2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Acura Integra was a testament to Acura's cohesive design language, seamlessly fitting into the brand's lineup with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. It replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a fresh five-door liftback design that harkened back to the third-generation Integra. The car's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the embossed "Integra" name added a nostalgic touch. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic, but it maintained its unique identity with features like honeycomb grilles and a 9-inch color touchscreen. The A-Spec trims offered microsuede upholstery, though the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback. While it didn't match the bespoke refinement of German competitors, the Integra was well-constructed and offered a satisfying driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out in Southern California, where Asian and German luxury cars dominated. Its unique light gray metallic color, Rift, and 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish caught attention. The CT5-V, a sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan, was priced between the standard CT5 and the performance-tuned CT5-V Blackwing. The CT5-V's interior was a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details, but it offered standard ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The CT5-V's technology was approachable, and its controls were logically laid out, making it a user-friendly luxury sedan.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, a lively 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It paired beautifully with a six-speed manual transmission, available only on the A-Spec with Technology trim. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension and a wide track that provided a sporty ride. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra featured three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—plus an individual mode, with Sport mode noticeably enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V housed a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, though the car sounded faster than it felt. The CT5-V's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with paddle shifters available for manual control. The car offered several driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, each adjusting the car's dynamics. The CT5-V's Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes provided excellent handling, though the steering lacked feel and feedback. The car's resonant exhaust note was a highlight, but road noise and suspension racket detracted from the overall refinement.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space, though the high lift-over height could be a challenge for shorter shoppers or those with heavy luggage. The interior was comfortable, with a logical dashboard layout and smart storage solutions. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the steeply sloped roofline. The back seat cushions were notably soft, adding to passenger comfort.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier and more comfortable interior. The standard 18-way power-adjustable front seats, wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, provided good comfort and support. Rear-seat access was trickier, but once seated, passengers enjoyed a slightly reclined position with excellent thigh support. The CT5-V's trunk was small at 11.9 cubic feet, but it offered hidden storage and a deep well for additional items. The car's interior storage solutions were functional, with smartphone-friendly locations and a decent-sized storage bin.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Technology package added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and an ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers. The A-Spec with Technology trim offered a wireless, seamless experience with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a technological standout in its segment.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was praised for its simplicity and user-friendly controls. The CT5-V also included wireless smartphone charging, Alexa Built-in, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system. Optional upgrades included a navigation system, head-up display, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Despite lacking flashy graphics, the CT5-V's technology was easy to use and understand.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety equipment, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) across all trim levels. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with the Cadillac Smart System, offering basic safety features like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like lane-centering and automated lane changes. While Super Cruise was impressive, it required driver attention and had some limitations during testing.