2023 Cadillac CT5 vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over its 2020 redesign, presented a sleek and modern exterior reminiscent of a smaller Altima. Its low-slung, coupe-like design marked a significant improvement over its predecessors, which had a more traditional sedan appearance. The Sentra was available in a variety of bold colours, including blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlett Ember," with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, featuring a modern yet simple layout that balanced form and function. The controls were user-friendly, and the centre dash's trio of vents added an upscale touch, complemented by a prominent touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V stood out on Canadian roads, often turning heads with its unique design. The test model featured a light grey metallic colour called Rift, paired with 19-inch aluminum wheels that shone in the sunlight. The CT5-V was a sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan, positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing. Its design was a perfect blend of proportions, lines, and details, with a mix of black, chrome, and body-colour trim elements. The interior, while offering a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details, provided a two-tone cabin with simulated carbon fibre trim, ambient lighting, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came standard with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT managed power effectively, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance-focused car. The suspension handled most road bumps well, making it suitable for commuting and road trips.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in about five seconds, although it felt faster than it was. The CT5-V featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters for manual control. It offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track, each adjusting the car's dynamics. The CT5-V's performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control suspension and Brembo brakes provided excellent handling and stopping power. However, the car was not quiet, with noticeable road noise and a resonant exhaust note.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 404 litres of trunk space, which was competitive among small sedans. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, although the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items challenging. The Sentra's interior provided spacious seating for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom and legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console offered plenty of storage options.

In comparison, 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 were 18-way power-adjustable, with optional genuine leather and ventilated seats. The rear seats, while offering good thigh support and knee clearance, were less accessible due to the door frame design. The CT5-V's trunk space was limited to 337 litres, with a narrow opening that made packing challenging. However, it did offer hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for additional items.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV and SR trims offered a larger 8-inch screen. The system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was becoming more common in non-luxury vehicles.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V excelled in technology, with a Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system that was simple and easy to use. It included a 10-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. The CT5-V also offered wireless smartphone charging and natural voice recognition. While the test car lacked an embedded navigation system, it provided a head-up display, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a Performance Data Recorder for enhanced functionality.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection. It earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, receiving a "Top Safety Pick" award. The Sentra's adaptive cruise control, while effective, had abrupt braking when reaching its set distance from the car ahead.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured the Cadillac Smart System, which included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V also offered advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with automated lane-change functionality. However, the system required driver attention and had occasional issues with lane changes and HOV lane navigation.