2023 Hyundai Elantra vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a diverse range of options to suit various preferences and budgets. Starting with the base Elantra Essential, which was priced significantly lower than the average new car in Canada, buyers could opt for the more upscale Preferred or Luxury trims. The Luxury trim, in particular, offered a premium feel that belied its cost, with features like a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system. The Elantra Hybrid, available as an option on the Luxury trim, maintained the same exterior design as the standard model, save for a subtle "Hybrid" badge. The sporty Elantra N Line Ultimate and the high-performance Elantra N, with its 276-horsepower engine, catered to driving enthusiasts. Despite its controversial exterior styling, the Elantra's interior impressed with its light grey leather seats, ambient lighting, and high-tech displays, although the hard plastic on the upper door panels was a minor letdown.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5, as the successor to the CTS, toned down the bold styling of its predecessor while maintaining a distinctive front fascia and a stately appearance thanks to its stretched wheelbase. The CT5's design was contemporary, with a cleaner look compared to its German competitors. Cadillac offered a range of trims, from the base Luxury to the performance-oriented CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing models. The interior, however, seemed to lack cohesion, with mismatched surfaces and a less luxurious feel than expected. Despite optional features like two-tone semi-aniline leather upholstery and carbon fibre trim, the cabin still appeared somewhat cheap. Nevertheless, the CT5 provided a good driving position and a decent amount of interior space, although its trunk capacity was the smallest among its rivals.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Luxury's performance specs might not have been thrilling on paper, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. However, its driving dynamics exceeded expectations. The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) was among the best in its class, and the Elantra Luxury achieved a commendable fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km during testing. While not as sporty as the Elantra N Line Ultimate or the Elantra N, the Luxury model offered a communicative ride, quiet highway performance, and consistent handling. The 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/45 tires contributed to its stable cornering, although the steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed some shuddering under heavy use.

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 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 was also available, delivering 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing performance models provided even more power, with the latter boasting a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque. The CT5 Premium Luxury test car, equipped with the twin-turbo V6 and AWD, offered a balanced blend of luxury and sportiness. It achieved a 0 to 96 km/h time of 5.1 seconds and demonstrated impressive handling with minimal understeer. The ride quality leaned towards sporty, and the cabin remained quiet, with a pleasant exhaust note at full throttle.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra combined style with practicality, offering ample space for a family of four. The test vehicle featured proximity-sensing keyless entry, a comfortable leather-wrapped driver's seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. However, rear-seat passengers might have found the seating position too reclined, and the absence of rear air conditioning vents and USB ports was a drawback. The Elantra's trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free release feature and a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered competitive passenger space compared to its German rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi A6 and outgoing Mercedes E-Class. The CT5's driving position was well-suited for sporty driving, with standard 12-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and 10-way for the front passenger. Premium Luxury and Sport models offered even more adjustability, along with heated and ventilated front seats. The centre console was efficiently designed, with ample storage space and a wireless phone charger. However, the CT5's trunk capacity of 337 litres was the smallest in its class.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, available on higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad, although only Bluetooth supported wireless connectivity. The voice recognition system was generally effective, though it struggled with some commands. The Elantra Luxury also featured a Bose premium audio system, which fell short of expectations compared to competitors. Digital Key technology allowed a compatible smartphone to function as the vehicle's key.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology Package added a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. The 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 those of BMW and Mercedes. While the CT5 lacked the flashy tech of its German rivals, it offered practical usability with a rotary controller and analog controls for essential functions.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, with a comprehensive suite of standard features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Luxury added advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Highway Driving Assist system performed smoothly, and the Elantra earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in all crash-test categories. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear-seat reminder. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assist system, enhanced the CT5's safety credentials. Super Cruise offered a high level of confidence and ease of use, setting it apart from competitors.