2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. It exuded a sleek and elegant aesthetic, with a design that was largely free of flaws, save for a debatable chrome spear on the rear roof pillars. The standard 18-inch wheels complemented the car's proportions well, and the Red Obsession Tintcoat paint, though costly, added a touch of extravagance. The CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, although some areas still featured less refined plastics.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX had a more youthful and aggressive appearance, often likened to a rebellious teenager within the Subaru family. While it lacked the race-ready rear wing of the WRX STI, it still maintained a sporty demeanor with its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid. The interior of the WRX was functional but dated, with hard plastics and a design reminiscent of older Subaru models. Despite this, it provided a comfortable driving position and decent space for passengers, though it fell short in terms of interior storage and cargo capacity compared to some competitors.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between an unrefined 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more powerful twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The latter, available on the Premium Luxury and standard on the CT5-V, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, and 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque in the CT5-V. The V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided exhilarating acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, the transmission's behavior in Sport mode could be unpredictable, affecting the driving experience. The CT5's suspension was tuned for comfort, making it well-suited for real-world driving conditions, though it lacked the engagement and precision of sportier models.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the WRX was the most powerful among its rivals, extracting its full potential required skillful rev management. The manual transmission's clutch felt vague, making the CVT a more practical option for some drivers. The WRX's Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring enhanced its cornering capabilities, but its stiff ride could be less comfortable compared to competitors like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 boasted a spacious and comfortable interior, thanks to its stretched wheelbase and thoughtful design. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim offered 18-way power-adjustable front seats with features like lumbar massage and automatic heating and cooling. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was impressive, with a smartphone tray, wireless charging, and a sizable center console. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, with a non-flat floor and enclosed hinges.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, with its conventional sedan layout, provided a trunk with up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it offered more space than the Civic Si coupe, it lagged behind the GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior design showed its age, lacking modern conveniences like accommodating in-door bottle holders. Despite this, it provided a comfortable driving position and decent rear-seat space for four adults. The center console offered reasonable storage, but the overall interior packaging felt less innovative compared to newer models.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 featured an updated Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with a 10.0-inch high-definition touchscreen. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. The CT5 also boasted advanced safety technologies, such as a high-definition surround-view camera system and a rearview-camera mirror. However, the head-up display occasionally displayed incorrect speed-limit data.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the graphics felt dated. The Limited trim offered an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo. While the WRX's infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked the cutting-edge technology found in more recent models.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, though they were not available on the base Luxury trim. The test car's safety systems performed well, with no false warnings. The lane-keeping assistance was subtle, sometimes leading to uncertainty about its operation. The CT5 also featured adaptive cruise control, maintaining a safe following distance and braking smoothly. However, Super Cruise, Cadillac's hands-free driver-assist technology, was not available for the 2020 model.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control and emergency automatic braking, was available on the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. The Limited trim offered additional options like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. However, the manual transmission could not be paired with these advanced safety technologies.