Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2022 Cadillac CT5

The Passat has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CT5 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Passat has a standard rear 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 CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport has a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the Passat and the CT5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volkswagen Passat is safer than the Cadillac CT5:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Passat the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 205 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The CT5 has not been tested, yet.

The Passat’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the CT5’s (7 vs. 6 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Passat for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Cadillac only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the CT5.

The Volkswagen Passat’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the CT5’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Passat gets better mileage than the CT5:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Passat uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CT5 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Passat has a gallon more fuel capacity than the CT5 (18.5 vs. 17.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Passat higher (7 out of 10) than the Cadillac CT5 (5 to 7). This means the Passat produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CT5 every 15,000 miles.

The Passat has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the CT5; it requires you to depend on its optional run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Passat’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the CT5’s (36.4 feet vs. 39 feet). The Passat’s turning circle is 4.3 feet tighter than the CT5 AWD’s (36.4 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The Volkswagen Passat may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 450 pounds less than the Cadillac CT5.

The Passat has .2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 1.2 inches more rear legroom and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CT5.

The front step up height for the Passat is .8 inches lower than the CT5 (15.8” vs. 16.6”). The Passat’s rear step up height is 2.2 inches lower than the CT5’s (15.5” vs. 17.7”).

The Passat has a much larger trunk than the CT5 (15.9 vs. 11.9 cubic feet).

If the windows are left open on the Passat the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the CT5 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Passat has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The CT5 doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Passat to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CT5 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Passat R-Line/Limited’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Passat has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the CT5. The Passat Limited also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CT5.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Volkswagen Passat, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Cadillac CT5 isn't recommended.

The Volkswagen Passat outsold the Cadillac CT5 by 82% during the 2021 model year.