2025 Audi A5 vs 2026 Cadillac CT4

$48,400 · Hatchback

$35,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Audi A5 and the 2026 Cadillac CT4 often boils down to balancing luxury pedigree against significant upfront savings. The Audi A5 asks for a $12,800 premium over the CT4, starting at $48,400 compared to the Cadillac’s $35,600 MSRP. While the A5 is slightly more powerful, offering 261 hp against the CT4's 237 hp, their efficiency is identical, both achieving 26 MPG combined. The major practical difference lies in utility: the A5’s hatchback configuration provides a commanding 21.8 cu ft of cargo space, more than double the CT4's 10.7 cu ft sedan trunk. Furthermore, the A5 includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the CT4 uses Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). This comparison pits German versatility against American price competitiveness in a similar footprint, both measuring 187.2 inches long.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A5

The A5 wins for commuters due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system providing superior traction in varied weather conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A5

With 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft, the A5 hatchback offers double the usable space for family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A5

The Audi A5 offers a slight edge in performance with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque versus the CT4's lower output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 offers substantially better value by saving the buyer $12,800 in initial purchase price while achieving the same 26 MPG combined rating.

Choose the Audi A5 if...

You prioritize utility, needing the A5's massive 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity via its hatchback design.
You live in an area requiring year-round confidence, leveraging the A5's standard All-Wheel Drive.
You desire the slightly higher performance metrics of 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

Saving $12,800 on the initial purchase price is your primary goal, as the CT4 starts significantly lower at $35,600.
You prefer the traditional RWD layout or want a slightly taller vehicle with a 56.0-inch height.
You are okay with slightly less power (237 hp) to maximize budget savings without sacrificing the 26 MPG efficiency.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A5	Cadillac CT4
Length	187.2"	187.2"
Width	72.6"	71.4"
Height	54.6"	56.0"
Wheelbase	111.2"	109.0"

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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
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	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/32 MPG	22/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/489.6 mi.	374.0/544.0 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	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	52.5 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	17 in
Tire Type	All Season	✓
Tire Size	245/40R H	P225/45R17
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 A5 and 2026 Cadillac CT4.

What is the real-world difference between the A5's AWD and the CT4's RWD for daily driving?

The Audi A5's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) offers better traction and stability, especially during acceleration or in wet/snowy conditions. The Cadillac CT4's Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) typically provides a more engaging, sportier feel on dry pavement but may struggle more in adverse weather.

How much more expensive is the Audi A5 to run regarding fuel?

Based on the provided data, the running costs are virtually identical; both the 2025 A5 and 2026 CT4 deliver 26 MPG combined and both recommend premium unleaded fuel, though the A5's higher initial cost is the main financial differentiator.

Is the size difference between the cargo areas significant for practical use?

Yes, the difference is substantial: the A5's 21.8 cu ft cargo area is more than double the CT4's 10.7 cu ft. This means the A5's hatchback configuration will easily swallow bulky items that simply won't fit through the CT4's sedan trunk opening.

Does the lower MSRP of the CT4 mean it’s a significantly slower car?

The CT4 is slightly less potent, putting out 237 hp compared to the A5’s 261 hp, which is a 24 hp deficit. While the A5 is quicker, the CT4 is still competitive for daily driving maneuvers.

Since they share the same length, does the A5 feel bigger inside?

While both cars share the exact same length (187.2 inches), the A5’s hatchback body style usually translates to better headroom and significantly more cargo volume (21.8 cu ft). The CT4 is slightly taller (56.0 inches vs 54.6 inches) but its sedan format limits usable storage space.

Are there any differences in their transmissions that affect the driving experience?

The Audi A5 uses a 7-speed automated manual, which can sometimes deliver sharper, quicker shifts under heavy acceleration. The Cadillac CT4 features an 8-speed shiftable automatic, prioritizing smoothness across its extra gear ratio for daily commuting.