2026 Cadillac CT5 vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 bursts onto the scene with an air of accessible American luxury, boasting 237 hp from its RWD architecture and an MSRP starting at $48,600. It delivers a balanced 26 MPG combined, suitable for premium cruising. In stark contrast, the 2026 Toyota GR86 is a purebred enthusiast machine, offering visceral thrills for just $30,800, although it produces less power at 228 hp. While the CT5 is significantly longer at 193.8 inches compared to the nimble 167.9-inch GR86, the GR86 demands a heavier commitment with 6.3 cu ft of cargo space versus the Cadillac's 11.9 cu ft. The $17,800 price gap highlights two vastly different approaches to performance driving: refined comfort versus raw engagement, evidenced by the CT5's 10-speed automatic versus the GR86's focused 6-speed manual.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Cadillac CT5
The Cadillac CT5 offers superior fuel economy at 26 MPG combined compared to the GR86's 22 MPG, making daily mileage more economical.
2026 Cadillac CT5
With a significantly larger cargo capacity of 11.9 cu ft versus 6.3 cu ft, the CT5 better accommodates typical family needs.
2026 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86's mandatory 6-speed manual transmission provides a far more involving and tactile driving engagement cherished by purists.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 undercuts the CT5 by a massive $17,800, delivering 228 hp for significantly less entry cost.
Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...
- You prioritize the quiet comfort and slightly superior fuel efficiency, achieving 32 MPG on the highway.
- You need the extra utility provided by the 11.9 cubic feet of trunk space.
- You prefer the smoothness and efficiency of a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a manual.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your primary focus is maximizing driving pleasure through a pure, RWD platform paired with a 6-speed manual.
- Saving $17,800 in initial purchase price is a major deciding factor for your budget.
- You prefer a smaller, more agile footprint, measuring only 167.9 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac CT5 | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.8" | 167.9" |
| Width | 74.1" | 69.9" |
| Height | 57.2" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 116.0" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | โ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | โ | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/32 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.0/544.0 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Front View Camera | โ | โ |
| Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Sun Sensor | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 33.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | AKG | โ |
| Speaker System | 15 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | โ |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | โ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | โ | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | โ |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.7 in. | โ |
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | โ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | โ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
| Seat Massage Function | โ | โ |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.9 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 in. | โ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | โ |
| Tire Size | 245/45R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Tire Type | โ | Performance |
| Wheel Material | โ | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | โ | 17 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Cadillac CT5 and 2026 Toyota GR86.
How does the performance feel different between the CT5 and the GR86?
The CT5 offers a broader power band with 237 hp, coupled with a sophisticated 10-speed automatic for smooth acceleration. The GR86, while producing slightly less at 228 hp, translates that power directly through a pure 6-speed manual gearbox, making the experience feel more raw and connected to the road.
Is the GR86 truly impractical due to its smaller size?
The GR86 is significantly smaller in every dimension, especially cargo, holding only 6.3 cu ft compared to the CT5's 11.9 cu ft. Its compact 51.6-inch height also makes it a lower-slung vehicle, which can impact ease of entry and exit for some drivers.
What is the real-world fuel cost implication of choosing one over the other?
The Cadillac CT5 achieves 26 MPG combined, saving you about 4 MPG over the GR86โs 22 MPG combined rating. Given the similar requirement for premium unleaded fuel, the CT5 will require fewer trips to the pump over long-term ownership.
Since both are RWD, which offers a better handling experience?
Handling preference is subjective; the GR86 is engineered for sports car agility with minimal dimensions (167.9 inches long), whereas the larger CT5 prioritizes stable, confident cruising with a longer wheelbase and greater width (74.1 inches).
Considering the MSRP difference, what justifies the Cadillac's higher price?
The Cadillac CT5 demands a $17,800 premium, primarily for its luxury sedan appointment, slightly higher output of 237 hp, and greater overall size and passenger/cargo volume compared to the focused, lightweight GR86 coupe.
Does the CT5's higher torque help everyday city driving?
Yes, the CT5 produces 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the GR86's 184 lb-ft. This extra torque, combined with the 10-speed transmission, should make merging and low-speed acceleration feel effortless in the larger sedan.
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