2025 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Cadillac CT4

$37,750 · Sedan

$35,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru WRX bursts onto the scene with 271 hp, ready to attack any road condition thanks to its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and engaging 6-speed manual transmission. Contrast this raw, rally-bred energy with the sleek, sophisticated appeal of the 2026 Cadillac CT4, which offers a smoother 8-speed automatic experience focused on rear-wheel drive dynamics. While the WRX boasts 34 more horsepower than the CT4's 237 hp, it pays for that performance with a lower 22 MPG combined efficiency compared to the CT4's impressive 26 MPG combined. The Subaru is slightly more compact at 183.8 inches long, yet offers marginally more utility with 12.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Cadillac's 10.7 cu ft. Both demand premium fuel, but the WRX carries an MSRP of $37,750, slightly above the CT4's starting price of $35,600, setting up a battle between accessible AWD aggression and refined RWD luxury.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac CT4

The 2026 Cadillac CT4 is the superior commuter due to its 26 MPG combined fuel economy versus the WRX's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru WRX

The 2025 Subaru WRX provides slightly more practicality with 12.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX delivers significantly more peak power with 271 hp and offers the pure driver involvement of a standard 6-speed manual.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac CT4

The 2026 Cadillac CT4 is less expensive at $35,600 and achieves 4 MPG better combined efficiency.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

You demand maximum acceleration, benefiting from the WRX's 271 horsepower rating.
You need guaranteed traction year-round via the standard all-wheel drive system.
You insist on a true, driver-focused 6-speed manual transmission experience.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

Your priority is stretching fuel usage, capitalizing on the CT4's 32 MPG highway rating.
You prefer the balanced handling characteristics of a rear-wheel drive layout.
You seek a lower initial investment with an MSRP starting at $35,600.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru WRX	Cadillac CT4
Length	183.8"	187.2"
Width	71.9"	71.4"
Height	57.8"	56.0"
Wheelbase	105.2"	109.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

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	271 hp @ 5600 rpm	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 2000 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	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	22/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.4/431.6 mi.	374.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	55.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.3 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	✓
Tire Size	245/40R	P225/45R17
Wheel Diameter	—	17 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 WRX and 2026 Cadillac CT4.

Which car is faster in a straight line, the WRX or the CT4?

The 2025 Subaru WRX is expected to be faster off the line and through the quarter mile, thanks to its higher output of 271 horsepower, which is 34 hp more than the 2026 Cadillac CT4's 237 hp.

How much of a difference is the fuel economy between these two sedans?

There is a significant 4 MPG difference in combined fuel efficiency; the Cadillac CT4 achieves 26 MPG combined, while the Subaru WRX is rated at 22 MPG combined.

Is the standard transmission in either car a manual?

Yes, the 2025 Subaru WRX comes standard with an engaging 6-speed manual transmission for purists. In contrast, the 2026 Cadillac CT4 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission as standard equipment.

Which car is better equipped for hauling luggage or gear?

The Subaru WRX offers superior cargo capacity, boasting 12.5 cubic feet compared to the Cadillac CT4’s 10.7 cubic feet, making it slightly more useful for utility.

Are both vehicles primarily designed for rear-wheel or all-wheel performance?

The WRX features Subaru's renowned all-wheel drive system, ideal for poor weather, whereas the CT4 employs a traditional rear-wheel drive setup favoring sharp handling dynamics.

What is the difference in their physical size?

The 2026 Cadillac CT4 is slightly longer at 187.2 inches versus the WRX's 183.8 inches, but the WRX is marginally wider and taller, contributing to its slightly larger cargo area.