Lexus ES vs Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup since its debut in 1990, had evolved over seven generations by 2022. Despite a decline in sales, it remained a popular choice among an older demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of attracting younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. The ES, built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offered a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Its design featured elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. Inside, the ES boasted a well-assembled interior with bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport package, though the dashboard's asymmetrical design and analog chronometer added a touch of clutter.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, on the other hand, was a rare sight on Canadian roads, often turning heads with its unique light grey metallic colour called Rift. It featured 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish, setting it apart from the trend of black wheels. Positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing, the CT5-V offered a sporty driving experience. Its interior combined high-quality materials with some cost-cutting details, such as hard plastic panels. The CT5-V excelled in technology, offering a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. However, its small trunk and lack of refinement on rough surfaces were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. While the ES 250 AWD offered all-wheel drive, the ES 350 and ES 300h were front-wheel drive. The ES 300h excelled in fuel economy, with ratings of 5.5 L/100 km city, 5.2 hwy, and 5.3 combined.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds. The CT5-V's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels through an electronic limited-slip differential, with optional all-wheel drive. The car offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The CT5-V's performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control suspension and Brembo brakes contributed to its sporty handling. However, the car's loud exhaust note and lack of refinement on rough surfaces were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through for long items and a flat-folding second row in the ES 250 and ES 350. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a moonroof. The interior layout was functional, with ample storage and convenience features, though the dashboard design was not particularly attractive.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier interior. The front seats were 18-way power-adjustable, with optional genuine leather and ventilated seats. The rear seats provided good thigh support and knee clearance, though the door frame design made entry and exit challenging. The CT5-V's trunk offered just 337 litres of cargo space, with limited packing options. However, the car included functional storage areas and smartphone-friendly locations.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Upper trim levels offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES also included a 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services provided safety and convenience features, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V excelled in technology, with a Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. The CT5-V offered stereo volume and radio tuning controls on the centre console, with an optional navigation system and head-up display. The car also included a Performance Data Recorder and a Surround Vision Recorder for capturing driving experiences.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. The ES also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V came with the Cadillac Smart System, offering forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The CT5-V included additional driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like automated lane changes and a driver monitoring camera.