2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata, in its seventh generation, showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its predecessors and competitors. With a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, the Sonata's exterior was a bold statement, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, featuring clearly marked gauges and average material quality. The Limited trim boasted leather seats, though the tan upholstery color was not universally appealing. For those seeking a sportier look, the Sonata N Line provided aggressive styling with unique N-brand sport seats and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5, particularly in its CT5-V variant, turned heads in Southern California with its unique light gray metallic color and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The CT5-V's exterior was a blend of black, body color, chrome, and wheel-matching finishes, achieving a harmonious design. Inside, the CT5-V offered a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details. The cabin featured a two-tone design with simulated carbon fiber trim, ambient lighting, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the interior quality did not match the expectations set by its German competitors, despite its spaciousness and advanced technology.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and competent ride. The Sonata N Line, however, was the performance highlight, featuring a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, sport suspension, and an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite its front-wheel-drive configuration, the Sonata delivered a serene cabin experience with competent handling and noise abatement.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, allowed the CT5-V to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The CT5-V offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, each adjusting the car's dynamics to suit different driving conditions. While the CT5-V excelled in balance, body control, and grip, it was not a quiet car, with noticeable road noise and suspension racket on imperfect surfaces. The steering, though quick and precise, lacked feel and feedback.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's cabin offered 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. A standout feature was the Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the Sonata to maneuver in and out of tight spots with the press of a button on the key fob.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, provided a roomier and more comfortable interior. The CT5-V's front seats, wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, offered good comfort and support, though the rear seats were less accessible due to the door frame design. The CT5-V's trunk, at 11.9 cubic feet, was small and narrow, posing a challenge for packing. However, Cadillac provided hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for additional items.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level, with base SE models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims upgrading to a 10.25-inch display with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The SEL trim included features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. Pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was seamless, and the Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V's Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system was praised for its simplicity. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. The CT5-V offered stereo volume and radio tuning controls on the center console, enhancing usability. While the test car lacked an embedded navigation system, Apple CarPlay integration was straightforward. Cadillac's voice recognition system worked well for tuning the radio, though climate control adjustments were challenging.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and driver-attention warning. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view monitor. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not rated the 2022 model.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 featured the Cadillac Smart System, offering forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, though drivers needed to remain attentive. Super Cruise's automated lane-change function was impressive, but occasional issues required manual intervention.