2023 Hyundai Elantra vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a diverse range of options for consumers, from the budget-friendly base SE model to the more upscale Limited trim. The Elantra Hybrid variants offered impressive fuel efficiency, achieving between 50 mpg and 54 mpg in combined driving. The sporty Elantra N Line and the performance-oriented Elantra N, with its 276-horsepower engine, catered to driving enthusiasts. The Elantra's pricing ranged from $21,545 to $33,245, with the Limited test vehicle priced at $27,395. The exterior design was polarizing, but the interior, with its Melange with Gray theme, offered a sophisticated and stylish ambiance, marred only by some hard plastic elements.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5, a successor to the CTS, toned down the bold styling of its predecessor while maintaining a distinctive front fascia. The CT5's stretched wheelbase and fastback silhouette gave it a stately appearance. Despite being older than some competitors, the CT5's design remained contemporary. The trim levels included Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and performance-oriented CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing models. The interior, however, was a mix of various design elements, lacking the cohesive luxury feel expected from a Cadillac. Despite optional high-end materials, the cabin still appeared somewhat cheap.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT/IVT and front-wheel drive. While not fast, the Elantra Limited offered a peppy driving experience, with impressive fuel efficiency of 33 mpg during testing. The car's handling was composed, with a communicative ride and quiet highway performance. The 17-inch wheels and suspension contributed to a stable and predictable driving experience, though the steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed some heat-induced shuddering.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered multiple powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 335 horsepower. The CT5-V featured a tuned V6 with 360 horsepower, while the CT5-V Blackwing boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 668 horsepower. The CT5 Premium Luxury test car, with AWD and the twin-turbo V6, delivered a balanced blend of luxury and sportiness. It achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds and offered neutral handling with a hint of rear-end rotation. The ride quality leaned towards sportiness, and the interior noise was well-managed, with a pleasant exhaust growl at full throttle.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra provided ample interior space for a compact car, accommodating a family of four comfortably. The Limited model featured a leather-wrapped, six-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a reclined backrest and lack of air vents and USB ports. The trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered competitive passenger space, with more front headroom than some rivals and the most legroom in both rows. However, its 11.9 cubic feet of trunk space was the smallest among competitors. The CT5 provided a good driving position with adjustable front seats and a power tilt and telescoping steering column in higher trims. The center console was well-utilized, offering decent storage and a wireless phone charger.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra featured a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment display, standard in the Limited trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported wireless connectivity, and voice recognition had mixed results. The Bose audio system was underwhelming compared to competitors, but the Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert were notable features.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 came with a 10-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Technology Package with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and a rotary controller. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition system lagged behind competitors. While lacking the flashy tech of some rivals, the CT5 prioritized usability.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Limited trim added cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Elantra's driving aids were smooth and reliable, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driver-assist system, enhancing the CT5's safety credentials.