2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had a more conventional look, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and forward-thinking aesthetics of the hatchback were among the most innovative in the market, rivaling even some electric vehicles. Inside, the Mazda3 continued its clean and futuristic theme with a simple yet elegant cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The climate controls were straightforward, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, maintained an elegant design.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac CT5 dialed back the bold styling of its predecessor, the CTS, but still maintained a distinctive and confident front fascia. The stretched wheelbase gave it a stately appearance, and the roof's arch hinted at a fastback silhouette. Despite being older than some competitors, the CT5's design remained contemporary and clean. Inside, the CT5's interior seemed to be a mix of various car elements, lacking a cohesive luxury feel. While features like massaging front seats added to the luxury experience, the overall interior quality felt lacking. The CT5's cabin, even with optional high-end materials, struggled to convey a true luxury ambiance.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four was available, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The highlight was the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a performance-oriented feel. The turbo engine provided a satisfying sound, and the handling was precise and refined, making it a joy to drive.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered a base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 was also available, producing 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. The CT5-V variant featured a tuned version of the V6 with 360 hp, while the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque. The CT5 Premium Luxury model, with its twin-turbo V6, provided a balanced driving experience, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 5.1 seconds for AWD models. The handling was neutral, and the ride quality leaned towards a sporty sedan feel, with low interior noise enhancing driving comfort.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, which was smaller compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback provided 569 litres of cargo space, which, while not as spacious as some small SUVs, was still usable. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decently sized centre console and ergonomic design.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 provided comparable passenger space to its rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi A6 and outgoing Mercedes E-Class, and nearly the same as the BMW 5 Series. The CT5 offered the most legroom in both rows, but its 337 litres of trunk space was the smallest in its class. The driving position was well-designed, with good outward visibility and adjustable seating options. The centre console was efficiently organized, with decent storage space and well-placed controls.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console, which was a weak point due to its clumsy menu navigation and lack of touchscreen functionality. The system's learning curve was steep, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. The Mazda3 came with two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control, with optional upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 came standard with a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology Package added a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Cadillac's infotainment system had improved over the years, offering smooth operation and easy-to-use controls. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition feature lagged behind competitors. While lacking the flashy tech of some rivals, the CT5's system was user-friendly and practical.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GT grade included adaptive headlights and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 hatchback's design posed a safety issue with its large C-pillar creating a massive blind spot. The IIHS rated the Mazda3 as a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA gave it five stars in crash tests.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars 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 also offered Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assist system, which was highly regarded for its ease of use and performance.