2026 Dodge Charger vs 2025 Cadillac CT5

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 continued to build on the legacy of its predecessor, the CTS, by offering a visually appealing and comfortable driving experience. Despite its attractive design and rewarding drive, the CT5 had its drawbacks, such as a lack of sophistication compared to its rivals and a small trunk. Over the years, Cadillac enhanced the CT5 with increased power, performance, and cutting-edge technology. The 2025 model featured a refreshed lineup, excluding the Luxury trim, but offering Premium Luxury, Sport, CT5-V, and CT5-V Blackwing variants. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim, came with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, AWD, and a host of options, raising its MSRP to $77,988. The 2025 CT5 showcased a subtle exterior update with vertically stacked headlights and a bold front fascia. Inside, a new 33-inch display dominated the cabin, complemented by upscale climate control icons and a mix of carbon fibre and semi-aniline leather upholstery, enhancing the luxury feel.

The 2026 Dodge Charger made a bold statement with its imposing size and design. It was wider than its predecessor and boasted the widest body in the industry. The Charger Scat Pack featured a blunt-faced grille reminiscent of 1960s muscle cars, with a unique hood applique showcasing its SIXPACK engine. The car's long, unadorned bodysides and fastback shape exuded refinement, while the four-door sedan offered practicality for families. Inside, the Charger felt spacious and modern, with a dashboard defined by horizontal lines and a large digital touchscreen. The interior lighting system, known as Attitude Adjustment, added flair, while a pistol-grip shifter and chunky steering wheel paid homage to Dodge's muscular past. The Charger combined classic muscle car aesthetics with modern design elements, creating a unique and captivating presence on the road.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6. The base engine delivered 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 produced a robust 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD as standard and AWD available as an option. The V6 and AWD upgrades added over $6,000 to the test vehicle's cost. Fuel economy for the turbo-four was 9.0 L/100 km combined with RWD and 9.6 with AWD, while the twin-turbo six returned 10.6 L/100 km combined with RWD and 11.2 with AWD. During testing, the CT5 averaged 12.6 L/100 km. The CT5 excelled on the highway, offering effortless acceleration and a commendable Super Cruise hands-free driving system. In town, the V6 provided ample power, and features like a surround-view camera system and semi-automated parking assist made urban driving convenient. While the Premium Luxury trim wasn't the sportiest, it still delivered a rewarding driving experience.

The 2026 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrain options, including electric and gasoline engines. The electric Charger Daytona R/T delivered 456 horsepower, while the Charger Daytona Scat Pack boasted 630 hp. The gasoline-fueled Charger R/T started with 420 hp, and the Charger Scat Pack we tested offered 550 hp. Both gas models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 550-hp Charger Scat Pack provided exhilarating acceleration, with a 0-96 km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 285 km/h. Standard AWD and a Launch Control system ensured impressive performance, while Brembo brakes delivered strong stopping power. The Charger also featured a Line Lock system for tire-smoking antics and a rear-wheel-drive mode for drifting. The Charger's suspension and weight distribution contributed to confident handling, and five drive modes allowed for customization of the driving experience.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offered a reasonably comfortable road-tripping experience, though it was a bit louder on the road than desired. The front seats lacked side bolsters but featured 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. However, cargo space was tight at 337 litres, with an uneven trunk floor making it challenging to load large suitcases. Despite these limitations, the CT5's interior exuded luxury with its semi-aniline leather and carbon fibre trim.

The 2026 Dodge Charger's massive exterior translated into a spacious interior, accommodating four adults comfortably in both two- and four-door styles. The coupe's long doors facilitated rear-seat access, while the sedan offered practicality for families. However, the fastback shape reduced rear headroom. The Charger's interior featured a variety of colour options, including Demonic Red leather. The design included a large rear hatchback, providing 645 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,059 litres with the rear seats folded. While the hatchback design limited cargo usability compared to crossovers, it offered more space than most coupes.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 featured a new 33-inch panoramic display with three screens, including a trip computer panel, digital instrumentation, and a wide infotainment touchscreen with Google Built-in technology. The system offered Google Assistant, Google Maps, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. The CT5's tech 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 2026 Dodge Charger came with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, with a larger 16-inch display available on Plus models. A 12.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Charger Scat Pack included Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics and virtual gauges. While the physical controls were appreciated, their small size required acclimation. The Charger also offered a head-up display and a wireless charging pad on Plus models.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 came equipped with a comprehensive set of driving assistance systems, including a surround-view camera system and active blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was Super Cruise, offering hands-free driving on approved roads. The CT5 performed well in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Dodge Charger featured Active Driving Assist, managing acceleration, braking, and lane centring. Standard safety equipment included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and more. The Scat Pack Plus package added a 360-degree camera. While the Charger had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, its safety features were comprehensive.