2025 Cadillac CT5 vs 2025 Subaru WRX

$47,595 · Sedan

$37,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offers American luxury wrapped in sleek sheet metal, projecting refined power with its 237 hp engine and standard Rear-Wheel Drive for classic handling dynamics, starting at $47,595. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru WRX unleashes pure, accessible AWD aggression; boasting 271 hp and standard 6-speed manual transmission, it promises visceral engagement at a competitive $37,750 MSRP. While the CT5 sips slightly more efficiently at 26 combined MPG versus the WRX’s 22 MPG, the WRX compensates with 34 more horsepower and a superior 12.5 cu ft of cargo space, making it the performance bargain. The $9,845 price gap highlights a fundamental choice: plush, RWD elegance or rally-bred, AWD intensity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 offers superior refinement and 4 MPG better combined fuel economy for daily driving comfort.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX provides standard All-Wheel Drive security and slightly more cargo capacity at 12.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX delivers significantly more power with 271 hp and the coveted, engaging 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX is the clear value choice, offering 34 more horsepower for nearly $10,000 less than the CT5.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You prioritize luxury cruising, characterized by the CT5's sophisticated RWD layout and sleek design.
You need slightly better fuel economy, achieving 32 MPG on the highway versus the WRX's 26 MPG.
Your driving preference leans toward a smoother, shiftable 10-speed automatic transmission experience.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

Maximum outright performance is key, thanks to its dominant 271 hp output.
You demand the superior traction and stability of a standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Engaging actively with the drive is essential, provided by the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac CT5	Subaru WRX
Length	193.8"	183.8"
Width	74.1"	71.9"
Height	57.2"	57.8"
Wheelbase	116.0"	105.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	237 hp @ 5000 rpm	271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/32 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.0/544.0 mi.	315.4/431.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.0 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
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	Subaru
Infotainment Display	33.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	AKG	—
Speaker System	15	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	43.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.7 in.	54.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.9 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.7 in.	49.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Size	245/45R18	245/40R
Tire Type	✓	Performance
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
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 CT5 and 2025 Subaru WRX.

How do the driving dynamics differ between the two sedans?

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 utilizes Rear-Wheel Drive, emphasizing balanced, classic sedan handling dynamics geared towards comfortable cruising. In contrast, the 2025 Subaru WRX features standard All-Wheel Drive and significantly more power (271 hp), prioritizing grip and aggressive, spirited handling, especially in variable conditions.

Is the Cadillac CT5 more efficient than the Subaru WRX?

Yes, the Cadillac CT5 offers better efficiency, achieving a combined 26 MPG compared to the WRX’s 22 combined MPG. This 4 MPG advantage translates to fewer stops for the CT5 owner during their weekly commute.

Which car offers a better value proposition based on horsepower?

The Subaru WRX is the performance value leader, offering 271 hp for an MSRP of $37,750. The Cadillac CT5 has 237 hp but starts at a much higher $47,595, creating a significant performance-per-dollar discrepancy.

Which transmission is the enthusiast favorite?

Enthusiasts strongly favor the 2025 Subaru WRX because it comes equipped standard with an engaging 6-speed manual transmission. The Cadillac CT5 offers a 10-speed shiftable automatic, prioritizing convenience over manual driver interaction.

How much more expensive is the Cadillac CT5?

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 carries a substantial premium, with an MSRP of $47,595 compared to the 2025 Subaru WRX's starting price of $37,750. This results in a significant price gap of $9,845.

Do these sedans have similar dimensions?

No, the Cadillac CT5 is notably longer, measuring 193.8 inches in length compared to the WRX's 183.8 inches. The CT5 is also wider at 74.1 inches, suggesting a larger footprint on the road.