2023 Cadillac CT5 vs 2024 Nissan Altima

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 double-takes and long stares. The CT5-V test vehicle was coated 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 car's design was a harmonious blend of black, body color, chrome, and wheel-like finishes, with Cadillac nailing every proportion and detail.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V was positioned as the sporty variant of the midsize luxury sedan, priced between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing. The test car, equipped with the Climate Package and Super Cruise 1 Package, had an MSRP of $59,405. Competing with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in size and power, the CT5-V was priced more like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Despite its competitive pricing, the interior quality revealed why it was more affordable, with a mix of high-quality materials and cheaper details. However, it boasted features like ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, making its technology user-friendly and approachable.

The 2024 Nissan Altima, a familiar name since 1993, had remained largely unchanged since its sixth-generation debut in 2019. The 2023 model introduced a new grille, but the Altima retained its conservative styling. Available in four trim levels, the Altima offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on the SV, SR, and SL trims. The SR trim could be equipped with the more powerful VC-Turbo engine. The test vehicle, an Altima SL with AWD, featured Garnet Pearl Metallic paint and 19-inch alloy wheels, with chrome accents adding a touch of flair. The interior, though somewhat outdated, offered comfortable seats and practical storage solutions. The wireless phone charger and traditional shifter added convenience, but the leather upholstery and plastic parts detracted from the overall quality.

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 output surpassed the base engines of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class but fell short of the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. Weighing 3,974 pounds, the CT5-V 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 fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, though our test yielded 19.5 mpg.

The CT5-V's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels through an electronic limited-slip differential, with AWD available as an option. The transmission promised the "right gear, right time," but paddle shifters were appreciated for manual control. Various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowed customization of steering, suspension, and other dynamics. The Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes enhanced performance, while the 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires provided grip. The CT5-V's exhaust note was resonant but intrusive, and road noise was more pronounced than expected. Despite these drawbacks, the CT5-V offered enjoyable driving dynamics, though the steering lacked feel and feedback.

The 2024 Nissan Altima featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration was adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.5 seconds. For more power, the Altima SR VC-Turbo offered a 2.0-liter engine with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, though it lacked AWD. The test car's AWD system delivered power to the rear wheels as needed, achieving an EPA estimated 26 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined. The Altima's steering felt light, but its low center of gravity minimized body roll. The brakes were predictable, and the CVT managed power well, though it produced a droning noise under heavy acceleration.

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 and heated/ventilated options available. The test vehicle's seats initially felt flat, but adjustments provided 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 position with good thigh support, though the plastic front seatback panels detracted from the experience.

The CT5-V provided functional storage areas, including a wireless smartphone charging pad and a slot for devices. The trunk, however, was small at 11.9 cubic feet, with a narrow opening. Hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for items like wine bottles added some utility. The 60/40 split back seat allowed for longer items to be transported.

The 2024 Nissan Altima boasted impressive interior space, with front seats offering more room than competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The rear seat provided 35.2 inches of legroom, matching the Kia K5 but falling short of the Accord and Camry. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, with a wide opening for easy loading. The 60/40-split folding rear seat maximized cargo capacity. The Altima's interior was user-friendly, with comfortable seats and well-placed storage solutions.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 excelled in making technology accessible and user-friendly. The 12-inch digital instrumentation and 10-inch touchscreen infotainment displays prioritized simplicity over flashy graphics. The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system included features like 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 tuning controls on the center console and steering wheel. An optional navigation system, head-up display, and surround-view camera enhanced the technology suite.

The 2024 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch display available on the SL and SR VC-Turbo trims. The larger screen offered crisp graphics and an organized interface, with static icons for easy navigation. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with wireless versions available on the larger screen. The nine-speaker Bose stereo was underwhelming, but NissanConnect telematics features, including remote start and vehicle health reports, added convenience.

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-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like lane-centering and lane-change systems. Super Cruise impressed with its automated lane-change function, though manual intervention was sometimes necessary.

The 2024 Nissan Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong side-impact and rollover test results. However, it scored four stars in frontal crash tests and did not receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation due to poor side-impact test performance. The Altima's standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite included features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities.