2025 Lexus ES vs 2026 Cadillac CT4

$42,140 · Sedan

$35,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus ES embodies serene luxury, appealing with its standard All-Wheel Drive and a respectable 28 MPG combined efficiency, cloaked in a substantial 195.9-inch frame. Conversely, the 2026 Cadillac CT4 bursts onto the scene with an undeniable edge in driver engagement, boasting 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, figures that immediately promise more thrilling dynamics than the ES's 203 hp. While the Cadillac is significantly nimbler and boasts a lower MSRP of $35,600 compared to the Lexus's $42,140, the ES counters with superior practicality, offering 13.9 cu ft of cargo space against the CT4's smaller 10.7 cu ft trunk. This comparison pits Lexus's commitment to quiet, comfortable refinement against Cadillac's focus on athletic, rear-wheel-drive performance and aggressive pricing.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES wins for daily commuters due to its superior fuel economy rating of 28 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES offers a more accommodating cabin and trunk, boasting 13.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 delivers a more exciting experience with 237 horsepower and a dedicated rear-wheel-drive bias.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 offers a powerful 237 hp engine for a significantly lower starting price of $35,600, undercutting the Lexus by $6,540.

Choose the Lexus ES if...

You prioritize year-round stability provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You need maximum practicality, as the Lexus ES offers 13.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer operating on regular unleaded fuel rather than premium, as required by the CT4.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

You crave immediate throttle response from the superior 258 lb-ft of torque.
You want the most engaging dynamics rooted in its rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Budget is a primary concern, given the CT4's substantial $6,540 lower starting MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus ES	Cadillac CT4
Length	195.9"	187.2"
Width	73.4"	71.4"
Height	57.1"	56.0"
Wheelbase	113.0"	109.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6500 rpm	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	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	Lexus	Cadillac
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/33 MPG	22/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/524.7 mi.	374.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
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	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Front Head Room	37.5 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	53.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.3 in.	52.5 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	✓
Tire Size	215/55R17	P225/45R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus ES and 2026 Cadillac CT4.

Which sedan will cost less to run day-to-day based on fuel requirements?

The Lexus ES is likely cheaper to fuel regularly, as it uses regular unleaded gasoline while the Cadillac CT4 recommends premium fuel. This is reflected in the Lexus's slightly better 28 combined MPG versus the Cadillac's 26 MPG.

How significant is the performance gap between the two base models?

The difference is noticeable; the CT4 produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a 34 hp advantage over the ES's 203 hp output. This power imbalance favors the CT4's straight-line acceleration.

Is the extra money for the Lexus ES justified by its size?

The Lexus ES is notably larger, measuring 195.9 inches long compared to the CT4's 187.2 inches. This greater length translates directly into a more substantial cargo area of 13.9 cu ft versus the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.

Which vehicle is better for drivers who enjoy a spirited driving feel?

The Cadillac CT4 is designed for driving enthusiasts, featuring a performance-oriented rear-wheel-drive setup and higher torque figures. The Lexus ES prioritizes smooth comfort with its standard all-wheel drive.