The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Numerous performance options
- Thrilling V models
- Ferocious Blackwing
- All-wheel drive availability
- Optional Super Cruise
Dislikes
- Cabin lacks luxury cred
- Snug rear head room
- Some odd styling details
- Tiny trunk
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offers a stylish blend of tech and performance, which peaks in the ferocious 668-hp CT5-V Blackwing.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Cadillac CT5? What does it compare to?
The Cadillac CT5 is a sporty, sleek fastback-styled sedan that undercuts more expensive rivals such as the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Acura TLX.
Is the 2024 Cadillac CT5 a good car?
The lineup is a great value across the board, and the CT5-V Blackwing model throbs with acceleration and grip. It earns a TCC Rating of 6.8 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 Cadillac CT5?
Not much, just a new extra-cost paint option.
The CT5 lineup starts with the endearing yet rather basic Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport versions, and graduates to the CT5-V and fierce CT5-V Blackwing models. All share a fastback shape with a proper trunk, instead of a hatchback that had us fooled at first sight. The V versions don’t boast about their performance positioning like the old Cadillac CTS-V, but rest assured, there’s plenty of power.
Base models get a 237-hp turbo-4 that works fine for everyday use, though the twin-turbo V-6 is an obvious temptation, rated at 335 hp (or, even better, 360 hp in CT5-V form). These rear-wheel-drive CT5s all get a 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth, fast shifts. All-wheel drive is available.
The CT5-V Blackwing is a beast all its own, with a 668-hp supercharged V-8 that’s the most potent engine ever stuffed into a Cadillac. The 6-speed manual transmission is particularly delightful, but the 10-speed automatic makes it even quicker to 60 mph.
All CT5s boast fantastic handling, and even the V versions can be comfortable daily drivers thanks to adaptive dampers.
EPA ratings run the gamut, ranging from the mid-20s combined for the 4-cylinder to excessive consumption for the Blackwing.
The CT5’s cabin is comfy though it lacks the special touches that spark delight in Swedish and German rivals. The 10.0-inch touchscreen is easy to use and includes convenient, reliable wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Upholstery choices from synthetic leather surfaces to several grades of genuine hides cover firmly-bolstered front seats. Rear passengers could use a bit more head room.
The CT5 plays the hits with standard driver-assistance tech, with more crash avoidance options on the menu. Cadillac’s limited hands-free Super Cruise system is available on higher-end models, including the Blackwing.
How much does the 2024 Cadillac CT5 cost?
Based on 2023 pricing for the entry-level models, the CT5 lineup begins at about $40,000, including a $1,395 destination fee, but speeds to above $100,000 in the top Blackwing configuration.
Even with all-wheel drive and select options, a well-outfitted Premium Luxury model can likely be had for about $50,000, but we can’t blame anyone for considering the sublime V models, which start at about $54,000.
Where is the 2024 Cadillac CT5 made?
In Lansing, Michigan.
2024 Cadillac CT5 Styling
Sporty and svelte lines suit the 2024 Cadillac CT5 well.
Is the Cadillac CT5 a good-looking car?
Though busy, this design nails most angles. Overall, we like the look inside and out and rate it 7 out of 10.
In profile, the long roofline has hatchback vibes, though the CT5 is actually a sedan. The nose features a broad grille that snakes into lighting that seems to grasp for the front wheels. A not-so-subtle kink near the rear doors accentuates the hatchback profile, which flows into a short decklid. Wheel sizes start at 18 inches and grow from there.
The CT5 has clean lines inside, far less bold than the exterior. The 10.0-inch touchscreen tops a broad panel of logically organized switches. Materials get nicer with more money, so consider spending for genuine leather, wood, or carbon fiber trim.
2024 Cadillac CT5 Performance
The Cadillac CT5 zips its way through an impressive range of capabilities.
Is the Cadillac CT5 4WD?
It can be, but this performance-minded sedan starts in rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive is optional on all models but the CT5-V Blackwing.
How fast is the Cadillac CT5?
No version is really a slouch. Base trims push 237 hp to the ground via a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-4 is capable in everyday driving, with just enough energy for highway passing. Our score of 8 out of 10 score applies to the base CT5s for their straight-line performance, divine handling, and solid automatic transmission. For V models, we’d add at least a point for their outright composure.
The 360-hp CT5-V with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 is even better, capable of a 4.6-second run to 60 mph. That same engine is rated for a slightly less peppy 335 hp in the CT5 Premium Luxury model.
The CT5-V Blackwing stuffs in a ferocious 668-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. Whether you prefer the chunky 6-speed manual transmission or the 10-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, this is serious performance. The Blackwing soars to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and tops 200 mph on a closed course. The manual is our favorite, thanks to its no-lift shifting and active rev matching. There’s also serious bragging rights since this is the most potent engine currently offered with a third pedal.
Regardless of powertrain, the rear-wheel-drive chassis, which is shared with the Chevy Camaro, delivers impressive composure. Exceptional steering feedback makes the most of this stiff platform, and the available magnetic dampers help take the edge off.
If you want a track companion, the Blackwing delivers grin-inducing thrills while remaining comfortable enough to trudge to the office the following week.
2024 Cadillac CT5 Comfort & Quality
The 2024 Cadillac CT5 provides a comfortable cabin, though the trunk’s on the small side.
You’d be forgiven for assuming the Cadillac CT5’s fastback profile means a big trunk, but that’s not the case. Still, supportive front and rear seats earn this Cadillac a 7 on the TCC scale.
Up front, the seats feature plenty of power adjustment, and Sport and V models are available with bolstered seats that are even better, although they might be too snug for wider drivers. Rear passengers are treated to a well-padded bench and decent space, but headroom can be cramped for taller passengers.
The trunk, at 11.9 cubic feet, is like what we’d expect from a sports car rather than a sporty sedan. Pack light.
The CT5 generally features nice cabin finishes with the option of trims such as aluminum, real wood, or carbon fiber.
2024 Cadillac CT5 Safety
Cadillac could be more generous with the 2024 CT5’s driver-assistance tech.
How safe is the Cadillac CT5?
The 2024 Cadillac CT5 has a solid list of standard crash-avoidance features, and the latest driver assistance tech is on offer. A NHTSA five-star overall rating helps the CT5 earn an 8 out of 10 here, though an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating would nudge it higher.
Standard fare includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a rear-seat reminder, and parking sensors. Most trims can be fitted with adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. Cadillac’s clever Super Cruise system, which allows limited hands-free travel on certain roads, is also available.
2024 Cadillac CT5 Features
The 2024 Cadillac CT5 is a reasonable value from the base configuration all the way up to the sporty CT5-V Blackwing.
A range of trims means there’s a CT5 for just about any budget. We end up with a 7 for value based on the CT5’s good standard fare and great infotainment system.
Cadillac’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty coverage meets luxury expectations, and Cadillac covers the first scheduled maintenance trip.
As of this writing, Cadillac had published pricing only for the top-tier CT5 models. Based on 2023 pricing, expect to pay about $40,000 including the $1,395 destination fee for the base Luxury trim. That gets you synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12.0-inch digital instrument display, a 10.0-inch touchscreen, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Bose audio, leather upholstery, and a few other amenities are optional.
Which Cadillac CT5 should I buy?
The base cars offer compelling value, but the chassis shines in CT5-V form. For $52,890, the CT5-V wants for little, but Cadillac upcharges for most paints, leather upholstery, navigation, and a head-up display. Add that tech and the price quickly tops $65,000.
How much is a fully loaded Cadillac CT5?
For 2024, the CT5-V Blackwing starts at $96,085 with the manual transmission and $99,260 with the automatic. Plenty of options will tempt to above the six-figure mark.
2024 Cadillac CT5 Fuel Economy
The 2024 Cadillac CT5 is reasonably frugal, as long as you skip the letter V.
Is the Cadillac CT5 good on gas?
It can be decent, even considering its lack of a hybrid option.
Based on 2023 fuel economy ratings, the Cadillac CT5 earns a 3 out of 10 on the TCC scale with estimates of 23 mpg city, 33 highway, 27 combined for models with the base 4-cylinder. With all-wheel drive, those ratings dip to 22/30/25 mpg.
Meanwhile, the CT5-V returns just 19/27/22 mpg, and the 360-hp version slips to 21 mpg.
Blackwing versions are guzzlers, at just 13/22/16 mpg with the automatic transmission and a notch below for manual models.
