2023 Honda Accord vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign that introduced a more technical and modern appearance, moving away from the shiny chrome and exuberant character of its predecessor. The hybrid powertrain became standard on most trim levels, with the base EX variant being the only model in Canada to feature a gas-only engine. The Accord EX, priced at $37,000 in Canada, featured a dark grille, LED headlights, and a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered compliments. Inside, the Accord EX boasted durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim, integrating the air conditioning vents seamlessly. The digital instrumentation paired with a touchscreen infotainment system, reflecting Honda's attention to detail and refinement.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac CT5, which succeeded the Cadillac CTS, presented a more restrained design compared to its predecessor. The CT5 maintained a distinctive front fascia and a stately appearance due to its stretched wheelbase. The roof arched at the back, hinting at a fastback silhouette. Despite being older than some competitors, the CT5's design remained contemporary, with a cleaner look than the newly redesigned German sedans. The interior, however, seemed to lack cohesion, with various surfaces not blending well together. While the CT5 offered features like massaging front seats, the cabin's overall appearance felt less luxurious, even with optional two-tone semi-aniline leather upholstery and carbon fibre trim.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), powered the front wheels. The Accord's suspension system managed its 59:41 front-to-rear weight distribution effectively, and the steering system offered good response and road feel. The Accord EX returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation route, slightly higher than the expected 7.3 L/100 km due to testing conditions. The Accord's ride quality was communicative yet quiet, with excellent brake pedal modulation and nimble handling. However, the CVT's Sport drive mode was less satisfying, and the tires felt squishy during spirited driving.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered multiple powertrain options, including a base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with Canadian buyers having the option of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing performance models offered even more power, with the latter featuring a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing 668 hp and 659 lb-ft. The CT5 Premium Luxury test car, equipped with the twin-turbo V6 and AWD, delivered a balanced and enjoyable driving experience, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 5.1 seconds. The CT5's ride quality leaned towards a sports sedan, and the interior noise was well-managed, allowing for a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Honda Accord in Canada came standard with features like heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. However, it lacked a power-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports. The Accord provided ample rear legroom and a high-mounted back seat for excellent leg support. The trunk offered a generous 473 litres of space, with easy loading and unloading capabilities.

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. While second-row headroom was limited, the CT5 provided the most legroom in both rows. The trunk space, however, was the smallest in its class at 337 litres. The CT5 featured a good driving position with standard 12-way power and 10-way front passenger adjustment on the base Luxury grade. Premium Luxury and Sport models offered even more seat adjustments and a power tilt and telescoping steering column. The centre console was well-utilized, providing decent storage space and a wireless phone charger.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The EX trim came with an eight-speaker audio system but lacked SiriusXM satellite radio. The physical controls for the stereo were appreciated, though the tuning knob's function was misleading.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 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 sharp graphics. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition system lagged behind competitors. While the CT5 lacked the flashy tech of its German rivals, it excelled in everyday usability.

The 2023 Honda Accord was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2023.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety 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 also offered Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assist system, on Premium Luxury and Sport models.