2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid presented itself as a near-luxury sedan, often drawing comparisons to more expensive models like the Audi A7. Its sleek design, with a longer body and refined lines, gave it a sophisticated appearance. The updated front grille and LED lighting added to its modern look, while the blacked-out headlights and taillights provided a touch of elegance. The interior was equally impressive, featuring a new dashboard design and a digital instrument display. The Accord Hybrid Touring model came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and advanced features like Amazon Alexa and wireless connectivity options, making it a tech-savvy choice.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered a more restrained yet confident design compared to its predecessor, the CTS. The CT5's front fascia maintained a distinctive look, and its stretched wheelbase gave it a stately presence. The interior, however, was a mix of various design elements, which sometimes detracted from its luxury feel. Despite this, the CT5 provided a comfortable driving position and ample legroom, especially in the rear. The trunk space was limited compared to its rivals, but the CT5 made up for it with a well-thought-out centre console and storage options. The CT5's interior was more about functionality than opulence, with features like massaging front seats available on higher trims.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a total of 204 horsepower to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it lacked all-wheel drive, the Accord Hybrid excelled in smooth and efficient driving, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. Its suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system offered six levels of adjustment, enhancing the driving experience. The Accord Hybrid's agile handling made it a relaxing car to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder its manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered multiple powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower. A more powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 was available, delivering 335 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The CT5-V variant featured a tuned version of the V6, while the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 668 horsepower. The CT5's handling was impressive, with neutral dynamics and a hint of rear-end rotation in corners. The twin-turbo V6 provided decent acceleration, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 5.1 seconds for AWD models. The ride quality leaned towards sportiness, and the cabin remained quiet, with a pleasant exhaust note at full throttle.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin borrowed design elements from Honda's Civic and CR-V models, featuring a honeycomb mesh trim that concealed the air vents. The dashboard housed a user-friendly infotainment screen, and the Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats. The Accord Hybrid's interior felt solid and upscale, with a traditional gearshift replacing the previous button-based system. The front seats provided excellent support, and rear legroom and shoulder room were generous. However, the sleek roofline slightly compromised rear headroom. The trunk offered 473 litres of space, making it practical for carrying cargo.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 provided competitive passenger space, with more front headroom than some rivals. While rear headroom was limited, the CT5 excelled in legroom for both rows. The trunk space was the smallest among its competitors, at 337 litres. The CT5's driving position was well-designed, with adjustable seats and a power tilt and telescoping steering column on higher trims. The centre console was efficiently organized, offering decent storage and a wireless phone charger. The CT5's interior focused on practicality, with well-placed controls and storage options.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Hybrid model, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system and multiple USB ports enhanced the in-car experience. The intuitive menus and physical controls made the infotainment system user-friendly, and the advanced tech features justified the higher trim's price.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 came with a 10-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity options, and 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 had improved significantly, offering smooth operation and easy-to-use controls. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition system lagged behind competitors. While the CT5 lacked the flashy tech of some rivals, it excelled in everyday usability.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Honda Sensing bundle included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Accord Hybrid Touring added parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, earning high scores in crash tests and safety features.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, excelling in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The CT5 offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driver-assist system, on higher trims. While it required a subscription, Super Cruise was one of the best systems available, providing confidence-inspiring handling.