2025 Cadillac CT4 vs 2026 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and the 2026 Nissan Z presents a classic dilemma: everyday refinement versus weekend excitement. If your budget prioritizes long-term savings, the CT4 starts at a much lower MSRP of $34,995, significantly undercutting the Z’s $42,970 price tag by nearly $8,000. This cost difference is mirrored in running costs, as the CT4 delivers a 26 MPG combined, besting the Z’s 20 MPG combined—a notable 6 MPG advantage for daily driving. However, for pure performance gratification, the Z dominates with 400 horsepower compared to the CT4’s 237 hp, accompanied by 350 lb-ft of torque. While the CT4 is slightly narrower at 71.4 inches versus the Z's 72.6 inches, its sedan profile offers superior practicality, evidenced by its usable 10.7 cu ft cargo hold versus the coupe's limited space.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Cadillac CT4
The CT4 wins for commuters due to its superior 32 MPG highway rating and more practical sedan body style.
2025 Cadillac CT4
The CT4, being a sedan with dedicated rear space and a better MPG rating, is inherently more practical than the two-seater Nissan Z coupe.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z offers substantially more power, boasting 400 horsepower and a dedicated 6-speed manual transmission for an engaging driving experience.
2025 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 offers a $7,975 lower entry price and better fuel economy (26 MPG combined) than the Nissan Z.
Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...
- You need better fuel economy, as the CT4 achieves 32 MPG on the highway.
- Your budget is tight, with an MSRP starting at $34,995, which is $7,975 less than the Nissan Z.
- You require a more conventional sedan format with 10.7 cu ft of cargo space for daily errands.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Maximum performance is the priority, as the Z delivers 400 horsepower.
- You prefer the direct engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You enjoy a lower, sportier stance with a height of only 51.8 inches for better handling feel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac CT4 | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 172.4" |
| Width | 71.4" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.0" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 109.0" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/32 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 374.0/544.0 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| 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 | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.5 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.4 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.9 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Size | P225/45R17 | 245/45R |
| Tire Type | ✓ | Performance |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 9.0 in. |
Suspension
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and 2026 Nissan Z.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Nissan Z compared to the 2025 Cadillac CT4?
The Nissan Z is significantly more powerful, putting out 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This is 163 more horsepower than the Cadillac CT4’s 237 hp rating.
Is the Cadillac CT4 significantly cheaper than the Nissan Z?
Yes, the Cadillac CT4 has an MSRP of $34,995, making it $7,975 less expensive than the 2026 Nissan Z, which starts at $42,970.
Which car is better suited for long highway commutes in terms of fuel efficiency?
The Cadillac CT4 is the clear choice for commuting efficiency, achieving 32 MPG highway compared to the Nissan Z's 24 MPG highway rating.
What is the main difference in transmission choices between these two RWD cars?
The CT4 comes exclusively with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Nissan Z offers a highly engaging 6-speed manual transmission as standard.
How do the physical dimensions affect usability for parking and maneuvering?
The CT4 sedan is 187.2 inches long, while the Z coupe is notably shorter at 172.4 inches, potentially making the Z slightly easier to fit into tight parking spaces.
Does the CT4 require the same premium fuel as the Nissan Z?
Both vehicles recommend premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, though the CT4 consumes it much less frequently given its better overall fuel economy of 26 MPG combined.
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