2023 Subaru WRX vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Subaru WRX had evolved significantly from its Impreza roots, showcasing a distinct identity that set it apart from its predecessor. The WRX's design featured a wide-body look with boxy fender flares reminiscent of the first-generation model, and body cladding that linked it visually to the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback. The signature hood scoop remained a functional element, feeding air to the intercooler. Base models came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims sported 18-inch wheels, all equipped with standard summer tires. The WRX's exterior styling was bold and unmistakably performance-oriented, aligning with Subaru's current design language.

Inside, the WRX's cabin was straightforward and durable, though not luxurious. The top Sport-Tech trim offered a 10-way adjustable driver's seat with Ultrasuede upholstery and red stitching, while lower trims featured cloth seats with similar stitching. The interior was practical, but lacked the Recaro Performance Design front seats available in other markets. Despite its simplicity, the WRX's interior was built to withstand years of use, maintaining Subaru's reputation for reliability and functionality.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5, on the other hand, presented a more refined and stately appearance compared to its predecessor, the CTS. The CT5's design was less aggressive, with a distinctive front fascia and a stretched wheelbase that gave it a more elegant profile. The roofline hinted at a fastback silhouette, adding a touch of sportiness to its luxury sedan persona. While the CT5 was older than some of its competitors, it maintained a contemporary look with a cleaner design than the newly redesigned German sedans.

Inside, the CT5's cabin was a mix of various design elements, with surfaces that didn't always blend seamlessly. Despite this, the car offered a range of luxury features, such as massaging front seats and semi-aniline leather upholstery. The CT5's interior was more about functionality than visual appeal, with a focus on comfort and convenience. The driving position was well-designed, offering good visibility and adjustability, while the centre console provided ample storage space and a wireless phone charger.

The 2023 Subaru WRX was powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Subaru boxer engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This placed it between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of power, and similarly between the Honda Civic Si and Type R. The WRX featured all-wheel drive (AWD) and offered a choice between a standard 6-speed manual transmission and an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), known as the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT). The SPT/CVT was available on the Sport and Sport-Tech trims, providing quick throttle responses and a more conventional automatic feel.

The WRX's driving experience was characterized by its well-mannered nature, offering a quiet and comfortable ride suitable for daily driving. Its AWD system and standard summer tires provided ample grip on twisty roads, inspiring confidence. However, the driving experience was somewhat muted, with quiet exhaust notes and laid-back steering. The WRX excelled in competence but lacked the exuberance of some of its competitors.

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 option of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The CT5-V variant featured a tuned version of the V6, producing 360 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, 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, equipped with the twin-turbo V6, offered a balanced blend of luxury and sportiness. It achieved a 0 to 96 km/h time of 5.1 seconds for AWD models and 4.9 seconds for RWD models. The CT5's handling was impressively neutral, with minimal understeer and a touch of rear-end rotation for crisp cornering. The ride quality leaned towards a sports sedan feel, but remained comfortable. The CT5's low interior noise and pleasant exhaust growl added to the driving experience.

The 2023 Subaru WRX offered practicality as a compact sedan, with slightly more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si. However, the Civic provided more rear-seat space. The WRX's trunk space measured 354 litres, less than the Civic Si's 408 litres but more than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's 299 litres. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, though Subaru didn't provide a cargo-space figure with the seat folded. The WRX maintained good outward visibility, thanks to low window-sill lines and thin roof pillars. However, the cabin lacked a convenient spot for a smartphone, with limited space under the touchscreen and in the cupholders.

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, though second-row headroom was the lowest in the group. The CT5's trunk space was 337 litres, the smallest among its competitors. The CT5's driving position was well-designed, with good visibility and adjustability. The centre console made efficient use of space, accommodating a wireless phone charger and decent-sized cupholders. The doors offered ample storage, and the inclined armrests were well-placed for comfort.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured the Subaru Starlink touchscreen infotainment system, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Base models had dual 7-inch touchscreens, while Sport and Sport-Tech trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen was appreciated for its readability, though physical buttons and knobs were missed. The interface was generally user-friendly, but the SiriusXM satellite radio required multiple steps to operate. The top Sport-Tech trim included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 came with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology Package added a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Standard features included three USB ports and wireless phone charging, while a 15-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system was optional. Cadillac's infotainment system had improved significantly, with smooth operation and large, simple icons. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition feature lagged behind competitors.

The 2023 Subaru WRX offered Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, available only with the CVT. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear-seat reminder. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. The CT5 also offered Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assist system, as an option on Premium Luxury and Sport models.