Nissan Altima vs Cadillac CT5

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 retained its appealing design and driving comfort, characteristics that had been present since its introduction in 2020. Over the years, it gained power and advanced technology, although it still lacked the sophistication of some competitors and had a small trunk. The 2025 model featured a refreshed look 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 luxurious and less refined materials.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Altima offered a balanced design that was visually interesting without being overly bold. The Canadian lineup included S, SR, SR Premium, and Platinum trims, with the SR trim featuring sporty elements like 19-inch wheels. The interior was functional but lacked premium features unless opting for higher trims. The Altima's design was practical, with a roomy back seat and a trunk that offered significant cargo space, making it a sensible choice for everyday use.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and an optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 335 hp. The V6, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust performance, though it came at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. The CT5 excelled in highway driving with its Super Cruise hands-free system and offered a lively driving experience on winding roads, though it wasn't the most athletic in its class.

The 2025 Nissan Altima, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 182 hp, delivered a straightforward driving experience. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was smooth, and the car was quieter than expected. The Altima's handling was balanced, though the steering lacked precision, and the brakes could overheat with aggressive driving. While it didn't offer a hybrid option, the Altima achieved commendable fuel efficiency, averaging 8.3 L/100 km during testing.

The Cadillac CT5 provided a comfortable road-trip experience with features like heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. However, the rear seat had limited headroom, and the trunk space was tight at 337 litres. Interior storage was adequate but not innovative, with a wireless smartphone charger conveniently placed.

The Nissan Altima boasted a comfortable interior with Zero Gravity front seats designed to reduce fatigue. The back seat was roomy and supportive, and the trunk offered 437 litres of space, expandable to 1,645 litres with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was commendable, making the Altima a practical choice for families.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 featured a new 33-inch panoramic display with Google Built-in technology, offering seamless integration with Google Assistant, Maps, and Play. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the premium audio system enhanced the driving experience. Additional tech included a head-up display and Teen Driver technology.

The Nissan Altima offered two infotainment systems, with the SR Premium and Platinum trims featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard system, found in lower trims, was less satisfying, with excessive glare on the display. The sound system was basic, with a Bose upgrade available on higher trims.

The Cadillac CT5 came equipped with a comprehensive set of driving assistance systems, including a surround-view camera and active blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was Super Cruise, offering hands-free driving on approved roads. The CT5 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA, including a rare five-star rollover resistance rating.

The Nissan Altima's SR Premium trim offered advanced safety features like ProPilot Assist 1.0 and a surround-view camera. Standard across all trims was Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Altima received favourable safety ratings from the NHTSA but performed poorly in some IIHS evaluations.