2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta maintained its status as a steadfast performer in the automaker's lineup, even amidst a challenging sales environment. Despite Volkswagen's overall sales decline, the Jetta remained a stronghold, accounting for a significant portion of the company's U.S. sales. The 2022 model year brought subtle design updates, including a refreshed front fascia with more chrome accents and standard LED lighting. The Jetta's exterior changes were understated, requiring a keen eye to notice, yet they contributed to a slightly more aggressive profile. Inside, the Jetta received modest but appealing updates, such as a new rhombus pattern on the cloth seats and contrast stitching across all upholstery types. The introduction of the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster added a modern touch to the interior, enhancing the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out in the luxury sedan market, particularly in Southern California, where it turned heads with its unique styling. The CT5-V test vehicle, finished in a distinctive light gray metallic color called Rift, featured 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish, setting it apart from the crowd. The CT5-V, positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing, offered a sporty yet refined appearance. Inside, the CT5-V combined high-quality materials with some less impressive details, creating a mixed impression. The cabin featured standard ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the CT5-V's interior quality had room for improvement, its overall design and technology offerings made it a compelling choice in the luxury sedan segment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the Volkswagen Taos SUV, replaced the previous 1.4-liter turbo-four, providing a slight increase in horsepower. The Jetta offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic. While the Jetta's powertrain provided adequate performance for city commuting, its standout feature was its impressive fuel economy. The manual transmission achieved an estimated 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined, while the automatic transmission offered slightly different ratings depending on the trim level. During a long road trip, the Jetta demonstrated exceptional fuel efficiency, averaging 46.9 mpg on the highway. However, the Jetta's powertrain exhibited some quirks, including a touchy throttle and turbo lag, which affected its overall driving dynamics.

In comparison, the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V boasted a more powerful twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed the base engines of its German rivals but fell short of the performance offered by models like the BMW M340i. The CT5-V accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, although it felt slower than its numbers suggested. The car featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, which, while generally reliable, occasionally required manual intervention for optimal performance. The CT5-V offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing drivers to tailor the car's characteristics to their preferences. The CT5-V's performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes contributed to its dynamic capabilities, but the car's overall refinement was hindered by road noise and suspension noise on imperfect surfaces.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth passenger if needed. The seats were comfortable, although the front seat cushions had a slight incline that might not suit shorter individuals. The Jetta's cabin was designed with driver-centric ergonomics, featuring easily accessible controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder, although the center storage bin lacked a latch. Overall, the Jetta's interior offered practicality and comfort for everyday use.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a more spacious and comfortable interior. The standard 18-way power-adjustable front seats, wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, provided good comfort and support, especially when adjusted to individual preferences. However, the rear seats were less accessible due to the door frame design and seating position. Once seated, rear passengers enjoyed a slightly reclined backrest and decent knee clearance. The CT5-V's interior featured functional storage areas, including a wireless smartphone charging pad and a slot for securing devices during spirited driving. The trunk, while small at 11.9 cubic feet, offered hidden storage and a deep well for additional items. Despite its limited cargo space, the CT5-V's interior design and features contributed to a comfortable and functional driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the introduction of the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Jetta SEL featured the Digital Cockpit Pro version, offering a 10.25-inch display with customizable views and widgets for navigation, phone history, and driver-assist systems. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the Jetta SEL equipped with the 8-inch MIB3 system, which included navigation, wireless App-Connect, and enhanced voice recognition. While the touchscreen was responsive, the voice activation system required specific prompts and occasionally struggled with accuracy. The Jetta's technology package also included premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 excelled in technology, offering a user-friendly Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system. The CT5-V featured a 10-inch touchscreen display with standard features like Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system also included a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging. Cadillac's approach to controls, with stereo volume and radio tuning on the center console, was intuitive and convenient. While the test car lacked an embedded navigation system, Apple CarPlay integration provided seamless access to navigation and other smartphone functions. The CT5-V also offered optional upgrades, such as a head-up display and a high-definition surround-view camera, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with the IQ.Drive suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian recognition. The Jetta SE and SEL trims offered additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and Emergency Assist. While the 2022 Jetta had not yet received crash safety ratings, the previous model year received high marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, with some areas for improvement in headlight performance and LATCH use.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 featured the Cadillac Smart System, which included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V added advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like automated lane changes and a driver monitoring camera. While Super Cruise impressed with its capabilities, it required driver attention and occasional manual intervention. Overall, the CT5-V's safety technology offered a comprehensive suite of features for enhanced driving confidence.