2025 Audi A4 vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$44,100 · Sedan

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A4 blasts off with a punchy 261 horsepower from its standard setup, offering immediate Germanic precision and standard all-wheel drive capability, aiming for efficiency and modern elegance. Meanwhile, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 counters with its expansive, rear-wheel-drive stance, measuring 193.8 inches long, suggesting a focus on classic American driving dynamics despite having 237 horsepower. The Audi commands an MSRP of $44,100, undercutting the Cadillac's $48,600 entry point by a noticeable $4,500 margin. Both vehicles achieve an identical 26 MPG combined, utilizing premium unleaded fuel, though the Audi mandates it while the Cadillac only recommends it. The Audi’s compact 187.5-inch length and standard AWD give it a versatile edge, whereas the CT5 offers a slight edge in interior volume due to its overall longer footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4's standard all-wheel drive offers superior year-round confidence compared to the CT5's RWD setup.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4 offers slightly more usable space with 12 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CT5's 11.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4 provides a noticeable 24 hp advantage with 261 hp versus the Cadillac's 237 hp, promising sharper acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4 is significantly cheaper, starting at $44,100 while providing superior base horsepower.

Choose the Audi A4 if...

You prefer the added stability and grip of standard all-wheel drive for all weather conditions.
You desire the highest immediate power output, boasting 261 hp straight from the base model.
You need to maximize your budget, as the A4’s MSRP of $44,100 undercuts the CT5 by $4,500.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You prefer the traditional handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive platform.
You value the refinement of a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the 7-speed automated manual.
You are comfortable paying more for a slightly longer vehicle body at 193.8 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A4	Cadillac CT5
Length	187.5"	193.8"
Width	72.7"	74.1"
Height	56.2"	57.2"
Wheelbase	111.0"	116.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

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	261 hp @ 6300 rpm	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	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	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/32 MPG	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/489.6 mi.	391.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	15
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
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.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	✓
Tire Size	245/40R H	245/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

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 A4 and 2026 Cadillac CT5.

Does the higher horsepower in the Audi A4 translate to better fuel economy?

No, surprisingly, both sedans are rated at an identical 26 MPG combined. However, the Audi requires premium unleaded fuel while the Cadillac only recommends it, which impacts long-term running costs.

Which sedan offers a more engaging drive for performance enthusiasts?

The 2025 Audi A4 holds a 24 hp advantage, delivering 261 hp versus the CT5's 237 hp. Furthermore, the A4’s standard AWD system provides better traction management for spirited driving.

How do the size differences affect interior and cargo space?

The Cadillac CT5 is visibly longer at 193.8 inches compared to the Audi A4's 187.5 inches, yet the Audi squeezes out a negligible cargo advantage with 12 cu ft versus 11.9 cu ft.

What is the significance of the difference in transmission type?

The Audi uses a 7-speed automated manual, often providing faster shifts, while the Cadillac utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic, aiming for smoother, more refined gear changes across a wider ratio spread.

Is the Cadillac CT5 significantly more expensive than the Audi A4?

Yes, the Cadillac CT5 commands a higher starting MSRP of $48,600, which is $4,500 more than the Audi A4's $44,100 base price.

Which car is better suited for city driving and tight parking?

The Audi A4, being shorter in overall length at 187.5 inches and slightly narrower, should prove easier to maneuver and park in congested urban environments than the longer Cadillac CT5.