2025 Toyota GR Corolla vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$39,160 · Hatchback

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial difference between the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla (Car 1) and the 2026 Cadillac CT5 (Car 2) is the $9,440 MSRP gap, starting Car 1 at $39,160 versus Car 2's $48,600. This price dictates immediate performance discrepancies; the GR Corolla offers 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its AWD system, substantially more than the CT5's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft delivered through RWD. However, the CT5 counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the GR Corolla's 24 combined MPG, despite Car 1 requiring premium fuel while Car 2 only recommends it. Dimensionally, the CT5 is significantly longer at 193.8 inches versus the GR Corolla's 173.6 inches, although the GR Corolla surprisingly offers 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CT5's 11.9 cu ft, making it the more practical option overall.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac CT5

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 offers better fuel efficiency at 26 combined MPG and utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission, which typically results in less demanding city driving than the GR Corolla's manual gearbox.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota GR Corolla

The Toyota GR Corolla provides a larger maximum cargo capacity of 17.8 cu ft compared to the Cadillac CT5's 11.9 cu ft, making it more accommodating for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota GR Corolla

The GR Corolla is the decisive choice for performance enthusiasts, delivering 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque paired with a dedicated 6-speed manual transmission and AWD.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota GR Corolla

Car 1 commands a $9,440 lower MSRP while offering 63 more horsepower and greater cargo volume, establishing a clear metric advantage.

Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...

You prioritize maximum power output, as the GR Corolla generates 300 hp versus the CT5's 237 hp.
A standard 6-speed manual transmission is essential for your driving engagement preferences.
You require the superior utility of 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity in a compact package.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You are seeking lower running costs, given the CT5 achieves 32 highway MPG compared to the GR Corolla's 28 highway MPG.
A longer, more traditional sedan profile (193.8 inches long) is desired over a compact hatchback.
You prefer the smoother operation of a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission for daily driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota GR Corolla	Cadillac CT5
Length	173.6"	193.8"
Width	72.8"	74.1"
Height	57.2"	57.2"
Wheelbase	103.9"	116.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 6500 rpm	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	12	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	277.2/369.6 mi.	391.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	17.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in 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	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	6	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	Toyota	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Front Head Room	38.4 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.9 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.9 in.	53.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
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	Toyota	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.9 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.5 in.	53.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	✓
Tire Size	235/40R18	245/45R18
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	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	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla and 2026 Cadillac CT5.

How does the mandatory fuel requirement impact long-term ownership costs?

The 2025 GR Corolla strictly requires premium unleaded fuel, which typically increases per-mile fuel expenses significantly compared to the 2026 CT5, which only recommends premium unleaded.

Which vehicle is better suited for adverse weather conditions?

The GR Corolla includes an all-wheel-drive system, providing better traction assurance in snow or heavy rain compared to the standard rear-wheel-drive setup of the Cadillac CT5.

What is the tangible difference in physical size between these two body styles?

The CT5 sedan measures 193.8 inches long, making it 20.2 inches longer than the GR Corolla hatchback, resulting in a substantially different road presence and turning radius.

Does the higher horsepower in the GR Corolla translate to better real-world economy?

No; despite having 63 less horsepower, the Cadillac CT5 achieves a higher combined fuel economy rating of 26 MPG versus the GR Corolla's 24 combined MPG.

How does the standard transmission choice affect driver experience?

Enthusiasts favoring direct engagement will prefer the GR Corolla's 6-speed manual transmission, while commuters may find the CT5's 10-speed shiftable automatic more convenient for heavy traffic.

Is the Cadillac CT5’s higher MSRP justified by additional standard equipment?

Based strictly on the provided specifications, the $9,440 price increase on the CT5 is not justified by superior power (it has less), but it aligns with its larger size and potentially more luxurious sedan classification.