Toyota Prius vs Cadillac CT5

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 retained its appealing design and comfortable interior, characteristics that had been present since its introduction in 2020. Over the years, Cadillac enhanced the CT5 with increased power, performance, and advanced technology. The 2025 model featured a refreshed exterior with vertically stacked headlights and bold running light bars. Inside, a new 33-inch display dominated the cabin, complemented by upscale climate control icons and retained switchgear for ease of use. Despite some inexpensive plastic materials and noticeable powertrain noise, the CT5's luxurious interior, especially with carbon fibre trim and Sedona Sauvage leather, offered a premium feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Prius presented a futuristic and aerodynamic design while maintaining its classic boomerang-shaped profile. Available in XLE and Limited trims in Canada, the Prius offered a comfortable driving experience, though entry and exit were challenging due to its low stance. The interior featured a mix of hard plastics and Toyota SofTex artificial leather, with ambient lighting adding a touch of elegance. The Limited trim's 12.3-inch touchscreen and fixed glass roof enhanced the minimalist cabin, though rear visibility was somewhat obstructed by cargo-area panels.

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 was effortless to drive, with features like Super Cruise enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Prius hybrid combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gas engine with electric motors on both axles, providing a total net output of 196 hp. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, the Prius offered a lower centre of gravity and responsive handling. The hybrid system allowed for zippy performance, easily reaching highway speeds and navigating traffic. The Prius handled well on mountain roads, though wind noise was noticeable on the highway. Despite a combined fuel economy rating of 4.8 L/100 km, the test vehicle averaged 6.0 L/100 km, likely due to the mountainous test route and use of Sport mode.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 provided a comfortable road-tripping experience, though it was louder than ideal, and the front seats lacked side bolsters. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good legroom and thigh support, but headroom was limited. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless smartphone charger conveniently located. However, cargo space was tight at 337 litres, with an uneven trunk floor complicating luggage storage.

The 2025 Toyota Prius offered a dual-panel glass roof in the Limited trim, enhancing the cabin's sense of space. The interior featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low stance. Rear-seat space was snug, with limited headroom and no rear climate-control vents. Storage was decent, with various bins and slots throughout the cabin. The Prius boasted 575 litres of cargo space, though it seemed smaller than expected, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for additional capacity.

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 wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The CT5 also provided an available head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Teen Driver technology for monitoring vehicle use.

The 2025 Toyota Prius came equipped with a Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on the XLE trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The TAM system worked best with an active Drive Connect subscription, offering navigation, a digital voice assistant, and concierge access. The voice assistant was responsive, though it could be inadvertently activated. The six-speaker stereo in the XLE trim was underwhelming.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 came 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 evaluations.

The 2025 Toyota Prius featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with a surround-view camera system available on the Limited trim. The Prius earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA in crashworthiness assessments.