“From every angle, the 2022 Cadillac CT5 exudes athleticism, sophistication, and confidence.” The entry-level engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder, but things get more interesting with the optional twin-turbo V-6 under the hood. To maximize speed and agility, consider the V-series trim, which is the sharpest CT5 on this side of the high-performance Blackwing (reviewed separately). Inside, the CT5’s cabin is spacious and well equipped, but those expecting high-end materials and luxury-level ambiance may be disappointed with what they find here.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
The standard engine in the 2022 Cadillac CT5 is a 237-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but you can upgrade to a 335-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. The performance-oriented CT5-V boasts a 360-hp version of the twin-turbo V-6 as well as adaptive dampers and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. In our testing, a rear-drive CT5 with the turbo four-cylinder sauntered to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The BMW 330i and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti, two of the CT5’s key rivals, completed the same test in 5.1 and 4.6 seconds, respectively. When it comes to riding and handling, the CT5 is both more softly sprung and less athletic than the CTS it replaces. Body control is sloppier, and the improvements to the car’s ride aren’t enough to justify what feels like a step backward in driving dynamics.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
The EPA estimates the 2022 Cadillac CT5 with the standard turbo-four is rated for up to 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 335-hp V-6 is rated up to 19 mpg city and 27 highway, with the 360-hp version slightly behind at 18 mpg city and up to 27 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the rear-drive Sport model managed 31 mpg. For more information about the CT5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
Cadillac corrected some of the CTS’s interior flaws with this new sports sedan; namely, the CT5 provides a more user-friendly interface and straightforward design. Unfortunately, the quality of the cabin materials seems unworthy of the CT5’s positioning as a luxury vehicle.
Premium Luxury models are available with a nice open-pore wood trim that elevates the interior design, but it mingles alongside cheap black plastic that could’ve been lifted from the plebian Chevrolet Malibu family sedan. The rear seat is more spacious than the CTS’s, but rivals such as the Acura TLX and the Volvo S60 both feel roomier. All three vehicles have similarly sized trunks, though, and each fit five of our carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$54,590 (base price: $42,690)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power
237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSISSuspension (F/R): struts/multilinkBrakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented discTires: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S ZP, 245/40R-19 94V M+S TPC SPEC 3132MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.0 in
Length: 193.9 in
Width: 74.1 in
Height: 57.2 in
Passenger volume: 99 ft3
Cargo volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3724 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 6.6 sec
100 mph: 17.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.0 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec
¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.92 g
