Compare the2022 Cadillac CT4-VVS 2021 Subaru WRX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability

Safety

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Both the CT4-V and WRX have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The CT4-V has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The WRX’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the CT4-V are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The WRX doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Cadillac CT4-V has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The WRX doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The CT4-V (except Blackwing) offers an optional HD Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The WRX only offers a rear monitor.

The CT4-V has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the WRX’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the CT4-V has a standard cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the WRX Limited offers a cross-path warning system and it costs extra.

Both the CT4-V and the WRX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

Warranty

The CT4-V comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The WRX’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the CT4-V 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Subaru covers the WRX. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the WRX ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The CT4-V’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the WRX’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 38 percent more Cadillac dealers than there are Subaru dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the CT4-V’s warranty.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the CT4-V’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the WRX’s camshafts. If the WRX’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

The battery on the CT4-V is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the CT4-V’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The WRX’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are better in initial quality than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac 22nd in initial quality. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 24th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac fifth in reliability, above the industry average. With 25 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 17th.

Engine

The CT4-V’s standard 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder produces 57 more horsepower (325 vs. 268) and 122 lbs.-ft. more torque (380 vs. 258) than the WRX’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The CT4-V’s 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder produces 15 more horsepower (325 vs. 310) and 90 lbs.-ft. more torque (380 vs. 290) than the WRX STI’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The CT4-V Blackwing’s standard 3.6 turbo V6 produces 162 more horsepower (472 vs. 310) and 155 lbs.-ft. more torque (445 vs. 290) than the WRX STI’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Cadillac CT4-V (base engine) is faster than the Subaru WRX 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder (automatics tested):

	CT4-V	WRX
Zero to 60 MPH	4.4 sec	5.5 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	11.4 sec	14.4 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	5.2 sec	6.4 sec
Quarter Mile	13 sec	14.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	106 MPH	99 MPH
Top Speed	164 MPH	150 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the CT4-V gets better mileage than the WRX:

			MPG
CT4-V
RWD	Auto	2.7 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/29 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.7 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/28 hwy
WRX
AWD	Manual	2.0 turbo flat-4	20 city/27 hwy
		2.5 turbo flat-4	16 city/22 hwy
	Auto	2.0 turbo flat-4	18 city/24 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CT4-V’s fuel efficiency. The WRX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the CT4-V (except Blackwing)’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The WRX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The CT4-V has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the WRX (17 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The CT4-V has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The WRX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Cadillac CT4-V higher (6 out of 10) than the Subaru WRX (1). This means the CT4-V produces up to 45.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the WRX every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The Cadillac CT4-V comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the WRX.

The CT4-V’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The WRX doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the CT4-V’s brake rotors are larger than those on the WRX:

	CT4-V	CT4-V Blackwing	WRX	WRX STI
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	15 inches	12.4 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	13.4 inches	11.3 inches	12.8 inches

The CT4-V’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the WRX are solid, not vented.

The CT4-V stops shorter than the WRX:

	CT4-V	WRX
70 to 0 MPH	152 feet	160 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	104 feet	112 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

The CT4-V Blackwing’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the WRX (F:255/35R18 & R:275/35R18 vs. 245/35R19).

The CT4-V’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the WRX’s standard 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CT4-V has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the WRX.

The CT4-V has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The WRX doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the CT4-V can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The WRX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The CT4-V offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The WRX’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CT4-V’s wheelbase is 5 inches longer than on the WRX (109.3 inches vs. 104.3 inches).

The CT4-V’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52.3% to 47.7%) than the WRX’s (58.4% to 41.6%). This gives the CT4-V more stable handling and braking.

The CT4-V handles at .94 G’s, while the WRX pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the CT4-V is quieter than the WRX STI:

	CT4-V	WRX
At idle	42 dB	54 dB
Full-Throttle	79 dB	80 dB
70 MPH Cruising	71 dB	75 dB

Towing

The CT4-V has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The WRX has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Subaru. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 40% lower rating, Subaru is ranked 22nd.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the CT4-V, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster) and outside mirror angle. The WRX doesn’t offer a memory system.

The CT4-V’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The WRX doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The CT4-V’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The WRX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The CT4-V offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The WRX doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The CT4-V’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The WRX has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The power windows standard on both the CT4-V and the WRX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the CT4-V is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The WRX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The CT4-V’s front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The WRX’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully.

On a hot day the CT4-V’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the WRX can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The CT4-V’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The WRX’s power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The CT4-V’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The WRX’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The CT4-V has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The WRX has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Premium/STI/Limited.

When the CT4-V is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The WRX’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The CT4-V’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The WRX offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the CT4-V keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The WRX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the CT4-V’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The WRX doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The CT4-V offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the WRX.

The CT4-V has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the WRX STI.

Both the CT4-V and the WRX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the CT4-V has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The WRX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Cadillac CT4-V has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The WRX doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Model Availability

The CT4-V is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The WRX doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

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