2021 Cadillac CT5 Review
Price as tested: $51,000
Specs: 3.0 Liter Twin Turbo V6
335 HP / 405 ft:lbs of TQ
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
This is the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium. It’s powered by a rather glorious twin turbo V6 making 335 hp and 405 ft/lbs of that sweet torque which is bolted to a quick shifting (ish) 10 speed automatic. Add that, along with the fact, our tester is even coupled with AWD and you would assume this would be a $60,000 car right? Wrong. As tested, this is priced at $51,000! Sounds like a winner…no?
Well….ummmm….no.
For everything good in the CT5…there is something that is equally as bad. For every inch the Cadillac gains…it loses an inch. Let me break it down for you:
The Great
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 is graced with a stately, elegant if not understated design. This generation finally combines the angular looks of the first generation CTS with the softness found in the last generation…to build a cohesive design that is just damn good looking from every angle.
The Good
The twin turbo V6 is just stellar. It has every characteristic that makes a great engine uhhhh great. It’s powerful, smooth and sounds amazing. The 10 speed automatic delivers seamless and quick shifts with a wonderful ‘bbrrraapp’ when fully engaged with the throttle.
The Bad
Unfortunately that 10 speed automatic is temperamental. Slow speed maneuvers it’s lethargic to respond and trying to utilize the paddles behind the steering wheel is an exercise in patience. They also feel hollow and rather flimsy.
The Ugly
The Interior:
It just doesn’t feel premium enough to be in this category. Everything from the dash panel to the center console is filled with materials that just feel ‘meh’ at the very least to ‘ugh wtf’ at the very worst.
The Seats:
Offers no support whatsoever
The Brakes:
Feels wooden and has no feel
The Steering:
Fights you in mid corner and has no feel
The Suspension
Feels floaty, aloof and jittery all at the same time.
Overall:
This 2021 Cadillac CT5 is the most recalcitrant and confusing vehicles I have ever driven. It has the engine and transmission of a sports sedan but offers none of the sporty characteristics of one. It’s a Cadillac so one would assume if it’s not sporty then it would be luxurious. But it isn’t…with it’s downmarket interior, uncomfortable seats and jittery ride and unsettled ride along with handling. It is a bargain though…so there is that?
