2025 Lexus IS vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$40,535 · Sedan

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

So, you're stuck deciding between the dependable luxury of the 2025 Lexus IS and the slightly larger, newer 2026 Cadillac CT5? It often boils down to immediate cost versus size advantage. The Lexus IS hits the market at an MSRP of $40,535, offering 241 horsepower from its RWD platform, while sipping fuel slightly less efficiently at 25 MPG combined. Conversely, the CT5 starts significantly higher at $48,600, representing an $8,065 premium, though it manages a marginally better 26 MPG combined. While the Cadillac provides a longer body (193.8 inches vs. 185.4 inches) and slightly more trunk space (11.9 cu ft versus 10.8 cu ft), the Lexus undercuts it on base horsepower by 4 hp, yet uses a less sophisticated 8-speed transmission compared to the CT5's 10-speed unit. Both require premium fuel, making the real decision about your budget versus that extra inch of space and refinement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac CT5

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 wins for commuters due to its marginally better 26 MPG combined rating and slightly better City MPG of 23.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 offers more utility with 11.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, slightly beating the Lexus IS's 10.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus IS

The 2025 Lexus IS wins narrowly here as it quotes slightly higher base horsepower at 241 hp versus the CT5's 237 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus IS

The Lexus IS secures the value crown by having an MSRP that is $8,065 lower than the Cadillac CT5.

Choose the Lexus IS if...

You need to keep the initial purchase price low, as the Lexus IS starts at $40,535.
You prefer a slightly higher base horsepower figure, clocking in at 241 hp.
You don't mind the requirement for premium unleaded fuel and prioritize brand reliability associated with Lexus.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You value a bit more space, as the CT5 is over 8 inches longer and has 11.9 cu ft of cargo volume.
You prefer a more advanced powertrain pairing, featuring a 10-speed automatic transmission.
You want slightly better efficiency, achieving 32 MPG Highway compared to the Lexus's 31 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus IS	Cadillac CT5
Length	185.4"	193.8"
Width	72.4"	74.1"
Height	56.5"	57.2"
Wheelbase	110.2"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

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	10-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	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	365.4/539.4 mi.	391.0/544.0 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.8 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	53.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.2 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.4 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.0 in.	53.7 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	245/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 IS and 2026 Cadillac CT5.

What is the biggest fuel cost consideration between these two sedans?

Both require premium unleaded fuel, but the Lexus IS mandates it while the CT5 only recommends it, which could offer minor long-term flexibility. However, the CT5 is marginally more efficient overall at 26 combined MPG.

Is the Cadillac CT5 much larger than the Lexus IS?

Yes, the Cadillac CT5 is notably larger; it measures 193.8 inches in length compared to the IS's 185.4 inches, giving it that extra room, especially noted in its 11.9 cu ft of cargo space.

Does the horsepower difference between the two models impact performance significantly?

The difference is minimal, with the Lexus IS boasting 241 hp against the CT5's 237 hp; performance feel will be more dictated by their respective transmissions—8-speed for Lexus versus 10-speed for Cadillac.