2021 Cadillac CT5 V
2021 Cadillac CT5 V Review
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
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.
Our verdict | |
Temper your expectations: The CT5-V is not a reincarnation of the previous boffo CTS-V. Its turbocharged V6 is strong but ultimately lags behind similar engines in competitors. Overall, the CT5-V is a competent sport sedan that delivers pretty much everything you want, but without the sense of theater and refinement that rival sedans are capable of. | |
How does the CT5 drive? | |
The CT5-V accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds in our testing. That's fine but not exceptional. Many rival sedans, such as the Mercedes E 450, are half a second quicker. Thankfully, the V-Series offers solid handling and steering. It didn't blow us away when driving on our test track at full whack, but in real-world driving, the lack of body roll gives you confidence to tackle corners with aplomb. We like the smooth-shifting transmission, which always seems to be in the right gear. We're less impressed with the electronic parking brake, which takes too long to disengage and can lead to a jerky startup. The biggest offender, however, is the abysmal brake pedal. It's super grabby when you first press on it, and it takes a long time to familiarize yourself with its action so you can brake smoothly. Shoppers taking the CT5-V for a test drive might avoid a purchase altogether. | |
How comfortable is the CT5? | |
The CT5-V's ride is firm but not punishing. The body gets a little jittery on patchy sections of the highway, but it rides comfortably over road surfaces that don't have excessive wear. Overall, the CT5-V is pretty comfortable. With side bolster and thigh adjustments, plus four-way lumbar, it's easy to dial in a pleasant seating position up front. The rear seats are also well sculpted. The dual-zone climate control system works fine, but if the set temperature and ambient outside temperature are too close together, the vents only whisper air. The system will automatically activate the seat heating and cooling functions once you enter, which is pretty nifty if you want to be comfortable immediately. Interior noise is abundant, which feels unlike Cadillac. The V6 snarls and cracks at full whack, but it's too noisy for puttering around town. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The CT5's interior design is a little underwhelming — especially if you've just gotten out of the virtually identical CT4 — but it's darn intuitive. The climate and driving aid controls are all easy to reach and clearly labeled. We also like that the touchscreen can be operated via dial control as well, so you can choose how you want to interact with the system. On the downside, the CT5 isn't ideal for taller passengers. There's a great amount of legroom all around and headroom up front, especially if you don't order the available sunroof. But rear headroom is tight; you'll have to be well under 6 feet tall to fit comfortably. And the car's low stance and sloping rear roofline also hamper getting in and out. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The CT5's touchscreen menus would be attractive enough in a lesser GM product. But against Mercedes' MBUX and Audi's MMI systems, it looks dowdy. That said, its basic design makes it pretty easy to operate. The voice recognition system asks you to follow a specific prompt, but we've found it can recognize some natural speech. The voice point-of-interest search works pretty well, though it did have a few issues with address input. The Bose premium audio system is worth the upgrade. The CT5-V comes with a basic set of driving aids. Most others are optional. The standard Safety Alert seat is a welcome and unique addition, and the other features included on our test vehicle worked unobtrusively. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The cargo floor is low to the ground. That's great for most people, but taller folks will have to bend to load and unload items. At 11.9 cubic feet, the cargo area is small by class standards. The rear seats fold down, but the pass-through area doesn't span the width of the seats, so you might have a hard time fitting long and wide items. In-cabin storage is a bit better. There are trays and cubbies throughout, and the door pockets are decently sized. There are no anti-tip tabs in the cupholders, so water bottles will crinkle about. Got kids? The spacious rear seat — along with easily accessible anchors and tethers — should make placing a car seat a breeze. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The CT5-V gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. It's not far off the rest of the class, but most others are a little more miserly when it comes to fuel consumption. (And as we've seen, rivals are quicker in a straight line too.) We got 22.4 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, which is right in line with the EPA estimates. But we've also seen 25-28 mpg on the evaluation route with the CT5-V's primary competition. | |
Is the CT5 a good value? | |
Though it competes in the midsize class, the CT5's price and interior design and materials quality suggest it's really more of a larger version of the CT4 compact sedan. As such, it doesn't sport the richly detailed and upscale cabin appointments of midsize rivals such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. But it also costs many thousands of dollars less than those vehicles. If you want a roomy luxury sedan but don't want to spend a ton of money, the CT5 is a worthy choice. Just know that you get what you pay for. Cadillac's basic warranty coverage is good for four years/50,000 miles, while the powertrain and roadside assistance are both covered for six years/70,000 miles. The first scheduled maintenance visit is complimentary. | |
Wildcard | |
As long as you aren't racing it at a track and exploring the limits of grip (or racing for pinks, if that's still a thing), the CT5-V is a hoot. Stable handling and ample torque make this a fun little beast to tool around in. And the ride isn't punishing either. But the brakes alone are enough to leech the goodwill provided by everything else. The cabin isn't anything to write home about, but the CT5 impresses in other ways. When you consider its performance, road manners and breadth of technology, it really feels like you get a lot of car for the money. And the interior isn't so chintzy that you'll feel disappointed in the long term. | |
Which CT5 does Edmunds recommend?
Cadillac CT5 models
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 is available in four trim levels: Premium, 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.
2021 Cadillac CT5 V pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Cadillac CT5 V Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $47,795
- MPG & Fuel
- 18 City / 27 Hwy / 21 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.0 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 10-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 360 hp @ 5400 rpm
- Torque: 405 lb-ft @ 2350 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 193.8 in. / Height: 57.2 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 80.3 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 74.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 3974 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 11.9 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite CT5 safety features:
- 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.
Cadillac CT5 vs. the competition
2021 Cadillac CT5
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Cadillac CT5 vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is currently our favorite midsize luxury sedan. It excels at just about everything we look for in a luxury sedan. The E-Class is quiet and comfortable, and it features one of the most handsome and premium interiors of any vehicle on sale today. The E-Class got a minor refresh for 2021 that includes updated styling and improved tech. It's significantly more expensive than the CT5, but you'll be getting your money's worth.
Cadillac CT5 vs. Audi A6
The Audi A6 features Audi's latest and greatest tech, including a sleek but somewhat cumbersome two-screen infotainment system and a suite of sophisticated driver aids. We also think the interior and build quality are as good as or better than anything in the class. Like most of the CT5's competition, the A6 is much more expensive, though the Audi does come standard with all-wheel drive.
Cadillac CT5 vs. BMW 5 Series
We like the 5 Series' wide range of powertrains, including several turbocharged engines and a plug-in hybrid variant. A comfortable interior and BMW's latest in-car tech are other advantages. The interior doesn't feel as premium as those of the class leaders, but we still prefer it to the CT5's. All told, though, you should expect to pay more for a similarly equipped BMW.
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FAQ
Is the Cadillac CT5 a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Cadillac CT5:
- 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
Is the Cadillac CT5 reliable?
Is the 2021 Cadillac CT5 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Cadillac CT5?
The least-expensive 2021 Cadillac CT5 is the 2021 Cadillac CT5 V 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $47,795.
Other versions include:
- V 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $47,795