2025 Lexus IS vs 2026 Cadillac CT4
Comparison Overview
The primary financial distinction between these two luxury sedans is the $4,935 difference in starting MSRP, with the 2026 Cadillac CT4 positioned significantly lower at $35,600 compared to the 2025 Lexus IS at $40,535. Performance figures are closely matched; the Lexus IS boasts 241 horsepower against the CT4's 237 horsepower, though both models share an identical 258 lb-ft of torque figure. Fuel economy also sees the CT4 slightly ahead, achieving 26 MPG combined versus the IS's 25 MPG combined, leading to a minor difference in premium unleaded consumption. Dimensionally, the CT4 is 1.8 inches longer at 187.2 inches, while the IS is slightly wider at 72.4 inches. Cargo space remains nearly identical, with the Lexus holding a marginal 10.8 cu ft lead over the Cadillac's 10.7 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG rating of 26 versus the Lexus IS’s 25 MPG.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is marginally favored for families because it offers slightly more cargo space at 10.8 cu ft compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS slightly edges out the competition for enthusiasts by producing 241 horsepower, compared to the CT4's 237 horsepower.
2026 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 offers substantially better value, starting at an MSRP of $35,600, which is $4,935 less than the Lexus IS.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- You prioritize a marginally higher horsepower output, as the IS delivers 241 hp versus 237 hp.
- You prefer the slightly wider exterior stance measuring 72.4 inches.
- You require premium unleaded fuel to be mandated for operation, aligning with the IS specification.
Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...
- Your budget is strict, as the CT4 has a starting MSRP of $35,600, saving $4,935.
- You seek the marginal benefit of 26 MPG combined fuel economy, beating the IS's 25 MPG.
- You prefer a slightly longer vehicle footprint, with the CT4 measuring 187.2 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus IS | Cadillac CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 187.2" |
| Width | 72.4" | 71.4" |
| Height | 56.5" | 56.0" |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 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 | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/31 MPG | 22/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 365.4/539.4 mi. | 374.0/544.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.8 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.2 in. | 33.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.4 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 52.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | ✓ |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | P225/45R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| 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 IS and 2026 Cadillac CT4.
Is the required fuel type a major differentiator between the 2025 Lexus IS and 2026 Cadillac CT4?
Yes, the Lexus IS explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, while the Cadillac CT4 only recommends it. This mandates an ongoing higher fuel cost for IS owners compared to CT4 drivers who might opt for a lower grade.
How does the power difference between the 241 hp Lexus IS and 237 hp Cadillac CT4 translate on the road?
Both cars produce 258 lb-ft of torque and utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission, suggesting the 4 horsepower advantage held by the Lexus IS will result in negligible real-world performance disparity.
Which car offers better urban fuel economy for daily commuting?
The Cadillac CT4 provides slightly better city efficiency, achieving 22 MPG in city driving compared to the Lexus IS's 21 MPG city rating.
Is the price difference of $4,935 justified by increased size or space?
Not significantly; the CT4 is slightly longer (187.2 vs 185.4 inches), but the IS has marginally more cargo capacity (10.8 vs 10.7 cu ft), meaning the Lexus premium is not supported by notably superior dimensions.
Are the driving dynamics different given both cars are RWD with 8-speed automatics?
Based solely on specifications, both vehicles share the same foundational mechanical layout with rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting similar foundational engagement.
What is the dimensional trade-off when choosing the CT4 over the IS?
Choosing the CT4 means gaining 1.8 inches in overall length (187.2 inches total) but sacrificing 1.0 inch in overall width (71.4 inches wide).
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