2023 Cadillac CT5 vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since its 2019 hatchback debut and 2020 sedan release, aimed to shed Toyota's "boring" image with its bold exterior design. It featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it couldn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesive design of the Honda Civic. The Corolla offered different styling elements across its trim levels, with the SE and XSE models sporting an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade and Apex Editions added unique touches like blacked-out trim and bronze accents. Despite its attempts at sportiness, the Corolla's interior remained simple and functional, with standard cloth upholstery and optional SofTex leatherette.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out in the luxury sedan market, especially in Southern California, where it was a rare sight. The CT5-V test vehicle, in a unique light gray metallic color called Rift, attracted attention with its 19-inch aluminum wheels and well-proportioned design. Positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing, the CT5-V offered a sporty yet luxurious experience. Its interior combined high-quality materials with some cost-cutting elements, but it boasted features like ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The CT5-V's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of performance and luxury.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options, with the L, LE, and XLE models featuring a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE models, including the Apex Edition, were equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Apex Edition, with its sport exhaust system and model-specific suspension, provided a more engaging driving experience, though it lacked significant performance upgrades. The Corolla's front-wheel-drive setup and available manual transmission added to its appeal for driving enthusiasts, despite its limited power.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, on the other hand, packed a punch with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the CT5-V to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, although it felt less thrilling than expected. The 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with an electronic limited-slip differential, provided smooth power delivery, while the performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control suspension and Brembo brakes enhanced handling. The CT5-V offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. Despite some noise and refinement issues, the CT5-V delivered an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior offered decent roominess, though specific headroom and legroom measurements were unavailable. The low beltline improved outward visibility, but the steeply raked windshield compromised forward visibility. The Corolla's 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space lagged behind competitors, though it featured a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. The interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 provided a more spacious and comfortable interior, with standard 18-way power-adjustable front seats wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather. Genuine leather and heated and ventilated seats were optional. The CT5-V's rear seat offered good thigh support and knee clearance, though the plastic front seatback panels detracted from the overall quality. The CT5-V's trunk, at 11.9 cubic feet, was small and narrow, but it featured hidden storage and a 60/40 split back seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. While it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other connectivity features, the interface felt dated, and the lack of wireless connectivity options was a drawback. The Corolla's tech offerings were functional but lacked the innovation seen in newer models.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5, however, excelled in technology, with the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system offering a range of standard features. The 10-inch touchscreen and 12-inch digital instrumentation display prioritized simplicity, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose 15-speaker audio system, and wireless smartphone charging enhanced the user experience. The CT5-V's intuitive controls and optional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera added to its appeal, though the absence of embedded navigation in the test car was noted.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla earned top safety ratings, receiving the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available but not standard on all trims.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 featured the Cadillac Smart System, providing essential safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The CT5-V added advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, 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. Despite a few issues, Super Cruise was praised for its effectiveness in various driving scenarios.