2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a conservative design that was typical of the brand, aiming for a timeless appeal. However, the current generation seemed to lack the symmetry and balance that characterized its predecessors. Despite a recent refresh, the Jetta's appearance remained bland, though it was visually inoffensive. Inside, the Jetta Highline trim offered a no-nonsense interior with upscale touches reminiscent of the Audi luxury brand, including ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and larger digital screens. The overall feel from the driver’s seat was one of understated luxury, providing emotional value at a competitive price point.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac CT5 dialed back the bold styling of its predecessor, the CTS, yet maintained a distinctive and confident front fascia. The stretched wheelbase and fastback silhouette gave it a stately appearance. Despite being older than some competitors, the CT5's design remained contemporary, with a cleaner look than the newly redesigned German sedans. Inside, the CT5's interior seemed a mix of various influences, with surfaces that didn’t blend seamlessly. While the cabin offered features like massaging front seats, it struggled to convey a true luxury feel, often appearing cheap despite optional high-end materials.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided zippy acceleration and a nimble feel, especially in urban settings. The Jetta's suspension was soft and compliant, absorbing road imperfections well. However, the 8-speed automatic transmission exhibited a delay in response, which could lead to unexpected surges in power. The manual transmission likely offered better control over this behaviour. The Jetta Highline averaged 7.8 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the official rating. Despite its quirks, the Jetta delivered a rewarding driving experience with accurate steering and predictable handling.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered multiple powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower. A 3.0-litre twin-turbo 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 RWD or AWD. The CT5-V variant featured a tuned V6 with 360 hp, while the CT5-V Blackwing boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 668 hp. Our test car, an AWD CT5 Premium Luxury, provided a balanced driving experience, with neutral handling and a bit of rear-end rotation for crisp cornering. The twin-turbo V6 offered decent acceleration, with a 0-96 km/h time of 5.1 seconds for AWD models. The ride quality leaned towards sporty, and interior noise was well-managed, enhancing driving comfort.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta defied perceptions of being too small, comfortably accommodating a family of four. It straddled the line between compact and midsize sedans, offering generous interior storage and a cavernous trunk with 399 litres of cargo space. The Jetta Highline featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, the Jetta's design made entry and exit easy. The back seat provided ample legroom and comfort, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. Storage solutions were plentiful, with a large centre bin, glove compartment, and door panel storage.

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 but had the least trunk space at 337 litres. The CT5's driving position was well-designed, with good visibility and ample seat adjustment options. Premium Luxury and Sport models featured advanced seat adjustments and a power tilt and telescoping steering column. The centre console was efficiently organized, offering decent storage despite the presence of various controls.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline came with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface had some usability issues, such as a cumbersome radio tuning process. The voice recognition system required a subscription for advanced features, making smartphone integration a more appealing option. The Highline trim also included a Beats Audio system, though it was less satisfying than previous Fender systems.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 featured a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 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 significantly, offering smooth operation and intuitive controls. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition system lagged behind competitors. While the CT5 lacked the flashy tech of its rivals, it excelled in everyday usability.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Higher trims added features like blind spot monitoring and Travel Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. The Jetta's driver-assistance systems generally performed well, though occasional inaccuracies were noted. Emergency Assist was a standout feature, capable of stopping the car safely if the driver became unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had mixed results in IIHS tests.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received five-star ratings across all NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system enhanced safety further. Premium Luxury and Sport models could be equipped with Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assist system, which was highly regarded for its performance and ease of use.