2025 Subaru BRZ vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$33,210 · Coupe

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru BRZ is pure, distilled driving passion, offering a featherlight footprint and razor-sharp handling with 228 hp sent through a sublime 6-speed manual transmission, starting at an aggressive $33,210. Contrast this with the sophisticated 2026 Cadillac CT5, a RWD sedan flexing a more muscular 258 lb-ft of torque and delivering 237 hp through a smooth 10-speed automatic; it begins at $48,600. The BRZ's compact dimensions (167.9 inches long) favor nimble agility, whereas the larger CT5 (193.8 inches long) provides practicality, evidenced by its significantly larger 11.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the BRZ’s mere 6.3 cu ft. While the BRZ sips premium unleaded for 22 MPG combined, the Cadillac manages 26 MPG combined, representing a key $15,390 initial purchase price delta between these vastly different rear-wheel-drive machines.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG and more comfortable sedan architecture.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac CT5

The CT5 offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 11.9 cu ft compared to the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft, making it far more practical for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru BRZ

The BRZ appeals more to driving purists with its dedicated 6-speed manual transmission, emphasizing driver engagement over raw torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ presents exceptional engagement and performance for its entry price point of $33,210, which is $15,390 less than the CT5.

Choose the Subaru BRZ if...

You prioritize direct mechanical connection and seek the engagement only a 6-speed manual can deliver.
You need the most agile and compact platform, measuring only 167.9 inches in length.
Your budget demands the lowest entry cost for a fun, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe at $33,210.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You require daily usability with higher efficiency, achieving 32 MPG on the highway.
You need usable space, as the CT5 offers 11.9 cu ft of cargo room versus the BRZ’s 6.3 cu ft.
You prefer the effortless torque delivery provided by 258 lb-ft available in the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru BRZ	Cadillac CT5
Length	167.9"	193.8"
Width	69.9"	74.1"
Height	51.6"	57.2"
Wheelbase	101.4"	116.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	228 hp @ 7000 rpm	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 3700 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	Subaru	Cadillac
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	264.0/356.4 mi.	391.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	17.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on 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	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	15
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 in.	53.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	12-way
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	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	33.5 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.9 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.7 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.2 in.	53.7 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	✓
Tire Size	215/45R	245/45R18
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru BRZ and 2026 Cadillac CT5.

Do both the BRZ and CT5 require premium fuel?

Yes, the 2025 Subaru BRZ explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel to maintain its 228 hp output. The 2026 Cadillac CT5, however, only recommends premium unleaded, meaning regular fuel can technically be used.

How much more powerful is the CT5 in torque delivery?

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 boasts significantly more torque at 258 lb-ft compared to the BRZ's 184 lb-ft. This extra 74 lb-ft translates to stronger pull-through in the Cadillac, especially when paired with its 10-speed automatic.

Is the BRZ significantly smaller than the CT5?

Yes, the size difference is substantial; the CT5 is 193.8 inches long while the BRZ is only 167.9 inches long, making the BRZ nearly 26 inches shorter, which aids its agility.

Which car offers a better transmission for spirited driving?

Enthusiasts generally prefer the 6-speed manual found in the BRZ for maximum driver control and involvement. Conversely, the CT5 uses a technologically advanced 10-speed shiftable automatic.

What is the specific fuel economy advantage of the CT5?

The Cadillac CT5 achieves a combined rating of 26 MPG, which is 4 MPG better than the BRZ's 22 MPG combined rating, offering better overall range between fill-ups.