2025 Cadillac CT5 vs 2025 Lexus IS
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Cadillac CT5 bursts onto the scene with an undeniable American luxury presence, slightly larger at 193.8 inches long, offering a potent 237 hp from its rear-wheel-drive platform. Meanwhile, the 2025 Lexus IS embodies razor-sharp Japanese precision, launching with a slightly higher 241 hp despite a lower MSRP of $40,535 compared to the CT5's $47,595. Both rear-wheel-drive sedans command premium fuel, but the CT5 manages a slightly better 26 MPG combined versus the IS's 25 MPG combined. The Cadillac compensates for its $7,060 higher price tag with marginally better efficiency and a slightly roomier 11.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Lexus's 10.8 cu ft. The driving character is distinct: the CT5 favors smooth, high-speed cruising utilizing a 10-speed automatic, while the IS feels tauter and more immediately connected through its 8-speed transmission, making both compelling, albeit distinct, performance propositions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Cadillac CT5
The Cadillac CT5 provides a slightly better combined fuel economy of 26 MPG, which saves money over years of commuting.
2025 Cadillac CT5
The CT5 offers more practical space with 11.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the IS's 10.8 cu ft.
2025 Lexus IS
While both are RWD, the Lexus IS provides 4 more horsepower (241 hp vs 237 hp) and a more compact, eager footprint.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS undercuts the CT5 significantly with an MSRP that is $7,060 less, offering 241 hp for a lower initial investment.
Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...
- You prioritize superior highway efficiency, as the CT5 achieves 32 highway MPG versus 31 MPG for the IS.
- You need maximum usability from the rear seats and trunk, benefiting from the CT5's greater overall length (193.8 inches).
- You prefer the smoother shifts and gear range provided by the CT5's 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is paramount, as the IS starts at $40,535, significantly cheaper than the CT5's $47,595.
- You desire the highest immediate power output, as the IS technically boasts 241 hp compared to the CT5's 237 hp.
- You prefer a tighter, slightly smaller exterior footprint (185.4 inches long) for easier urban navigation.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac CT5 | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.8" | 185.4" |
| Width | 74.1" | 72.4" |
| Height | 57.2" | 56.5" |
| Wheelbase | 116.0" | 110.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Cadillac | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 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 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 | 10-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) | 23/32 MPG | 21/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.0/544.0 mi. | 365.4/539.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Cadillac | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Cadillac | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 33.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | AKG | — |
| Speaker System | 15 | 10 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Cadillac | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 44.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.7 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Seat Massage Function | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.9 in. | 32.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 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 | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 245/45R18 | 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 CT5 and 2025 Lexus IS.
What is the core difference in performance between the 2025 CT5 and the 2025 IS?
The Lexus IS technically wins on peak output with 241 horsepower compared to the Cadillac CT5's 237 hp, although both produce an identical 258 lb-ft of torque. The CT5 uses a 10-speed transmission, while the IS employs an 8-speed, which may alter the feel of power delivery.
Is the price difference between these two RWD sedans significant for daily drivers?
Yes, the Cadillac CT5 carries a premium MSRP of $47,595, which is $7,060 more than the Lexus IS starting price of $40,535. This gap makes the IS the considerably better value proposition upfront.
Which vehicle is better suited for long-distance road trips based on efficiency?
The Cadillac CT5 holds a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined (23/32) compared to the Lexus IS's 25 MPG combined (21/31). This minimal difference could equate to slight savings over many miles.
Are there notable differences in size and interior utility?
The CT5 is physically larger in every dimension, resulting in a slightly larger trunk at 11.9 cu ft versus the IS’s 10.8 cu ft. The CT5's extra length (193.8 inches vs 185.4 inches) likely translates to marginally more passenger comfort.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Both the 2025 Cadillac CT5 and the 2025 Lexus IS recommend or require premium unleaded fuel for their specified performance figures, meaning neither offers a distinct cost advantage at the pump based on fuel grade.
How does the drivetrain and transmission choice impact the driving feel?
Both utilize rear-wheel drive, emphasizing balanced handling. However, the CT5's 10-speed automatic aims for efficiency and smoothness, whereas the IS's 8-speed might offer more direct engagement appealing to driving purists.
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