2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its sleek design with no significant changes, continuing to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles. It was available in various models, including the affordable Mazda3 2.0 sedan, the popular Mazda3 2.5 S, and the sporty Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety, with five trim levels and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The 2.5 S Premium hatchback was the only model offering a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding the destination charge. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810, including the destination charge. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback shape, but it exuded a mature and serious aesthetic. Inside, the car featured refined materials and a sophisticated design, offering an upscale driving experience. The Mazda3 was an attractive option for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5, tested in Southern California, stood out among the Asian and German luxury cars dominating the region. The CT5-V test vehicle, in a unique light gray metallic color called Rift, rode on 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. The CT5-V was the sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan, positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing. Prices for the CT5-V started at $52,390, with the test car's MSRP reaching $59,405, including destination charges. Competing with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in size and power, the CT5-V offered a more affordable alternative. The interior quality, however, revealed a mix of high-quality materials and cheaper details. Despite this, the CT5-V came equipped with standard features like ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The CT5-V's design and technology made it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury sports sedan with American flair.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the base model, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly fast, it excelled in fuel economy, achieving 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, favored by most buyers, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ratings between 27 mpg and 30 mpg, depending on the trim and powertrain. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. The Turbo model achieved 26 mpg (hatchback) or 27 mpg (sedan) in combined driving. Despite its impressive performance, the Turbo model's real-world fuel economy fell short, averaging 23.1 mpg. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo offered a thrilling driving experience with its smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and outstanding balance. However, the brakes struggled on challenging roads, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It outperformed the base engines of its German rivals but fell short compared to the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. Cadillac claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds for the 3,974-pound CT5-V, though it felt slower in practice. The engine's Active Fuel Management system contributed to an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with real-world results at 19.5 mpg. The 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels through an electronic limited-slip differential, with paddle shifters available for manual control. The CT5-V offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing drivers to customize the car's performance characteristics. The Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes enhanced the CT5-V's handling and braking capabilities. While the CT5-V's exhaust note was appreciated by some, it contributed to a noisy cabin experience. Despite its lack of refinement, the CT5-V delivered an enjoyable driving experience with its balance, body control, and grip.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, with small door openings adding to the difficulty. Once inside, the front seats offered a snug yet comfortable fit, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats available in most versions. The interior featured user-friendly controls, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The back seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door panel bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier and more comfortable interior. The standard 18-way power-adjustable front performance seats were wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, with genuine leather and heated and ventilated front seats available as options. The test vehicle's seats initially felt flat, but adjustments provided good comfort and support. Entering and exiting the front seats was easy, while the rear seats posed more of a challenge due to the door frame design. The rear seat offered a slightly reclined backrest and excellent thigh support, though the plastic front seatback panels detracted from the overall quality. The CT5-V provided functional storage areas, including a wireless smartphone charging pad and a slot for securing devices. The trunk, however, was small and narrow, offering just 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with some hidden storage under the trunk floor.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch static display integrated into the dashboard. The system relied on a collection of primary controls on the center console, steering wheel controls, and a voice recognition system. Mazda's approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for music streaming and navigation. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app, with a complimentary three-year subscription. The car came with an eight-speaker audio system, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system available in higher trims. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 excelled in technology, with the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system offering numerous standard features. The 12-inch digital instrumentation and 10-inch touchscreen infotainment displays prioritized simplicity over flashy graphics. The CT5-V included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and OnStar and Cadillac Connected Access services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, Alexa Built-in, natural voice recognition, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system. The system's stereo volume and radio tuning controls were conveniently located on the center console and steering wheel. An embedded navigation system was optional, with a head-up display, surround-view camera, and Performance Data Recorder available as upgrades.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received top crash-test ratings, earning five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came equipped with the Cadillac Smart System, offering forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, rear-seat reminder, rear parking sensors, and Teen Driver monitoring technology. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, and front parking sensors. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like lane-centering and lane-change systems. Super Cruise impressed with its automated lane-change function, though drivers needed to remain attentive. The system demonstrated smooth and effective performance in various driving conditions.