2025 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$37,750 · Sedan

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between raw thrills and refined efficiency often leaves buyers stuck, especially when comparing the 2025 Subaru WRX and the 2026 Cadillac CT5. The WRX brings affordability and standard capability, starting at an MSRP of $37,750 compared to the CT5's $48,600—a significant $10,850 difference. Power delivery favors the WRX, delivering 271 hp via its standard 6-speed manual transmission, while the CT5 offers a milder 237 hp managed by a 10-speed automatic. However, the CT5 pulls ahead in efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined versus the WRX's 22 MPG combined. While the WRX offers standard All-Wheel Drive, the CT5 is longer by a full 1 inch (193.8 inches vs 183.8 inches) and slightly wider, making the WRX potentially more nimble in tight spots, despite its slightly smaller 12.5 cu ft cargo area.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac CT5

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 is the superior commuter due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the WRX's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac CT5

Despite slightly less cargo space (11.9 cu ft vs 12.5 cu ft), the CT5's more relaxed automatic transmission and potentially quieter ride better suit family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru WRX

The 2025 Subaru WRX wins for driving purists, offering a standard 271 hp and the engaging experience of a 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX offers substantially more horsepower (271 hp vs 237 hp) for $10,850 less than the Cadillac CT5.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

You prioritize mechanical engagement and want the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
Your budget is firm, as the WRX starts at $37,750, nearly $11,000 less than the CT5.
You need the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive in all weather conditions.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You cover significant highway miles and value the better combined MPG rating of 26.
You prefer the smoothness of a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a manual.
You appreciate a slightly larger overall footprint, with the CT5 measuring 193.8 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru WRX	Cadillac CT5
Length	183.8"	193.8"
Width	71.9"	74.1"
Height	57.8"	57.2"
Wheelbase	105.2"	116.0"

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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	10-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	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.4/431.6 mi.	391.0/544.0 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	15
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	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	53.7 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	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
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	36.7 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.3 in.	53.7 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	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 WRX and 2026 Cadillac CT5.

How much more does the Cadillac CT5 cost compared to the Subaru WRX?

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 commands a significant premium, with an MSRP of $48,600 compared to the 2025 Subaru WRX starting at $37,750, resulting in a $10,850 price gap.

Which sedan is better for long-distance highway driving based on efficiency?

The Cadillac CT5 is the more efficient choice for commuting, delivering 26 MPG combined (23 city/32 highway) versus the WRX’s 22 MPG combined (19 city/26 highway).

Is the Subaru WRX significantly more powerful than the Cadillac CT5?

Yes, the Subaru WRX generates 271 horsepower, which is 34 hp more than the CT5’s 237 horsepower, though both cars achieve the same 258 lb-ft of torque.

Do these cars require the same fuel type?

Both the 2025 WRX and the 2026 CT5 list premium unleaded as their recommended fuel type.

How does the transmission choice affect the driving experience?

The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual for hands-on enthusiasts, while the CT5 offers a modern 10-speed shiftable automatic, which is generally preferred for stop-and-go city traffic.

Which car offers better all-weather traction out of the box?

The Subaru WRX includes standard All-Wheel Drive, making it inherently better equipped for handling slick or low-traction conditions right from the factory.