Making a stand against the ubiquitous SUV, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 V-Series is one of the few American-made sedans on the market. A midsize luxury sedan, the CT5 offers a choice of two zippy engines and comes with Cadillac’s Super Cruise, one of the best semi-autonomous driving systems. With the ability to maintain a steady distance, stay centered in the lane and negotiate curves, Super Cruise is a great tool for those long road trips and commutes in heavy traffic.
The Cadillac CT5 comes in five trim levels: Premium, Premium Luxury, Sport, V-Series and Blackwing. This review will focus on the V-Series with the more powerful six-cylinder, 3.0 turbo engine.
The V-Series comes with extra touches like: upgraded traction control system, 19-inch wheels with summer tires and launch control. My model also came equipped with the Super Cruise 1 package adding Super Cruise with added safety and visibility features.
Making the CT5 V-Series go was a 3.0-liter, V6, turbocharged engine producing 335 horses and 405 lb-ft of torque. The engine is combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission. My model was rear-wheel drive but the CT5 is also available in AWD. Expect to get 18/city, 27/highway, and 21/combined MPG.
When it comes to the CT5’s interior design, it is not the most aesthetically pleasing space. However, what it lacks in style, it makes up for in intuitiveness. The controls for both climate and driving aids are conveniently located and clearly labeled, making them easy to operate. One feature that stands out is the option to use the touchscreen through a dial control, giving the driver a choice in how they want to interact with the system.
While the CT5 has plenty of legroom and headroom up front, it may not be the best option for taller passengers. Rear headroom is quite tight, and the low stance and sloping roofline make getting in and out of the car a bit challenging. However, the ride of the CT5-V is firm yet comfortable, with side bolster and thigh adjustments as well as four-way lumbar support that allows for easy adjustment to a comfortable seating position. The rear seats are also well sculpted, adding to the overall comfort of the vehicle.
With the V6 engine, the V-Series makes some serious tracks. The 10-speed transmission puts the engine through its paces smoothly. It really is a responsive driving experience. Cornering is on point without a lot of body roll and the ride is plenty smooth.
Keeping the midsize, luxury sedan alive, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 V-Series has got go!
