2025 Cadillac CT5 vs 2026 Honda Civic

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 was noted for lacking the sophistication of its rivals and having a small trunk. Over the years, Cadillac enhanced the CT5 with increased power, performance, and cutting-edge technology. The 2025 model introduced a refreshed look with vertically stacked headlights and a bold front fascia. Inside, the CT5 featured a striking 33-inch display and retained practical switchgear for ease of use. The interior boasted luxurious touches like carbon fibre trim and semi-aniline leather, although some inexpensive plastics were still present.

In contrast, the 2026 Honda Civic offered a diverse lineup, including sedans, hatchbacks, and hybrid options. The Civic Sport sedan, tested in this comparison, was priced at $35,476 in Canada. While the Civic Sport's infotainment system felt outdated, its interior design was a step above its class, featuring metal honeycomb mesh and piano black plastic. The Civic's ergonomic layout and intuitive controls were commendable, though the car suffered from road noise on certain pavements. Despite its basic nature, the Civic Sport delivered an enjoyable driving experience with its precise steering and well-tuned suspension.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury and Sport models came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, the optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, was available for those seeking more power. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The V6 and AWD upgrades added over $6,000 to the vehicle's cost. Fuel economy for the V6 with AWD was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, though real-world testing showed an average of 12.6 L/100 km. The CT5 excelled in highway driving, with its Super Cruise hands-free driving system providing a seamless experience. In urban settings, the CT5's twin-turbo V6 offered ample power, while its handling was lively, though not as taut as the V-Series or Blackwing variants.

The 2026 Honda Civic offered a range of powertrains, with the Civic LX and Sport models featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Sport's performance was adequate for most driving situations, though it could feel underpowered during highway merging or passing. The Civic's fuel economy was rated at 6.9 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing returning 7.4 L/100 km. The Civic Sport's driving dynamics were impressive, with precise steering and a well-tuned suspension. The car's 18-inch wheels and all-season tires contributed to its entertaining handling, though road noise was a drawback.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury offered a comfortable road-tripping experience, though it was louder on the road than expected. 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. The CT5's cargo space was tight at 337 litres, with an uneven trunk floor making it difficult to load large suitcases.

The 2026 Honda Civic Sport's front seats were initially flat and unsupportive, though they became more comfortable over time. Taller drivers found the cabin cramped, and the hard plastic on the centre console was uncomfortable for longer legs. The rear seat offered excellent leg support and ample legroom, with a generously sized door opening for easy access. The Civic's trunk provided 419 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the inner lid lacked a grab handle, leading to dirty fingers when closing it.

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, and access to apps via Google Play, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CT5's tech was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods available. Additional features included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Teen Driver technology.

The 2026 Honda Civic's standard 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment system were simple but effective. Higher trims like the Civic Si and Sport Touring Hybrid offered larger displays, Google built-in, and wireless smartphone charging. The base infotainment system required a cable connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adding clutter to the cabin. The audio system featured eight speakers, with a 12-speaker Bose setup available on higher trims.

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 Honda Civic included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The Civic earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the 2026 model.