2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with its own flair, resulting in a distinctive design by the seventh generation. The wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline gave it a unique appearance, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five. The Limited trim featured comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery was not to everyone's taste. The Sonata N Line added sporty elements like a body kit and N branding, transforming its look from mild to wild.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out on Canadian roads, often turning heads with its unique design. The CT5-V test vehicle, in a light grey metallic colour called Rift, featured 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. The CT5-V was the sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan, positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing. The CT5-V's interior combined high-quality materials with some less impressive details, offering a mix of comfort and style. Despite some shortcomings, the CT5-V's design and presence made it a notable contender in the luxury sedan market.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft was available for the Sport and Luxury trims. The Sonata N Line, however, boasted a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission and sport suspension. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and while the ride was smooth and quiet, the lack of all-wheel drive was a drawback for some.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about five seconds, though the experience was more auditory than visceral. The CT5-V's 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and performance-tuned suspension provided a dynamic driving experience. Various driving modes allowed customization, but the steering lacked feedback. Despite some noise and refinement issues, the CT5-V excelled in balance, body control, and braking.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were excellent, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The 453-litre trunk was spacious, and features like Remote Smart Parking Assist added convenience, though it was more of a novelty.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4, provided a roomy and comfortable interior. The front seats offered good comfort and support, while the rear seats were reminiscent of a BMW 3 Series. However, the 337-litre trunk was small and narrow, limiting cargo capacity. Despite some storage solutions, packing for trips required creativity.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim, with base models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims offering a 10.25-inch display with navigation and a Bose audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Bose system impressed with its clarity and power.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V excelled in user-friendly technology. The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system included a 10-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. While the displays were not the largest, their simplicity was a strength. The CT5-V also offered optional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera, enhancing its tech appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It received top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the exception of some headlight ratings.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 featured the Cadillac Smart System, offering basic safety features like forward collision warning and pedestrian detection. The CT5-V added advanced driver-assistance features and the optional Super Cruise 1 Package, which provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. While impressive, Super Cruise required driver attention and had some limitations.