Compare the2023 Cadillac CT5-VVS 2023 Subaru WRX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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The CT5-V Blackwing’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The WRX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Cadillac CT5-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 CT5-V’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the WRX.

The CT5-V 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 and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The CT5-V has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the WRX Limited/GT offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the CT5-V has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the WRX Limited/GT offers rear cross-path warning.

Both the CT5-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, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The Cadillac CT5-V weighs 437 to 847 pounds more than the Subaru WRX. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Warranty

The CT5-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 CT5-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 CT5-V’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the WRX’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

The battery on the CT5-V is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the CT5-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’ 2022 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 above average in initial quality. With 28 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru 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 Subaru 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, Subaru is rated below average.

Engine

The CT5-V’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 89 more horsepower (360 vs. 271) and 147 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The CT5-V Blackwing’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 397 more horsepower (668 vs. 271) and 401 lbs.-ft. more torque (659 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the CT5-V Blackwing 6.2 supercharged V8 is faster than the Subaru WRX (manual transmissions tested):

	CT5-V	WRX
Zero to 60 MPH	3.6 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	11.6 sec	13.9 sec

As tested in Car and Driver the Cadillac CT5-V is faster than the Subaru WRX (automatics tested):

	CT5-V turbo V6	CT5-V Blackwing	WRX
Zero to 60 MPH	4.8 sec	3.5 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter Mile	13.3 sec	11.4 sec	14.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	107 MPH	128 MPH	101 MPH
Top Speed	168 MPH	205 MPH	134 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the CT5-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 CT5-V has almost a gallon more fuel capacity than the WRX (17.5 vs. 16.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The CT5-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.

Transmission

The Cadillac CT5-V comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the WRX.

The CT5-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 CT5-V’s brake rotors are larger than those on the WRX:

	CT5-V	CT5-V Blackwing	WRX
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	15.7 inches	12.4 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	14.7 inches	11.4 inches
Opt Rear Rotors			11.8 inches

The CT5-V stops shorter than the WRX:

	CT5-V	WRX
70 to 0 MPH	152 feet	153 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	103 feet	112 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the CT5-V has larger standard tires than the WRX (245/40R19 vs. 235/45R17). The CT5-V Blackwing’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the WRX (F:275/35R19 & R:305/30R19 vs. 245/40R18).

The CT5-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. The CT5-V Blackwing’s 275/35R19 front and 305/30R19 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the WRX’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CT5-V has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the WRX. The CT5-V’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the WRX.

The CT5-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 CT5-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

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CT5-V’s wheelbase is 10.9 inches longer than on the WRX (116 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the CT5-V is 1.6 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the WRX.

The CT5-V’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52.9% to 47.1%) than the WRX’s (59.9% to 40.1%). This gives the CT5-V more stable handling and braking.

The CT5-V Blackwing handles at 1.02 G’s, while the WRX Limited pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the CT5-V is quieter than the WRX Limited (43 vs. 49 dB).

Passenger Space

The CT5-V has 1.4 inches more rear legroom, 4.4 inches more rear hip room and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the WRX.

Cargo Capacity

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the CT5-V’s available trunk can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The WRX doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Subaru. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac second in service department satisfaction. With a 28% lower rating, Subaru is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the CT5-V, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The WRX doesn’t offer a memory system.

The CT5-V’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and 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 CT5-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 CT5-V 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 WRX doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The CT5-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 CT5-V and the WRX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the CT5-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 rear windows just as it does the other passengers.

The CT5-V’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The WRX’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

On a hot day the CT5-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 CT5-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.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the CT5-V has standard extendable sun visors. The WRX doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The CT5-V’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Subaru only offers heated mirrors on the WRX Premium/Limited/GT.

When the CT5-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.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the CT5-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 CT5-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 CT5-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 CT5-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 Premium/Limited/GT.

Both the CT5-V and the WRX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the CT5-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 CT5-V has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The WRX doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The CT5-V (except Manual)’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 WRX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The CT5-V is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The WRX doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

The CT5-V Blackwing was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2023 and 2022. The WRX has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

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