2024 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

In Southern California, where the 2023 Cadillac CT5 was tested, the car stood out amidst a sea of Asian and German luxury vehicles. Its rarity on the roads of Los Angeles drew attention, with many passersby giving it a second glance. The test vehicle was coated in a distinctive 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 the test model reaching $59,405 due to additional packages. Despite its competitive pricing, the interior quality lagged behind its German counterparts, with a mix of high-quality materials and cheaper details. However, it 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 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite being last redesigned in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its swooping lines and sculpted bodywork allowed it to fit seamlessly among luxury vehicles. The front featured squinting headlights with LED turn signals, adding to its dramatic design. Available in both sedan and hatchback forms, the hatchback was favored for its better looks and increased storage space. The test car, a Turbo Premium Plus trim, was priced at $38,210 and impressed with its material quality and value compared to luxury brands. The interior was adorned with red leather, covering the doors and dashboard, creating a luxurious feel. The steering wheel and shift knob were wrapped in black leather, enhancing the upscale design. Despite its compact size, the Mazda3 offered a beautifully designed and well-furnished interior.

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 placed it above the base engines of competitors like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but below the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. Weighing 3,974 pounds, it could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, though it felt slower than it sounded. The engine featured Active Fuel Management for cylinder deactivation, achieving an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, though our test yielded 19.5 mpg. The 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with an electronic limited-slip differential, powered the rear wheels, with AWD as an option. Various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track, allowed customization of the driving experience. 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 its shortcomings, the CT5-V offered enjoyable driving dynamics, especially in My Mode.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, with its turbo engine, provided a delightful driving experience. The car could run on regular or premium fuel, with power dropping slightly on regular. The intelligent AWD system managed traction well, though the car's low ground clearance limited its suitability for snowy conditions. Fuel economy varied by configuration, with the turbocharged AWD hatchback achieving 23/31/26 mpg. The Mazda3 excelled on back roads, with its chassis handling corners well despite a torsion beam suspension. The steering was tight and precise, with minimal body roll. The Mazda3's performance was satisfying, offering a balance of power and handling that appealed to enthusiastic drivers.

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 seats were wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, with genuine leather as an option. The test vehicle's seats initially felt flat, but adjustments provided good comfort and support. Front seat access was easy, while rear seat entry was more challenging due to the door frame design. The rear seat offered a slightly reclined backrest and decent knee clearance, though the plastic front seatback panels detracted from the overall quality. Storage areas were functional, with smartphone-friendly locations and a decent-sized storage bin. The trunk, however, was small at 11.9 cubic feet, with limited space for road trips. Hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for items like wine bottles were available, and the 60/40 split back seat allowed for longer items.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, while compact, offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the hatchback, competitive with the Subaru Impreza and more than the Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Total cargo space reached 47.1 cubic feet. However, rear passenger space was limited, with tight legroom and headroom. The sedan offered 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space and similarly tight rear quarters. The hatchback's design created a significant blind spot at the C-pillar, and the rear window and lip spoiler further hindered rearward visibility.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 excelled in technology, with a user-friendly Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system. The 12-inch digital instrumentation and 10-inch touchscreen displays prioritized simplicity over flashy graphics. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The CT5-V also offered wireless smartphone charging, Alexa Built-in, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. The infotainment controls were intuitive, with stereo volume and radio tuning accessible without distraction. An optional navigation system, head-up display, and surround-view camera enhanced the tech offerings. Super Cruise, Cadillac's hands-free driving assistance, was available, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and lane-change systems on approved highways.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a rotary controller for its infotainment system, a hallmark of Mazda tech. While it required acclimation, it offered a safer alternative to touchscreens. The system included an 8.8-inch display on most trims, with a new 10.25-inch screen on top trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. A wireless charging pad and Mazda Connect system with Wi-Fi, remote services, and navigation were available. The Bose stereo in higher trims provided good sound quality. Despite some quirks, the Mazda3's tech was well-featured, with the rotary controller offering a pleasant user experience.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with a standard Cadillac Smart System, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and front parking sensors. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package offered hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like automated lane changes and a driver monitoring camera. While impressive, Super Cruise required driver attention and had occasional issues, such as confusion in carpool lanes.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 received five stars from the NHTSA and was named a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go was also included, with the Turbo Premium Plus trim adding Cruising and Traffic Support for enhanced traffic management.