2025 Cadillac CT5 vs 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback, much like the character Gwen from Seinfeld, presented a dual personality in its design. Depending on various factors such as angle, lighting, and colour, it could appear either dowdy or sporty. Our test vehicle, adorned in Sport Touring trim with 18-inch alloy wheels and a striking Boost Blue colour, generally leaned towards the attractive side. While the rear end seemed a bit stubby, the overall styling of the Civic Sport Touring was agreeable. Positioned at the top of the Civic Hatchback lineup in Canada, the Sport Touring trim justified its higher price with quality materials and elegant detailing, including a metal honeycomb mesh dashboard and high-resolution digital screens.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac CT5, introduced as a replacement for the CTS in 2020, maintained its appealing design and rewarding driving experience. Over the years, it gained power and advanced technology, although it still lacked the sophistication of some rivals. The refreshed 2025 model featured a subtle yet noticeable facelift, with vertically stacked headlights and bold running light bars. Inside, the CT5 boasted a new 33-inch display, enhancing its technological appeal. Despite some inexpensive plastic elements, the cabin's carbon fibre trim and semi-aniline leather upholstery elevated its luxury feel. The CT5's platform, shared with the Chevrolet Camaro, ensured a lively drive, though the Premium Luxury trim felt softer compared to its sportier variants.

The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback in Canada came equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm. This engine positioned the Civic Hatchback as a sportier alternative to the sedan. The Sport Touring trim offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a CVT with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode. Our test car featured the CVT, which, despite some high-rpm groaning, effectively utilized the turbo engine's torque. The Civic Sport Touring felt light and lively, making it enjoyable to drive in various situations, though it was loud on the highway. Fuel efficiency for the CVT model was rated at 7.7 L/100 km city, 6.3 highway, and 7.1 combined, with our test car averaging 7.8 L/100 km.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury trim came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, our test car featured the optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, generating 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for both city and highway driving. The V6 and AWD upgrades added over $6,000 to the vehicle's cost, impacting fuel economy, which averaged 12.6 L/100 km during our evaluation. The CT5's platform, shared with the Chevrolet Camaro, ensured a lively drive, though the Premium Luxury trim felt softer compared to its sportier variants.

The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a range of appealing features, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, and a power sunroof. The Sport Touring trim added leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, providing exceptional comfort and support. The rear seat was spacious enough for two adults or three children, with good support and USB quick-charge ports. However, the lack of air conditioning vents in the rear was a drawback. The cargo space behind the back seat measured 693 litres, significantly more than the Civic Sedan's trunk.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury trim provided a comfortable road-tripping experience, though it was louder on the road than expected. The front seats, while flat, offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good legroom and thigh support, though headroom was limited. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless smartphone charger conveniently located. The trunk offered 337 litres of cargo space, with an uneven floor making it challenging to load full-size suitcases flat. However, the enclosed trunk hinges allowed for efficient use of space.

The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring trim featured a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adding sophistication to the cabin. The upgraded system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, a navigation system, and wireless smartphone charging. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system was also standard. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick and accurate voice recognition.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5's standout feature was its new 33-inch panoramic display, housing three screens. The infotainment system, equipped with Google Built-in technology, offered Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps via Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, were also available. The CT5's technology was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods, including physical controls, voice recognition, and the touchscreen. Additional features included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Teen Driver technology.

The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring was standard, while the Sport Touring trim added rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors. The Civic Hatchback received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall crashworthiness rating.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 featured a comprehensive set of driving assistance systems, including a surround-view camera system and active blind-spot monitoring. The highlight was Super Cruise, offering hands-free driving on approved roads. The CT5 performed well in crash tests, receiving top five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all evaluations, including rollover resistance.