Cadillac CT5 vs. Lexus ES

The CT5 offers the following motors to delight your drive:

• Standard 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine - 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque
• Available 3.0-liter Twin Turbo V6 engine - 335 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque

With the ES, though, you may be left wanting more. Its baseline powertrain only provides 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, so you’re sure to notice a difference in speed and acceleration. There’s the option to upgrade to 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, but it still falls short of its Cadillac competitor.

Both engines of the Lexus ES are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission to provide smooth gear changes. Meanwhile, the CT5’s 10-speed automatic transmission features leading-edge calibration and the latest generation of Electronic Precision Shift for a seamless shifting experience.

Only the CT5, though, provides a standard Automatic Stop/Start feature. When your vehicle comes to a complete stop and you place your foot on the brake, the engine will shut off to save fuel. When you move your foot off the brake pedal, the engine will automatically restart. This feature also prevents additional emissions while idling.

Another perk of driving a luxury car is being seated within the literal lap of luxury. You’ll enjoy upscale furnishings and plenty of comfort amenities in either the CT5 or the ES, but which one ensures that its cabin is the perfect haven on wheels?

Both models feature high-quality synthetic leather upholstery with genuine leather available. They also both equip standard dual-zone automatic climate control to ensure you and your co-pilot are equally comfortable.

Want to grab some drinks after work with your co-workers? Maybe you’re looking to head out of town for the weekend with a few friends. The CT5 and the ES both offer plenty of space, with seating for up to five and lots of room in their respective back seats.

However, you’ll notice some key differences when it comes to the space up front:

As you can see, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 and the Lexus ES each have ample front legroom for you and your co-pilot to stretch out. When it comes to front headroom, though, you’ll probably prefer the more spacious CT5.

Today’s drivers expect—no, require—technologies that will allow them to stay informed, engaged, connected, and even entertained. As such, the 2023 CT5 and the ES both come standard with the following infotainment technologies:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration
• Bluetooth®
• Sirius XM® Satellite Radio
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Natural Voice Recognition

You’ll be able to access your favorite playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, and more through the touchscreen in the center stack. However, that information may be more easily seen on the standard 10-inch HD screen of the 2023 Cadillac CT5. The standard screen of the Lexus ES measures just eight inches.

In their dedication to making safety a priority, both models provide brand-specific versions of the following features, among others, on all trim levels:

• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• HD Rear Vision Camera
• Rear Park Assist

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 provides additional standard safety features that the Lexus ES does not—and they may be among the most important.

The standard Teen Driver feature with Buckle-to-Drive in the CT5 allows you to set customized parameters, limit certain features, and automatically engage certain safety systems. An in-vehicle report card also provides information about the driving habits of your new driver so you can continue to coach them.

Meanwhile, the 2023 CT5’s standard Rear Seat Reminder prompts you to check the back seats for any children or pets who may remain there after you’ve arrived at your destination. Under certain conditions, it will sound a series of audible chimes and display a visual message, adding an extra layer of protection so nobody is inadvertently left behind.