2023 Acura Integra vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Acura Integra was a testament to Acura's cohesive design language, seamlessly fitting into the brand's lineup with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. It replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a fresh five-door liftback design that harkened back to the third-generation Integra. The car's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the embossed "Integra" name added a nostalgic touch. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic, but it maintained its unique identity with features like honeycomb grilles and a 9-inch colour touchscreen. The Elite A-Spec trim level added microsuede inserts, although the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5, on the other hand, dialed back the bold styling of its predecessor, the CTS, for a more refined appearance. Its front fascia retained a distinctive sneer, and the stretched wheelbase gave it a stately presence. The CT5's interior, however, was a mix of different elements that didn't always blend seamlessly, and it sometimes fell short of luxury expectations. Despite this, the CT5 offered a comfortable driving position and a range of power adjustments for the front seats. The cabin's design was functional, with well-placed controls and storage spaces, but it lacked the wow factor of its German competitors.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, featuring a lively 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The Elite A-Spec trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching technology, enhancing the driving experience. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension and a variable-ratio electric power-steering system that provided a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The car's three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed drivers to tailor the ride to their preferences.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 was also available, delivering 335 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The CT5-V variant featured a tuned version of the V6 with 360 horsepower, while the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 668 horsepower. The CT5's handling was neutral and engaging, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 5.1 seconds for AWD models. The ride quality leaned towards sporty, and the car struck a good balance between performance and comfort.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 688 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height could be a challenge for loading heavy items. The interior provided ample space for front passengers, with a logical dashboard layout and convenient storage options. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The back seat cushions were notably soft, adding to passenger comfort.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered comparable passenger space to its German rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi A6 and outgoing Mercedes E-Class. It provided the most legroom in both rows, although second-row headroom was limited. The CT5's trunk space was the smallest in its class at 337 litres. The driving position was comfortable, with a range of power adjustments for the front seats. The centre console was well-utilized, offering storage space and a wireless phone charger.

The 2023 Acura Integra came equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a head-up display. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers provided an exceptional audio experience. The Integra's technology offerings were impressive, especially in the Elite A-Spec trim.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 featured a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology Package added a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. The CT5's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and a smartphone-like interface. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition system lagged behind competitors. While it lacked the flashy tech of its rivals, the CT5 excelled in everyday usability.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety with its comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Elite A-Spec trim added features like low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with features like forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The CT5 offered Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assist system, as an option on Premium Luxury and Sport models.