2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury: A Segment Leader In Terms Of Quality

Highlight: The CT5 is based off a rear wheel drive configuration.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $52,510 (Base Model: $38,190)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; an automatic emergency braking; rear camera; a forward collision alert system; automatic braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a teen driver safety feature; and an OnStar

Standard Equipment (Luxury): 18-inch wheels; a 10-speed automatic transmission; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a keyless entry system; a push button ignition system; a manual operated day/night mirror; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering; in-vehicle Wi-Fi system; pseudo leather seats; active grille shutters; a 10-way power front bucket seats; rear split folding seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a tire pressure monitoring system; and driving modes

Standard Equipment (Premium): 14-way power front seats; driver memory function; leather seating surfaces; 4-way power lumbar driver’s seat; lane change with blind zone alert system; lighting interior ambient door and footwell; a rear traffic cross alert system; a wireless phone charging system; and illuminated door handles

Options: 3.0-liter twin turbo 6-cylinder; an automatic start-stop engine; all wheel drive; a navigation system; a 15-speaker Bose audio system; infrared tintcoat; heated and ventilated front seats; heated steering wheel; illuminated sill plates; front LED cornering lights; automatic highbeam headlights; a following distance indicator; a lane keep assist with a lane departure warning; and a rear spoiler

Other Trim Levels:

Sport

V-Series

The interior design of all Cadillac is being led by Crystal Windham, the highest ranking Black female designer in the industry

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine/237-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/32-hwy

What’s New:  The CT5 is a carryover model this year, after landing in the brand’s portfolio in 2020. The major announcement is that the brand’s signature hands free Super Cruise system is not an optional feature on most trims.

Why: 

Stylish exterior with its fastback design

18-inch, 19-inch and 20-inch wheels available

A 4-cylinder turbo and 6-cylinder powertrain

Affordable entry level price

A rear wheel drive platform

All-wheel drive available

Feel and drives more like an import

Premium interior

An intuitive touchscreen infotainment screen/system

Snug seating

Scored number 1 in JD Power 90-day Initial Quality Study

An Available Super Cruise – semi autonomous driving feature available

But: 

Why is the sunroof optional?

The vehicle might feel to snug when compared to other midsize luxury vehicles

No power operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel

No power pull down trunk

No rear heated seats

An optional navigation system

Not as roomy as its competitors

No electrification

Verdict: As we noted in our review in 2020, the CT5 as hit a sweet spot for both Cadillac and the midsize luxury car segment. For years, Cadillac has struggled to compete in this segment in terms of styling, performance and quality. So, its no surprise the CT5 has scored at the top of the segment in terms of JD Power Initial Quality Study during the first 90 days ownership. Moreover, the brand’s semi autonomous hands free driving system has finally made it way to the CT5.

Competition:  Alfa Romero Giulia; Audi A5; BMW 5-Series; Genesis G80; Infiniti G70; Lexus ES; and Mercedes-Benz E-Class