Subaru Impreza vs Cadillac CT5

The 2024 Subaru Impreza showcased a more aggressive and sporty style compared to its predecessor. It featured a larger, more angular grille and narrower headlights, giving it a serious, focused look. The RS trim added side skirts for a low-slung appearance, while the rear haunches with flared fenders suggested a wider, athletic stance. Inside, the Impreza boasted a modern look with a vertical 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on higher trims. The RS trim added racy red stitching and upholstery accents, while materials quality was commendable, with soft-touch materials in key areas. The Impreza's design was an evolution rather than a revolution, with the infotainment screen being a standout feature.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5, introduced as a replacement for the CTS, retained its appealing design and driving experience while gaining power and technology over the years. The refreshed model featured vertically stacked headlights and a restyled front fascia. Inside, the CT5 boasted a new 33-inch display, offering a more upscale look with retained switchgear for ease of use. The cabin featured carbon fibre trim and semi-aniline leather upholstery, enhancing its luxury feel. Despite some inexpensive plastics and noticeable powertrain noise, the CT5 offered a luxurious experience at a competitive price compared to its German rivals.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza offered two engine choices. The Convenience and Touring trims came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The RS and Sport-tech models upgraded to a 2.5-litre engine with 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, and all trims featured AWD with active torque vectoring. The RS model, the sportiest in the lineup, provided responsive acceleration and sporty handling, aided by AWD. The Impreza's ride quality was comfortable, with reduced road noise compared to the previous generation. It offered a distinct traction advantage over FWD rivals like the Honda Civic Si and Mazda 3 hatchback.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury and Sport trims came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, available in our test car, delivered 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with AWD as an option. The V6 provided ample power for highway driving and city manoeuvres, though it impacted fuel economy. The CT5's platform, shared with the Chevrolet Camaro, ensured a lively drive, though the Premium Luxury trim felt softer than sportier variants. The CT5 offered a rewarding driving experience, with the V-Series and Blackwing models available for those seeking more excitement.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza offered a spacious cabin with logically placed controls and excellent outward visibility. The RS trim included a wireless charging pad and ample storage for active lifestyles. Rear seats provided good headroom and legroom, with a cargo area of 578 litres, expandable to 1,586 litres with folded seatbacks. The Impreza accommodated roof racks for outdoor gear, though it wasn't rated for heavier overlanding tent platforms.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury provided a comfortable road-tripping experience, though it was louder than expected. Front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed good legroom but limited headroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless smartphone charger conveniently located. Cargo space was tight at 337 litres, with an uneven trunk floor limiting suitcase placement. However, enclosed trunk hinges allowed for efficient use of space.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system with large on-screen buttons and physical knobs for volume and temperature control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on the RS and Sport-tech trims.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5's standout feature was its 33-inch panoramic display, housing three screens with Google Built-in technology. It 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, including physical controls, voice recognition, and touchscreen. Additional features included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Teen Driver technology.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza came with Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering. While crash-test results were pending, Subaru aimed for a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offered a comprehensive set of driving assistance systems, including a surround-view camera and active blind-spot monitoring. The highlight was Super Cruise, providing hands-free driving on approved roads. The CT5 performed well in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA.