Cadillac CT5 2021 Review

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.

Which CT5 does MatoCar recommend?

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.

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