2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle makeover, featuring an updated engine, minor exterior styling tweaks, and enhanced infotainment. The Jetta Highline trim, which was the focus of this review, showcased these changes with a redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille, now adorned with more chrome. The grille's chrome frame and horizontal chrome pieces aligned with the standard LED headlights, directing attention to the VW logo. The rear bumper was reworked to be more square, and the taillight housing remained the same, but LED lighting became standard. New wheel designs and metallic colours, such as Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue, were introduced. The Jetta's interior updates were equally subtle, with new rhombus-patterned cloth seats and contrast stitching across all upholstery types. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather interior option in Volcano Brown and black, along with a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard, with the Highline trim receiving the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, dipped in a unique light grey metallic colour called Rift, stood out on the road, drawing attention with its 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. The CT5-V, a sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan, was positioned between the standard CT5 and the performance-tuned CT5-V Blackwing. Priced at $58,429, the CT5-V offered a balance of luxury and performance. The test car included the Climate Package and Super Cruise 1 Package, bringing the MSRP to $66,044. Competing with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in size and power, the CT5-V's interior quality explained its competitive pricing. The cabin featured a mix of high-quality materials and inexpensive details, with standard ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The CT5-V's technology was approachable, with simple display graphics and logical control layouts.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four, offering a slight increase in horsepower. The Jetta was available with a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission, exclusively in front-wheel drive. The Highline trim came standard with the automatic transmission. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with Natural Resources Canada estimating 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined for the manual transmission, and 7.7 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 6.8 combined for the automatic. On a 1,300-kilometre tour, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. The Jetta offered a comfortable ride, though the cabin wasn't the quietest. The powertrain had some drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The Jetta featured Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the steering feedback was detached, and the dynamics were tepid.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V housed a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This power output surpassed the base engines of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though it fell short of the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. The CT5-V could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds. The engine featured Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation, with a fuel economy rating of 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving. The 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels through an electronic limited-slip differential, with paddle shifters available for manual control. The CT5-V offered several driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, with a performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes. The CT5-V's exhaust note was resonant, but the car was not quiet, with road noise and suspension racket on imperfect surfaces. Despite the lack of refinement, the CT5-V was enjoyable to drive, with outstanding balance, body control, grip, and brakes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the ability to accommodate five if needed. The seats were comfortable, though the front seats' bottom cushion inclined slightly, which might not suit those with shorter legs. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for climate control, audio, and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was available in the form of door pockets, a centre console bin, and a slot next to the cupholders. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, but it was still functional for keeping items out of sight.

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 CT5-V featured standard artificial leather on the 18-way power-adjustable front performance seats, with genuine leather and ventilated front seats as options. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The test vehicle's seat bolsters were deflated, but when adjusted, the CT5-V provided good comfort and support. Entering and exiting the front seats was easy, but the rear seats were trickier due to the door frame cut and inboard seating position. The rear seat offered a slightly reclined backrest and excellent thigh support, though the plastic front seatback panels scuffed easily. The CT5-V's trunk offered 337 litres of cargo space, with hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for items like wine bottles. The 60/40 split back seat allowed for longer items.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with all models equipped with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Comfortline and Highline trims featured an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline received the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The Jetta's infotainment system allowed for customization, with a full-screen view of navigation within the instrument cluster. The Trendline trim came with a 6.5-inch Volkswagen MIB2 system, featuring App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. Bluetooth, two USB-C ports, and an SD card multimedia interface were standard, with a premium Beats Audio sound system and remote start available on higher trims.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V excelled in technology, with the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system offering numerous standard features. These included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and OnStar and Cadillac Connected Access services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The CT5-V also featured wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo volume and radio tuning controls on the centre console and steering wheel. An embedded navigation system was optional, and the CT5-V could be upgraded with a head-up display, high-definition surround-view camera, and Performance Data Recorder.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian recognition in Canada. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Comfortline trim, along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist was a driver attentiveness feature. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the updated side crash test.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 featured the Cadillac Smart System, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front parking sensors. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package offered hands-free driving assistance, combining adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, and lane-change systems. Super Cruise was impressive, but drivers needed to remain attentive. The system could automatically change lanes and adjust speed, but manual intervention was sometimes necessary.