2024 Cadillac CT5

Cadillac's CT5 offers a wide range of talents — from good looks to competitive pricing to a massive spectrum of performance across its range. This breadth of utility is a requirement for any midsize luxury sedan to remain relevant today. Still, the CT5 struggles when compared to the best in the class. Its base trim rides rough, its interior lacks the design, finish and refinement found elsewhere in the segment, and it's hard to see out of. But we still think it's worth a look for someone who wants a sedan and doesn't want to pay German luxury car pricing.

Possibly the CT5's biggest strength is that it hits nearly every target available to a midsize sedan. Base model with an attractive price? Check. Multiple engines and an all-wheel-drive option? Check. Abundant, effective tech, including one of the best hands-free driving systems sold today? Check. So what's the problem? Well, in some crucial ways — think fit and finish and visibility — the CT5 still isn't on par with the best in the class. Its interior isn't ergonomically bad; it just lacks the opulence and finish quality of its German competition. And rear visibility can be a problem, especially if you're tall. It's possible, depending on the trim level, and your height and preferences, that neither issue will matter to you.

The CT5 faces stiff competition from Germany. Audi's A6, BMW's 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz's E-Class all offer trims to match most of the CT5's range. But all three start nearly $20,000 higher than the base CT5. Keep that in mind when considering our grumbles above.