2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a conservative design that was typical of the brand, aiming for a timeless appeal. However, its current iteration lacked the symmetry and balance of previous models, resulting in a more bland appearance. Despite this, the Jetta's interior in the SEL trim offered a touch of luxury with features like ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large sunroof, making it feel upscale for its price point. The no-nonsense interior design, reminiscent of the Audi luxury brand, provided a sense of emotional value under $30,000.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac CT5 dialed back the bold styling of its predecessor, the CTS, but still maintained a distinctive and confident look. The CT5's stretched wheelbase and fastback silhouette gave it a stately appearance, while its exterior design remained contemporary despite being older than some competitors. Inside, the CT5's cabin was a mix of various design elements, which sometimes detracted from the luxury feel. However, features like massaging front seats and optional high-quality materials added to the overall experience, even if the interior sometimes felt less premium than expected.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided zippy acceleration and a nimble feel, especially in urban environments. The Jetta's suspension was soft and compliant, making it comfortable over bumps, while the steering was light and responsive. However, the automatic transmission sometimes delayed acceleration, leading to unexpected surges. The Jetta SEL achieved an average of 30 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 33 mpg.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered multiple powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 was available, producing 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. 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. The CT5's handling was impressively neutral, with AWD models providing a balanced driving experience. The twin-turbo V6 allowed for quick acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds for AWD models. The ride quality leaned towards sporty, and the cabin remained quiet, enhancing driving comfort.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered ample space for a compact sedan, comfortably accommodating four adults and providing generous interior storage. The trunk boasted 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The Jetta's seating was comfortable, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Jetta's design allowed for easy entry and exit, and the trunk's shape facilitated loading larger items.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 provided competitive passenger space, with more front headroom than some rivals and the most legroom in both rows. However, its trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet. The CT5's driving position was well-suited for a sporty sedan, with adjustable seats and a power tilt and telescoping steering column available on higher trims. The center console was efficiently designed, offering decent storage and a wireless phone charger. The CT5's interior space was well-utilized, despite the limited trunk capacity.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface required multiple inputs for simple tasks like changing radio stations. The voice recognition system was basic unless upgraded through Car-Net services. Car-Net offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and several remote features for five years. The SEL trim included a Beats Audio system, though it was less satisfying than previous Fender systems.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Technology Package added a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. The CT5's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and a smartphone-like interface. 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's system was practical and easy to use.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL included the IQ.Drive package, offering advanced driving assistance systems like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, performing well on challenging roads. Emergency Assist could safely stop the car if the driver was unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had lower ratings for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta poorly in a new frontal-impact crash test.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 earned five stars in all NHTSA crash tests, including frontal, side, and rollover. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The CT5 offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driver-assist system, on higher trims. Super Cruise provided confident handling and intuitive controls, setting it apart from competitors.