2025 Cadillac CT4 vs 2025 Lexus IS

$34,995 · Sedan

$40,535 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Cadillac CT4 explodes onto the scene offering American sport-luxury appeal with a sharp starting MSRP of $34,995, bragging a healthy 237 horsepower from its rear-wheel-drive platform. Meanwhile, the 2025 Lexus IS embodies refined Japanese precision, starting at a premium $40,535 but boasting marginally more power with 241 horsepower and a slightly taller stance at 56.5 inches. While the CT4 offers marginally better fuel economy at 26 combined MPG compared to the IS's 25 MPG, their performance figures are closely matched; both deliver 258 lb-ft of torque and utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission. The difference in size is negligible, with the Lexus being slightly wider at 72.4 inches versus the Cadillac's 71.4 inches, yet both offer virtually identical, compact cargo spaces around 10.7 cu ft, making the primary differentiator the significant $5,540 initial cost savings offered by the American contender.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 wins for commuters due to its lower entry price point of $34,995 and slightly superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus IS

The Lexus IS takes the narrow edge for families as its slightly taller 56.5-inch height and reputation for legendary reliability often outweigh the minimal cargo difference.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Cadillac CT4

Enthusiasts will lean toward the CT4 for its $5,540 savings, allowing more budget for performance modifications while retaining the RWD architecture.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 delivers comparable performance metrics for $5,540 less, offering superior overall dollar-to-horsepower value.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

Budget consciousness is paramount, as the CT4 starts $5,540 cheaper than the IS.
You prioritize marginal fuel efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Lexus's 25 MPG.
You prefer a slightly more nimble exterior footprint, measuring 187.2 inches in length.

Choose the Lexus IS if...

You require the perceived dependability and refinement associated with the Lexus brand.
You prefer the Lexus's slightly higher output of 241 horsepower compared to the Cadillac’s 237 hp.
You want the marginally larger cargo capacity, boasting 10.8 cu ft versus the CT4’s 10.7 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac CT4	Lexus IS
Length	187.2"	185.4"
Width	71.4"	72.4"
Height	56.0"	56.5"
Wheelbase	109.0"	110.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	237 hp @ 5000 rpm	241 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1650 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	Cadillac	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/32 MPG	21/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	374.0/544.0 mi.	365.4/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.0 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Lexus
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	38.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	44.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	53.0 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Lexus
Rear Head Room	36.5 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.4 in.	32.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.9 in.	53.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Size	P225/45R17	235/45R18
Tire Type	✓	All Season
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and 2025 Lexus IS.

What is the exact price difference between the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and the 2025 Lexus IS?

The 2025 Cadillac CT4 has a significant starting MSRP advantage at $34,995, while the 2025 Lexus IS starts at $40,535, resulting in a $5,540 price gap favoring the Cadillac.

How do the driving dynamics compare given the similar horsepower figures?

Both vehicles utilize a rear-wheel-drive platform paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting a similar fundamental dynamic focus; however, the CT4 offers 237 hp versus the IS’s 241 hp.

Is there a noticeable difference in fuel economy for daily driving?

The Cadillac CT4 shows a slight advantage, rated at 26 combined MPG (22 city/32 highway), whereas the Lexus IS is rated at 25 combined MPG (21 city/31 highway).

Do these vehicles require the same quality of fuel?

Yes, both the CT4 and the IS require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, though the Cadillac recommends it while the Lexus requires it.

Which car offers more practical interior storage space?

The storage is nearly identical, with the Lexus IS having a slight edge at 10.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CT4’s 10.7 cubic feet.

Are the dimensions vastly different for parking in tight city spaces?

No, the dimensions are very close; the CT4 is slightly longer at 187.2 inches compared to the IS's 185.4 inches, but the IS is slightly wider by one inch (72.4 inches vs. 71.4 inches).