2022 Toyota Camry vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in its TRD variant, stood out with its striking Cavalry Blue paint, a new addition exclusive to this model. This eye-catching color, along with the aerodynamic body kit and sporty design elements like matte-black 19-inch wheels and red accents, made the Camry TRD a head-turner, a rarity for this traditionally conservative model. Despite its bold exterior, the interior was less polarizing, featuring an unusual dashboard layout and a driver-oriented center console. However, some design choices, such as the red gauge illumination and red seatbelts, were considered tacky and reminiscent of outdated styles.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5, tested in Southern California, drew attention due to its rarity in a market dominated by Asian and German luxury cars. The CT5-V model, with its unique light gray metallic Rift paint and 19-inch aluminum wheels, exuded a refined elegance. Cadillac's attention to detail in the CT5's design, with its perfect proportions and tasteful trim elements, made it a standout in the luxury sedan segment. The interior, while offering a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details, provided a comfortable and upscale environment, though it lacked the refinement expected in some areas.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, offered a spirited driving experience. The Camry TRD's track-tuned dynamics, including enhanced torsional rigidity and a reworked suspension, contributed to its solid and planted feel on the road. Despite its sporty nature, the Camry TRD managed a respectable fuel economy, averaging 24.8 mpg in real-world testing, close to its EPA rating of 25 mpg.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, on the other hand, boasted a more powerful twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, enabled the CT5-V to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The CT5-V offered multiple driving modes, including a Track mode for enhanced performance, though it was noted that the car's exhaust note could be overly loud. Despite its impressive power, the CT5-V's fuel economy was less efficient, averaging 19.5 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a sporty interior with red accents and embroidered TRD logos, though the front seats lacked additional bolstering. The car's low-slung driving position and supportive seats provided comfort during spirited driving. However, the Camry TRD's rear seat was less accommodating, with no folding capability due to structural enhancements, and the trunk offered just 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Despite these limitations, the Camry provided ample in-cabin storage.

In comparison, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 offered a more spacious and comfortable interior, with standard 18-way power-adjustable front seats wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather. The CT5-V's rear seat provided good support and comfort, though entry and exit were somewhat challenging. The CT5's trunk, however, was smaller, offering only 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Cadillac compensated with additional storage solutions, including hidden compartments and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An optional 9-inch display with a JBL premium audio system was available, though the Camry lacked advanced navigation and voice recognition technology.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V excelled in technology, featuring the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrumentation display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose 15-speaker audio system, and a range of connectivity features. Cadillac's approach to technology was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, though the absence of embedded navigation in the test car limited voice recognition capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Camry was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Camry received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with the Cadillac Smart System, providing essential safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V added advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package offered hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, though it required driver attention and had some limitations during testing.