2025 Lexus ES vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$42,140 · Sedan

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference is the $6,460 MSRP gap, with the 2025 Lexus ES starting at $42,140 versus the 2026 Cadillac CT5 at $48,600. Performance metrics clearly favor the CT5, which delivers 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the ES's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. However, the Lexus maintains a 2 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (28 MPG vs. 26 MPG) and utilizes less expensive regular unleaded fuel. While the CT5 offers a 10-speed automatic transmission, the ES counters with standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the CT5 is Rear-Wheel Drive. Cargo space also favors the Lexus sedan by 2.0 cubic feet (13.9 cu ft vs. 11.9 cu ft), positioning the ES as the more economical and practical option, despite the CT5’s performance edge.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus ES

The 2025 Lexus ES offers superior fuel efficiency at 28 combined MPG and uses regular unleaded fuel, reducing long-term operational costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES provides 13.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 2.0 cubic feet more than the Cadillac CT5’s 11.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Cadillac CT5

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 generates 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Lexus ES in power output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES offers a lower initial entry price point at $42,140 and better fuel economy metrics.

Choose the Lexus ES if...

Your priority is maximum cargo space, as the Lexus ES provides 13.9 cu ft compared to 11.9 cu ft.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
You want to save on fuel expenditures, benefiting from 28 combined MPG and regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

Performance is key, evidenced by the CT5's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a Rear-Wheel Drive configuration coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The higher starting MSRP of $48,600 is acceptable for its increased power metrics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus ES	Cadillac CT5
Length	195.9"	193.8"
Width	73.4"	74.1"
Height	57.1"	57.2"
Wheelbase	113.0"	116.0"

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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

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	10-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	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/524.7 mi.	391.0/544.0 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Pioneer	—
Speaker System	10	15
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Front Head Room	37.5 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	53.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.3 in.	53.7 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	245/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 CT5.

What is the key difference in powertrain configuration between the ES and the CT5?

The 2025 Lexus ES comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 utilizes a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) layout and features a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How does the fuel requirement impact the running costs of these two sedans?

The Lexus ES uses regular unleaded fuel and achieves 28 combined MPG. The Cadillac CT5 requires premium unleaded fuel and returns a lower 26 combined MPG, resulting in higher routine refueling costs for the CT5.

Which vehicle offers more passenger or storage utility based on physical dimensions?

The Lexus ES is marginally longer at 195.9 inches and offers significantly more usable storage volume with 13.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The CT5 is shorter (193.8 inches) and has 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Is the significant power difference reflected in the pricing structure?

Yes, the Cadillac CT5 commands a $6,460 premium over the Lexus ES, starting at $48,600 for its greater output of 237 hp. The Lexus ES starts at $42,140 with 203 hp.

Do the exterior dimensions suggest one car is significantly larger than the other?

The two vehicles are very close in size, but the Lexus ES is slightly longer (195.9 vs. 193.8 inches) and narrower (73.4 vs. 74.1 inches). The height is virtually identical, with the CT5 being negligibly taller at 57.2 inches.

Which sedan is better equipped for spirited driving based purely on performance specs?

The Cadillac CT5 is clearly the superior choice for enthusiasts, boasting 34 more horsepower (237 hp vs. 203 hp) and substantially higher torque output (258 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft).