Mazda MAZDA3 vs Cadillac CT5

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. Sharing its platform with the CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, the CT5 was visually appealing and enjoyable to drive, though it fell short in sophistication compared to its rivals and had a notably small trunk. Over the years, the CT5 gained enhancements in power, performance, and technology, with the 2025 model showcasing a refreshed design, including 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 cabin, adorned with carbon fibre trim and luxurious leather, exuded a sense of opulence, though some cheaper materials were still present.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3, on the other hand, was a testament to Mazda's design philosophy, with a family resemblance to models like the MX-5 and CX-5. Its exterior boasted a substantial and refined appearance, with a large polygonal grille and narrow headlights. The side profile featured gracefully sculpted panels and a sporty stance, while the rear maintained a harmonious design. Inside, the Mazda3's cabin rivaled entry-level luxury vehicles, with a tastefully designed dashboard and high-quality materials. The interior offered soft-touch surfaces and genuine stitching, though the rear seats were cramped for taller passengers. The hatchback variant provided more cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing additional room.

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 added significant cost, and the V6's fuel economy was less efficient, averaging 12.6 L/100 km during testing. Despite being louder on the highway, the CT5 was effortless to drive, with features like Super Cruise enhancing the driving experience. The CT5's platform, shared with the Chevy Camaro, ensured a lively drive, though the Premium Luxury trim felt softer compared to sportier variants.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two drivetrain options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and an optional Turbo engine on the GT trim, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium. The base engine was adequate but not impressive, while the Turbo powertrain provided more confident acceleration. The Mazda3's standout feature was its optional i-Activ AWD system, enhancing traction and handling. The AWD system allowed for more confident cornering and improved stability, making it a smart choice for regions with harsh winters. Despite its sporty handling, the Mazda3 maintained a comfortable ride, with road noise and wind flutter being minor drawbacks.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offered a reasonably comfortable experience for road trips, though it was louder than preferred, and the front seats lacked side bolsters. The rear seats provided good legroom and thigh support, but headroom was limited, and the fast roofline required taller passengers to duck when entering. 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 larger items.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3, while stylish and performance-oriented, was not the most practical choice in its class. The front seats offered ample space, but the rear seats were cramped for taller passengers, and the hatchback's thicker roof pillars created blind spots. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres of cargo, with a nearly flat load floor when the rear seats were stowed. The hatchback variant provided more space, accommodating up to 569 litres of cargo. Personal item storage was limited, with moderately sized cupholders and door pockets.

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, wireless Android Auto, and a 15-speaker premium audio system. The CT5 also included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Teen Driver technology, providing a comprehensive suite of tech features.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system was somewhat behind the times but easy to use. The standard 8.8-inch display was not a touchscreen, requiring a dial controller for operation. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with touch input for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with quick reactions and simple graphics. The standard eight-speaker audio system was lacking, but a 12-speaker Bose system was available on the GT trim. The Mazda3 also featured remote monitoring and control via the Mazda Connect app, with Alexa Built-in on the GT trim.

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, receiving top five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all evaluations.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star rating and Top Safety Pick+ award, respectively. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitors. The GT model added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. Most systems functioned well, though the adaptive cruise control exhibited delayed reactions.