Compare the2026 Cadillac CT4VS 2025 Audi A5

Both the CT4 and the A5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 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, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the CT4 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A5. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the A5 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 84 percent more Cadillac dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CT4’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the CT4 third among compact premium cars in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The A5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 69 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Cadillac higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

The CT4’s optional 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder produces 42 more horsepower (310 vs. 268) and 55 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 295) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Cadillac CT4 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Audi A5:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CT4’s fuel efficiency. The A5 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The CT4 has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the A5 (17.4 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The CT4 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 A5 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Cadillac CT4 higher (5 to 6 out of 10) than the Audi A5 (4). This means the CT4 produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the A5 every 15,000 miles.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Cadillac CT4, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A5.

The CT4’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 A5’s optional 40 series tires.

The CT4 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 A5 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The CT4’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (54% to 46%) than the A5’s (56% to 44%). This gives the CT4 more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the CT4’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the A5’s (37.1 feet vs. 39.7 feet). The CT4 AWD’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the A5’s (38 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The Cadillac CT4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 650 pounds less than the Audi A5.

The front grille of the CT4 Premium Luxury uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The A5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The CT4 has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The A5 has no towing capacity.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the CT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The A5 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The CT4 Sport has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the A5.

The CT4 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The A5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Cadillac CT4, based on reliability, safety and performance.