2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

In Southern California, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out amidst a sea of Asian and German luxury cars. Its rarity on the roads of Los Angeles drew attention, with many passersby giving it a second glance. The test vehicle was adorned in a unique light gray metallic color called Rift, which, combined with its 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish, made it a visual standout. The CT5-V, a sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan, was priced starting at $52,390, with our test model reaching $59,405 due to additional packages. Despite its competitive pricing against German rivals, the interior quality revealed why it was more affordable, with a mix of high-quality materials and less impressive details. However, the CT5-V offered standard features like ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, making its technology user-friendly and approachable.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback styles, showcased a bold design with rakish headlights and a large grille. The hatchback, in particular, was noted for its clean and futuristic design, though it had some practical shortcomings. Inside, the cabin continued the theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet stylish layout. The Mazda3 offered a conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls, with trim levels ranging from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Standard features included a pushbutton start, keyless entry, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display. Higher trims added features like a moonroof, heated seats, and a head-up display. The top trim, 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus, included advanced driver assistance features and a more powerful engine, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking performance and style.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V was powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed the base engines of its German competitors but fell short compared to the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. The CT5-V could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, though it felt slower than it sounded. It featured Active Fuel Management for improved efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, though our test yielded 19.5 mpg. The 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with rear-wheel drive, offered several driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance. The CT5-V's Magnetic Ride Control suspension and Brembo brakes provided excellent handling, though road noise and a lack of refinement were noted. Despite these drawbacks, the CT5-V offered a satisfying driving experience, especially when manually shifting gears.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with a base 2.5-liter inline-four engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. Our test model featured the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine provided an engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and a satisfying exhaust note. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering precision and agility without sacrificing comfort. Sport mode enhanced the driving dynamics, with the transmission holding gears longer and providing ample torque. The Mazda3's brakes were surprisingly sporty, requiring careful modulation. Overall, the Mazda3 delivered a balanced and refined performance, making it a standout in its class.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 offered a spacious and comfortable interior, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro. The standard 18-way power-adjustable front seats, wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, provided good comfort and support, with optional genuine leather and heated features. However, the rear seats were less accessible due to the door frame design. Once seated, rear passengers enjoyed a comfortable position with decent knee clearance and foot room, though the plastic front seatback panels detracted from the overall quality. The CT5-V featured functional storage areas, including a wireless charging pad and a decent-sized storage bin. The trunk, however, was small at 11.9 cubic feet, with limited space for road trips, though it offered some hidden storage options.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, making it more practical for carrying larger items. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decently sized center console and ergonomic design. The Mazda3's interior was designed for front-seat use, with the back seats suitable for occasional use only.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 excelled in making technology accessible and user-friendly. Its Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, offering simplicity over flashy graphics. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. The CT5-V also offered wireless smartphone charging and voice recognition, though the lack of an embedded navigation system limited its capabilities. Cadillac's approach to stereo controls was praised for its intuitive design. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package added advanced hands-free driving assistance, though it required driver attention and had some limitations during testing.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via a dial in the center console. This system was criticized for its clumsy menu navigation and lack of touchscreen functionality, making it difficult to use. The Mazda3 included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the interface was confusing. The test model featured upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, which provided excellent sound quality. However, the infotainment system's design was seen as a safety issue due to its distracting nature.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came equipped with the Cadillac Smart System, offering basic safety features like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, though it required driver attention and had some limitations during testing.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the Mazda3's design presented a significant blind spot due to the large C-pillar, and the infotainment system's layout was seen as a safety concern.