBL sound system offered depth but lacked clarity.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered advanced 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. However, Super Cruise was not available for the 2020 model.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The 2020 Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.