Compare the2023 Cadillac CT5VS 2022 Volkswagen Passat

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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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 CT5 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Passat doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Cadillac CT5 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 Passat doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The CT5 offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Passat doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional HD Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Passat only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the CT5 and the Passat 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 rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Cadillac CT5 is safer than the Volkswagen Passat:

	CT5	Passat
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	155	170
Neck Injury Risk	24%	28.5%
Neck Stress	217 lbs.	263 lbs.
Neck Compression	5 lbs.	61 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.6 inches	1 inches
Neck Injury Risk	25%	46.5%
Neck Stress	144 lbs.	265 lbs.
Neck Compression	79 lbs.	147 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	93/36 lbs.	173/49 lbs.

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

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 Cadillac CT5 is safer than the Volkswagen Passat:

	CT5	Passat
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.9 inches	1 inches
Hip Force	233 lbs.	316 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	93	249
Spine Acceleration	57 G’s	62 G’s
Hip Force	573 lbs.	713 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	240	359
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	49 G’s
Hip Force	558 lbs.	720 lbs.

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

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the CT5, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 1.2% less likely to roll over than the Passat, which received a four-star rating.

Warranty

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the CT5 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Passat. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Passat ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The CT5’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Passat’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

The battery on the CT5 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the CT5’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Passat’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac above average in initial quality. With 67 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac above average in long-term dependability. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volkswagen is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Cadillac 3 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The CT5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 63 more horsepower (237 vs. 174) and 52 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The CT5’s optional 3.0 turbo V6 produces 161 more horsepower (335 vs. 174) and 199 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 206) than the Passat’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Cadillac CT5 turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Volkswagen Passat:

	CT5	Passat
Zero to 60 MPH	7.7 sec	7.9 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.9 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.9 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92 MPH	91 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CT5’s fuel efficiency. The Passat doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the CT5’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 Passat doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The CT5 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 Passat doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Cadillac CT5, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Passat.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the CT5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Passat:

	CT5	CT5 Sport	Passat
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	13.6 inches	12.3 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	12.4 inches	10.7 inches

The CT5 Sport’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Passat are solid, not vented.

The CT5 stops much shorter than the Passat:

	CT5	Passat
70 to 0 MPH	169 feet	191 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	114 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	137 feet	147 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the CT5 has larger standard tires than the Passat (245/45R18 vs. 235/45R18). The CT5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Passat (255/35R20 vs. 235/45R18).

The CT5’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Passat R-Line’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CT5 offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Passat’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The CT5 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 Passat doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the CT5 can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Passat doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

Suspension and Handling

The CT5 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 Passat’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CT5’s wheelbase is 5.6 inches longer than on the Passat (116 inches vs. 110.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CT5 is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 3.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Passat.

The CT5 Premium Luxury handles at .87 G’s, while the Passat pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CT5 Sport executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the Passat R-Line (26.2 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the CT5 (except Premium Luxury/Sport) uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Passat doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Cargo Capacity

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the CT5’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The Passat’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

Towing

The CT5 has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The Passat has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The CT5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Passat uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the CT5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Passat. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac second in service department satisfaction. With a 47% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 28th.

Ergonomics

The CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Passat doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The CT5’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 Passat does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer 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 Passat doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The CT5’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Passat 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.

On a hot day the CT5’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Passat can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

The CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’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 Passat has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Passat doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the CT5’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Passat doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Passat.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Cadillac CT5 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Passat doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’s optional Automatic Parking Assist with Braking can parallel park by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The Passat Limited’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.