2021 Cadillac CT5 Review

Name: 2021 Cadillac CT5 Review
Brand: Cadillac

Price Range: $30,998 - $44,590

Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury Sedan Exterior Shown

Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury Sedan Exterior

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The Cadillac CT5 is handsome and packs a ton of features for far less money than anything coming out of Germany. It can't match its European rivals in terms of performance, comfort or build quality, however.Read full review

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Cadillac CT5 model years

Cadillac CT5 for Sale

2022
2021
2020

Cadillac CT5 types

Sedan
V

2021 Cadillac CT5 Review

byReese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

Pros

Comes stocked with Cadillac's latest tech and safety features
Precise steering and smooth-shifting powertrain
A lot of car for the money
User-friendly controls

Cons

Poor visibility
Tight on rear headroom and trunk space
Lacks genuine luxury feel and build quality
CT5-V performance model doesn't offer that much extra power

What's new

Wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Available customizable digital instrument cluster
Super Cruise (Cadillac's semi-automated driving system) is now available
Part of the first CT5 generation introduced for 2020

Overview

The Cadillac CT5 arrived last year as a replacement for Cadillac's previous midsize luxury sedan, the CTS. While the 2021 CT5 doesn't have the performance potential of its predecessor yet (a high-performance variant is coming), it's otherwise a step up from the CTS in about every way.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$184/mo

$197/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The interior is more comfortable and upscale, and the in-car tech and available driver aids make it a much more compelling offering against the class stalwarts. For 2021, the CT5 gets even more features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, which means you can activate these systems without needing a USB cord. There's also an available digital instrument cluster as well as Cadillac's Super Cruise, which is one of the most advanced driver aids offered on any car today. It allows for hands-free highway driving in certain situations, though you still have to keep your eyes on the road.

The CT5 competes against such luminaries as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. They're a bit more comfortable and refined, but the Cadillac is a worthy alternative. Check out our Expert Rating for more detail and our in-depth evaluation of the 2021 CT5.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8/10

How does the CT5 drive? Our test CT5 had the 335-horsepower V6. At our test track it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. It's certainly quick, though that kind of acceleration is typical for a midsize luxury sedan with six-cylinder power. Around town, the V6 feels smooth and strong.

The engine is aided by a smooth 10-speed automatic that keeps the engine revving at just the right speed. The engine's auto stop-start system is unobtrusive, so the biggest issue driving in traffic is the somewhat touchy brake pedal that can make it hard to stop smoothly. We found the CT5's handling to be stable and secure. The CT5 isn't a sport sedan, but it's more entertaining than it might seem thanks to a well-tuned suspension and accurate steering.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the CT5? Comfort and refinement should be among the main focuses when designing a luxury car, and Cadillac comes up a bit short in some areas. The front and rear seats are relatively comfortable and supportive. But the ride quality is pretty poor for a luxury car. The CT5 crashes over bumps rather than absorbs them, and uneven roads can make the car rock like a boat.

The climate control system generally works well. There are physical buttons for all controls, a rarity in a class that prefers slick but distracting touchscreens. We also like the quick-acting seat heaters. The fans work quickly to bring the car to an even temp, but they're overly loud for a luxury sedan.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? A luxury car's interior should really shine, but we found it a little wanting. While we like that CT5 has many physical control buttons instead of a bunch of virtual on-screen ones, some of them are oddly placed. The driving position is OK, but some drivers will want more adjustment range for the steering wheel. The gas and brake pedals are spaced far apart, and that requires more feet shuffling in traffic than should be necessary.

The interior is reasonably roomy, with plenty of front headroom and ample legroom in both rows. Headroom in the rear is surprisingly tight for anyone approaching 6 feet tall. Visibility is poor too. The side mirrors are tiny, and the narrow rear window makes blind spots more of an issue.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The CT5 is loaded with all the latest tech you expect in a luxury car. Much of it is optional, however, which is disappointing for this class of luxury car. We found the adaptive cruise control's braking and accelerating to be a little jumpy, but otherwise the other driver aids work well.

The infotainment and navigation impressed us too. While the Cadillac doesn't have quite the range of features as its German competition, the CT5's tech is slick and easy to operate. It's well organized and easy to sort through, and if you prefer to use your phone, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. There are also a number of USB ports if you prefer to fast-charge.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The CT5 is one of the smallest vehicles in its class, and that really shows when it comes to cargo space. The trunk packs just 11.9 cubic feet of space, placing it right at the bottom of its class. The available space is open and fairly useful, and the rear seats do fold flat in a 60/40 split.

Item storage inside the cabin is much better. Luxury cars tend to skimp on interior storage for some reason, but the CT5 does well. There are decent-size bins and cupholders and a vertical wireless charger that takes up less room than most other chargers.

Installing a child seat should be relatively easy. The anchors are easily accessible behind plastic covers, and the expanse of rear legroom means there's space for larger rear-facing seats.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The CT5's fuel economy ranges from 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving with the base engine down to 21 mpg with the V6 and all-wheel drive. That's fine but nothing extraordinary. We got about 21 mpg with our rear-wheel-drive, V6-equipped CT5 on our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation route, which tells us that the EPA estimates should be achievable.

Value

8/10

Is the CT5 a good value? Cadillac offers a lot of bang for your buck with the CT5. The list of standard features is good for a luxury car, and most options won't cost you nearly as much as they will on other luxury cars. The CT5's sub-$40,000 base price bests Audi and BMW and Mercedes-Benz competitors by around $15,000. We found the build quality to fall short of the best in class, however. Some of the interior bits feel more Buick than Cadillac.

Cadillac's warranty isn't quite so impressive. With the CT5, you get a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. The four-year/50,000-mile rust warranty is far off the 12 years that Audi and BMW offer, an odd thing given that Cadillac is based in rust-prone Michigan. Cadillac does include six years/70,000 miles of roadside help.

Wildcard

7.5/10

Just like its predecessor, the Cadillac CTS, the new CT5 has a sharp and attractive design. It's not a huge departure from what we've seen before, but it's evolved enough to look fresh yet handsome. The interior, too, has an attractive overall design. We just wish it were as fun to drive as the CTS.

Which CT5 does Edmunds recommend?

The base Luxury trim comes fairly well equipped, but we suggest stepping up to the Premium Luxury trim. Not only does it get you more standard features, but it also opens up the options list to include Super Cruise and the turbocharged V6 engine.

2021 Cadillac CT5 models

The 2021 Cadillac CT5 is available in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport and V-Series. The Premium, Premium Luxury and Sport trims are all powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (237 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque) that sends power to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Optional for the Premium Luxury trim and standard on the V-Series is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. It makes 335 hp and 405 lb-ft in the Premium Luxury; the V-Series gets a slight bump to 360 hp. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims.

Luxury
The Luxury model comes reasonably well equipped. Standard feature highlights include:

18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Keyless entry with push-button start
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Simulated leather upholstery
10-inch touchscreen
Nine-speaker sound system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Forward collision mitigation

Options on the Luxury trim include:

Sun and Sound package

15-speaker Bose audio system
Integrated navigation system
Sunroof
Wireless charging pad

Cold Weather package

Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel

Premium Luxury
On top of the Luxury trim's standard features, the Premium Luxury gains:

Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Ambient interior lighting
Leather upholstery
Wireless charging pad

Stepping up to the Premium Luxury trim also opens up the options list to include:

Driver Awareness package

Lane keeping assist (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and steers the CT5 back into its lane)

Driver Assist and Advanced Security package

Traffic-adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the CT5 and the car in front)
Upgraded vehicle alarm and security

Platinum package

Navigation and Bose premium audio system
Heated, ventilated and massaging seats
Heated steering wheel
Upgraded front seats and leather upholstery
Digital instrument cluster
Head-up display
Sunroof

Super Cruise. This semi-automated driver assistance system allows for hands-free highway driving in certain situations. It also adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front. Includes lane keeping assist.

Sport
The Sport trim is equipped similarly to the Premium Luxury trim, although Super Cruise is unavailable. The Sport is equipped with:

Brembo front brakes
Black exterior trim
Rear spoiler
Gray-tinted taillights
Simulated leather upholstery
Sport steering wheel with magnesium shift paddles

V-Series
The CT5 V-Series builds off the Sport trim with more performance parts, gaining a more powerful version of the V6 as well as:

Adaptive suspension dampers (for improved ride and handling)
Electronic limited-slip differential (can improve available traction)
Optional Super Cruise

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Cadillac CT5.

5 (56%)

4 (8%)

3 (20%)

2 (4%)

1 (12%)

3.9

25 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

CT5-V 27,000KM engine replaced

RBM, 01/24/2023

2021 Cadillac CT5 V 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)

From Toronto very disappointed. Dealers service snd care excellent. Car 27,000 km in two years. GM authorized a new engine install, In 24 mo nine OnStar notices engine transmission. Defective actuator. Tore down engine Jan 2023 at dealer and found metal filings or metal fatigue in engine! I started a case with Cadillac Care GM Canada. No lemon law here. I asked fir a new car. No idea …

GM Sold the tracking data from my CT5 beware

1Troy, 08/03/2021

2021 Cadillac CT5 Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

I was surprised to find the dealer had only 1 in stock. I took a test drive and loved the car. The price for this size and class of car was AMAZING, I paid around $36k after my trade in which wasn’t worth much. I’ve driven it now for about 5 months and I actually like it better now than when I first bought it. It handles better now that I have about 6k miles on it. These cars have a …

My CT 5 Sport Review

CT5 Sport Man, 06/15/2020

2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

I recently purchased a CT5 Sport, with most of the bells and whistles. I've owned Caddies for most of my adult life. from the CTS to the ELR. And this caddie is spot on, its very comfortable, stunning looks, great technology, and a so so engine. The engine is alittle loud for my tastes, but I am coming from a ELR which is electric, and produces very little noise. But to me it seems …

Great Car

Marlou, 01/17/2020

2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

This is one great Caddy. Technology is great. Has a lot of “get up and go”. Especially like the heated massaging seats, park assist and heads up display. This Sport Edition is sleek and very attractive. A little pricey but I think I’m worth it !

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Cadillac CT5, so we've included reviews for other years of the CT5 since its last redesign.

See all 25 reviews of the Cadillac CT5

Write a vehicle review

2021 CT5 Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Luxury

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the CT5 models:

Safety Alert Seat: Vibrates the driver's seat to alert you of things such as unintentional lane departure.
Teen Driver: Monitors driving habits, prevents the disabling of safety features such as stability control, and lets parents limit the stereo volume.
Rear Camera Mirror: Displays the view of a wide-angle camera in the rearview mirror to make reversing safer and easier.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.5%

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2021 Cadillac CT5 Review

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2021 Cadillac CT5 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which CT5 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Cadillac CT5 models

Most helpful consumer reviews

CT5-V 27,000KM engine replaced

GM Sold the tracking data from my CT5 beware

My CT 5 Sport Review

Great Car

2021 CT5 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}