2022 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued the brand's tradition of sporty design, a significant evolution from its earlier, more conservative styling. The sixth-generation model featured a distinctive V-Motion grille, a low and wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, in particular, enhanced the Altima's sporty appeal with gloss black accents, LED fog lights, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the Altima offered a premium feel with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, though lower trims lacked the same level of refinement.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V stood out with its unique styling and attention to detail. The test vehicle's light grey metallic Rift paint and 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish drew attention on the road. The CT5-V's design was a perfect blend of black, body colour, chrome, and wheel-matching finishes, achieving a harmonious look. Inside, the CT5-V offered a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details. The two-tone cabin, stainless steel speaker grilles, and polished metallic accents contributed to an upscale feel, though hard plastic panels detracted from the overall impression.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's performance was modest, the standard all-wheel drive was a notable feature for a midsize sedan. The Xtronic CVT transmission, paired with the engine, resulted in mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. However, the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its excellent suspension and Active Ride Control.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine with 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the CT5-V to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds. The 10-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, occasionally required manual intervention via paddle shifters for optimal performance. The CT5-V offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing drivers to tailor the car's dynamics to their preferences. Despite its impressive power, the CT5-V's road noise and lack of refinement were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four adults, with a spacious trunk offering 437 litres of cargo space. While the Altima's dimensions were average for its class, its high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports also posed a challenge when packing, as they could crush items if not carefully arranged.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier and more comfortable interior. The front seats, with 18-way power adjustments, provided good comfort and support, though the rear seats were less accessible due to the door frame design. The CT5-V's trunk, at 337 litres, was smaller and narrower than expected, making packing a challenge. However, hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for items like wine bottles added some practicality.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered additional features like a nine-speaker Bose audio system and Nissan's ProPilot Assist, which provided advanced driver assistance capabilities.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V excelled in technology, with a Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system that included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose 15-speaker audio system, and wireless smartphone charging. The CT5-V's controls were intuitive, with stereo volume and radio tuning controls on the centre console. Optional features included a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and a Performance Data Recorder.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Altima received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V included the Cadillac Smart System, which offered basic safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Additional driver-assistance features included 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 it required driver attention and occasional manual intervention.