Cadillac CT5 vs Cadillac CTS

Every brand needs to undergo occasional makeovers to keep its product portfolio relevant. Brands like Lexus and Jaguar have been doing this the last 5 to 10 years, but the brand that took it upon itself to reinvent its image, and the car that started it all, was the CTS. It arrived in 2002 and was the first truly modern Cadillac. Unlike its big land-barge predecessors, the CTS was taut and featured angular styling and forward-looking engines and technology.

Each successive generation of the CTS has seen an evolution of the angles, the powertrains, and the tech, culminating with this car: the 2016 Cadillac CTS. The third generation of the CTS is the largest, most refined, and most high-tech version of the car to date. The third generation of the CTS debuted for the 2015 model year, and is largely carried over to 2016, save for a few key updates.

A relative bargain in the premium midsize car segment, the 2025 CT5 sedan receives several changes to keep it appealing. Mostly, they pertain to technology, and the new 33-inch display containing digital instrumentation and a new infotainment system is the most obvious manifestation of that. In addition, the CT5 gets more standard and available safety features and driver assistance tech, AKG audio, new front-end styling, and a couple of new paint colors.

Verdict: Despite the updates for 2025, the Cadillac CT5 is starting to look and feel like an older car. Also, compared to its rivals, it lacks polish and refinement. However, it is a bargain when cross-shopping it with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Its tech is impressive, too.