2023 Nissan Altima vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Nissan Altima continued Nissan's long-standing tradition in the family car segment, offering a sizable four-door option even as the Maxima faced discontinuation. The Altima's updated front styling, revised grille design, and new wheel designs enhanced its visual appeal, especially in higher trims with 19-inch wheels. However, the SL trim's stylish wheels were prone to curb damage. The Altima SL, one of the upscale trims, featured a more luxurious interior, though it was marred by hard plastics. The Gray leather option provided a high-contrast two-tone appearance, while the new simulated wood dashboard trim and double-stitched seams added a touch of sophistication.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5, successor to the bold CTS, offered a more restrained yet distinctive design. Its front fascia exuded confidence, and the stretched wheelbase lent a stately appearance. The CT5's roof arched at the back, hinting at a fastback silhouette. Despite being older than some competitors, the CT5 maintained a contemporary look with a cleaner design. Cadillac's trim levels included the base Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and performance-oriented CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing models. The interior, while distinctly Cadillac, felt like a mix of various car elements, with features like massaging front seats contributing to the luxury feel. However, the cabin's quality was inconsistent, even with optional leather upholstery and carbon-fiber trim.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque in front-wheel-drive models, and slightly less in all-wheel-drive versions. The CVT was programmed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, and the SR trim offered paddle shifters for added engagement. Fuel economy ranged from 30 to 32 mpg, with our SL AWD test vehicle averaging 27.4 mpg. The Altima SR VC-Turbo variant offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with up to 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The Altima's ride was firm, with some noise at highway speeds, and rear visibility was limited.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered multiple powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 335 hp and 405 lb-ft. Both engines came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. The CT5-V variant featured a tuned V6 with 360 hp, while the CT5-V Blackwing boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 668 hp. Our AWD CT5 Premium Luxury test car, equipped with the twin-turbo V6, delivered a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The CT5's handling was neutral, with impressive grip and a sporty ride quality. Interior noise was well-managed, with a pleasant exhaust growl at full throttle.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was straightforward and user-friendly, with controls laid out logically. The Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, though the leather upholstery was somewhat sticky. The Altima SL featured dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom, though rear air vents were only available in higher trims. Interior storage was reasonable, but the trunk's 15.4 cubic feet of space was smaller than some competitors.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered comparable passenger space to rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi A6 and outgoing Mercedes E-Class. The CT5's trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet. The driving position was excellent, with good visibility and adjustable front seats. Premium Luxury and Sport models offered heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustments. The center console was well-utilized, with decent storage and a wireless phone charger.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's base S trim had limited infotainment features, while SV and SR trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, providing wireless Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Bose nine-speaker audio system was available in higher trims, though its performance varied. The 12.3-inch system represented a significant improvement, with a user-friendly interface and effective voice recognition.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Technology Package added a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display. The latest Cadillac User Experience system was smooth and user-friendly, with large icons and sharp graphics. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition system lagged behind competitors. The CT5 lacked the flashy tech of some rivals but excelled in everyday usability.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it scored poorly in the updated side-impact test.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in all crash tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. Super Cruise, available on Premium Luxury and Sport models, offered hands-free driving on most U.S. highways, providing a confident and intuitive experience.