Cadillac CT5 vs Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 continued to build on the legacy of its predecessor, the CTS, by offering a blend of style, comfort, and driving pleasure. Despite its appealing design and rewarding driving experience, the CT5 was noted for lacking the sophistication of its competitors and having a small trunk. Over the years, Cadillac enhanced the CT5 with more power, performance, and advanced technology. The 2025 model featured a refreshed design with vertically stacked headlights and a bold front fascia. Inside, the CT5 boasted a new 33-inch display, maintaining physical controls for ease of use. The cabin, adorned with carbon fibre and luxurious leather, offered a premium feel, though some cheaper materials were still present.

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid stood out in the compact sedan class with its striking design, characterized by angular body creases and a sporty rear spoiler. Unlike other manufacturers, Hyundai allowed each model to have its own distinct look, and the Elantra Hybrid was no exception. Inside, the Elantra offered a modern yet functional design, with physical buttons and knobs for climate control, enhancing usability. The digital instrument panel and unique steering wheel design added a tech-forward touch. While the interior featured some hard plastics, the use of attractive fabric panels added warmth and a touch of luxury reminiscent of higher-end models.

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 rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available as an option. The V6 and AWD upgrades significantly increased the vehicle's cost and impacted fuel economy, with the V6 averaging 12.6 L/100 km during testing. Despite being louder than expected on the highway, the CT5 offered a smooth driving experience, with the Super Cruise hands-free driving system enhancing long-distance travel. The CT5's platform, shared with the Chevrolet Camaro, ensured a lively drive, though the Premium Luxury trim was not the most athletic version available.

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 139 horsepower. Power was delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the Elantra Hybrid's acceleration was modest, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds, it provided adequate power for most driving situations. The transition between electric and internal combustion power was sometimes noticeable, affecting the driving experience. The dual-clutch gearbox avoided the droning typical of CVTs but had a tendency to roll forward when shifted into reverse. The Elantra Hybrid's suspension prioritized comfort, with road noise being a minor issue on coarse surfaces.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offered a comfortable road-tripping experience, though it was slightly louder than ideal. The front seats, while flat, 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 trunk, with a capacity of 337 litres, was tight, and its uneven floor made loading large suitcases challenging. However, the enclosed trunk hinges allowed for efficient use of space.

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid excelled in usability with its physical buttons and knobs for climate control, reducing distractions. The front seats provided ample room and came heated as standard, though ventilated seats were unavailable in Canada. Rear-seat space was sufficient for average-sized adults, with good legroom but limited headroom for taller passengers. Storage options were limited, with small centre armrest bins and door pockets. The trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60-40 split-folding rear seatback for larger items. The trunk's finish was less refined than competitors, but remote seatback releases and a low liftover height facilitated loading.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 featured a new 33-inch panoramic display, housing three screens for trip information, digital instrumentation, and infotainment. The system included Google Built-in technology, offering Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps via Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L were also available. The CT5's tech was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods, including physical controls, voice recognition, and touchscreen. Additional features included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Teen Driver technology.

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid in Canada came with a 10.25-inch display for both the instrument panel and touchscreen, featuring a native navigation system. Physical shortcut buttons simplified operation, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The Elantra Hybrid could be monitored and controlled remotely via a smartphone app, with a three-year trial included. An eight-speaker Bose audio system was standard, though its performance was underwhelming.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 was 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 in all categories, including rollover resistance.

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid came standard with a suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, though lane-keep assist was less effective on curvy roads. The Elantra Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA's overall, side crash, and rollover evaluations, and four stars for frontal crash protection. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, with a "Good" rating in most categories.