2025 Audi A3 vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$38,200 · Sedan

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi A3 and the 2026 Cadillac CT5 is the MSRP, with the CT5 commanding a $10,400 premium over the A3's $38,200 starting price. Performance metrics favor the larger Cadillac, delivering 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. This power increase comes at a minor efficiency cost, as the A3 achieves 28 MPG combined on regular unleaded, while the CT5 manages 26 MPG combined, requiring premium fuel. Dimensionally, the CT5 is substantially larger, measuring 193.8 inches in length versus the A3's 177.3 inches, resulting in a 3.6 cubic foot advantage in cargo capacity (11.9 vs. 8.3 cu ft). The A3 utilizes an all-wheel drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual, while the CT5 employs a RWD layout with a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A3

The Audi A3 wins for commuting due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac CT5

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 is better suited for families, offering 11.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 provides a stronger performance baseline with 237 hp and a more traditional 10-speed RWD setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A3

The Audi A3 offers a significantly lower entry point at $38,200, representing better initial value against the CT5's $48,600 MSRP.

Choose the Audi A3 if...

Fuel economy is a top priority, as the A3 achieves 28 MPG combined versus the CT5's 26 MPG.
A lower initial purchase price is essential, given the $10,400 difference in MSRP ($38,200 vs $48,600).
All-wheel drive traction is preferred over the CT5's standard rear-wheel drive configuration.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

Maximum cargo utility is needed, as the CT5 offers 11.9 cubic feet compared to the A3's 8.3 cubic feet.
Higher output is desired, evidenced by the CT5's 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
A traditional automatic transmission and RWD dynamics are preferred over the A3's 7-speed automated manual and AWD system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A3	Cadillac CT5
Length	177.3"	193.8"
Width	71.5"	74.1"
Height	56.2"	57.2"
Wheelbase	103.7"	116.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	201 hp	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	236 lb-ft	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/34 MPG	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	348.0/493.0 mi.	391.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	17.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	15
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Hip Room	—	53.7 in.
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	55.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.7 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	✓
Tire Size	225/45R17	245/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A3 and 2026 Cadillac CT5.

Is the 2025 Audi A3 cheaper to run than the 2026 Cadillac CT5?

Yes, the Audi A3 has lower running costs reflected in its MSRP of $38,200 versus the CT5's $48,600. Additionally, the A3 uses regular unleaded fuel while the CT5 recommends premium, further decreasing the A3's daily operational expenses.

Which sedan offers better acceleration potential based on the provided specs?

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 is expected to offer better acceleration due to its higher output figures, delivering 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Audi A3 produces 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.

How much larger is the 2026 Cadillac CT5 physically than the 2025 Audi A3?

The CT5 is significantly longer, measuring 193.8 inches compared to the A3's 177.3 inches, resulting in a difference of 16.5 inches in overall length. The CT5 is also wider by 2.6 inches.

Does the A3's AWD provide better highway efficiency than the CT5's RWD?

Despite having standard all-wheel drive, the Audi A3 is more efficient on the highway, achieving 34 MPG (City/Highway: 24/34 MPG) compared to the RWD Cadillac CT5 at 32 MPG (City/Highway: 23/32 MPG).

Which vehicle has a more capable trunk for hauling luggage?

The Cadillac CT5 provides superior trunk space with 11.9 cubic feet available for cargo. This is notably larger than the 8.3 cubic feet offered in the trunk of the Audi A3.

What is the difference in transmission technology between these two sedans?

The Audi A3 employs a 7-speed automated manual transmission optimized for quick shifts, whereas the Cadillac CT5 utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering two additional ratios for potentially smoother cruising.