2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had a more conventional look, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and forward-thinking aesthetics of the hatchback were among the most innovative in the market, though the design did have some practical drawbacks. Inside, the Mazda3 continued its clean and futuristic theme with a simple yet elegant cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. Despite the modern design, the climate controls remained user-friendly, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, maintained an elegant appearance.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac CT5 dialed back the bold styling of its predecessor, the CTS, but still maintained a distinctive and confident front fascia. The stretched wheelbase gave it a stately appearance, and the roof's arch hinted at a fastback silhouette. While the CT5 was older than some of its competitors, it still looked contemporary with a cleaner design than the newly redesigned German sedans. Inside, the CT5's interior seemed to be a mix of various car elements, lacking a cohesive luxury feel. Despite optional high-end materials like semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber trim, the cabin still appeared somewhat cheap. However, the CT5 offered a good driving position and a range of power adjustments for the front seats, enhancing comfort and usability.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with power routed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was also available. The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in our test model delivered 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 a fantastic sound, well-weighted steering, and impressive handling. The Mazda3 excelled in cornering balance and agility, offering a refined yet sporty ride.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 was also available, delivering 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The CT5-V variant featured a tuned version of the V6 with 360 hp, while the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 668 hp. Our test car, the AWD CT5 Premium Luxury, offered a balanced and enjoyable drive with neutral handling and decent acceleration. The ride quality leaned more towards a sports sedan, and the low interior noise added to the driving comfort.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than many compact sedans. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, which, while not as spacious as some small SUVs, was still usable. 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 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered comparable passenger space to its German rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi A6 and outgoing Mercedes E-Class, and nearly the same as the BMW 5 Series. It provided the most legroom in both rows but had the least trunk space at 11.9 cubic feet. The CT5 offered a good driving position with easy seat adjustments and decent storage space in the center console and doors. The inclined armrests were well-placed, enhancing comfort.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a center console dial, which was a weak point due to its clumsy menu navigation and lack of touchscreen functionality. The system's learning curve was steep, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control, with available upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 featured a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Technology Package added a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Standard features included three USB ports and wireless phone charging, with an optional 15-speaker Bose audio system. Cadillac's infotainment system had improved, offering smooth operation and easy-to-use controls. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition system lagged behind competitors.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with numerous safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction risk.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The CT5 also offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driver-assist system, which was highly regarded for its ease of use and performance.