2025 Audi S3 vs 2026 Cadillac CT5
Comparison Overview
Deciding between nimble performance and spacious luxury often trips up buyers looking at compact performance sedans. The 2025 Audi S3, starting at $48,700, brings significantly more punch with 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a massive 91 hp advantage over the $48,600 2026 Cadillac CT5, which offers 237 hp. While both achieve a solid 26 MPG combined, the S3 is much shorter at 177.4 inches, making city parking easier. Conversely, the CT5 offers substantial practicality, boasting 11.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S3's meager 8.3 cu ft. Although both mandate premium fuel for optimal performance, the difference in size and power delivery truly separates these two German-leaning competitors in daily driving scenarios.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3's smaller footprint (177.4 inches long) makes navigating and parking in dense urban environments much simpler than the larger Cadillac CT5.
2026 Cadillac CT5
The Cadillac CT5 is the clear family choice due to its superior 11.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
Enthusiasts will appreciate the S3’s substantial power advantage, delivering 328 hp compared to the CT5’s 237 hp.
2026 Cadillac CT5
The CT5 costs $100 less at MSRP and offers significantly more utility for nearly identical fuel economy ratings (26 MPG combined for both).
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You prioritize sheer acceleration, leveraging the 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque provided by the S3.
- You prefer the agility and tight maneuverability afforded by the S3's shorter 177.4-inch length.
- You favor the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied conditions over the CT5's Rear-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...
- You need maximum trunk space, as the CT5 provides 11.9 cu ft versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
- You prefer the smoothness of a conventional 10-speed automatic transmission over the S3's 7-speed automated manual.
- You want to save $100 on the initial purchase price while still getting 32 MPG highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Cadillac CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 193.8" |
| Width | 71.5" | 74.1" |
| Height | 55.7" | 57.2" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 116.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 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 | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 23/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 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/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| 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. |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 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 | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 245/45R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | ✓ |
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 S3 and 2026 Cadillac CT5.
Which car is significantly faster off the line?
The 2025 Audi S3 is significantly faster due to its superior power output, generating 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 91 hp advantage over the 2026 Cadillac CT5.
Is the Cadillac CT5 actually a better choice for highway cruising?
Technically, the CT5 might offer slightly better highway cruising, achieving 32 MPG highway compared to the S3's 31 MPG highway. However, both vehicles share the same 26 MPG combined rating.
How do the dimensions affect parking and daily driving?
The Audi S3 is considerably more compact, measuring 177.4 inches long and 71.5 inches wide, making it easier to navigate tight city streets than the noticeably larger CT5 (193.8 inches long, 74.1 inches wide).
Do both cars require the same expensive fuel?
Yes, both the Audi S3 and the Cadillac CT5 require premium unleaded fuel, though the S3 mandates it while the CT5 only recommends it for peak performance.
Which sedan offers better family hauling capability?
The Cadillac CT5 is the better family hauler because its 11.9 cu ft cargo capacity provides almost 4 more cubic feet of storage than the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
Why choose the Audi's transmission over the Cadillac's?
The Audi S3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual optimized for quick, aggressive shifts characteristic of performance trims. The CT5 opts for a conventional 10-speed shiftable automatic, which often delivers smoother, less abrupt transitions.
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