2026 Cadillac CT5 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Cadillac has a heritage of building spacious, comfortable American luxury sedans, and the 2026 CT5 continues that tradition.
Larger than most compact sedans but smaller than midsize cars, the CT5 is built to split segments. The CT5 was introduced for 2020 and received a major refresh for 2025, still offered with four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines. Rivals to the CT5 include the BMW 3 Series, Genesis G80, and Lexus ES.
What’s New
Basics
- V-Blackwing Le Monstre edition discontinued
Exterior
- Vibrant White Tricoat, Coastal Blue Metallic, and Cyber Yellow Metallic (Sport trim only) introduced
- Crystal White Tricoat and Magnus Metal Frost (V-Blackwing only) paints discontinued
Interior
- Sky Cool Gray with Phantom Blue Accents and Jet Black with Phantom Blue Accents (V-Blackwing only) color schemes discontinued
What We Think
The 2026 CT5-V Blackwing is absolutely fantastic. This is a true super sport sedan, with a finely tuned chassis and massively powerful engine that give it a thrilling combination of precision and muscle—and the fact that it can be ordered with a true, three-pedal, six-speed manual only adds to its high-performance appeal.
For as special as the Blackwing is, though, the rest of the CT5 lineup isn’t. Impressive tech features and sharp design give the CT5 surface-level appeal, but its merely decent materials compromise the luxury feel. There’s good legroom in the cabin but not so much headroom. Driving manners are fine but forgettable.
Sure, the CT5 hits the luxury sedan basics, but it doesn’t stand out as our pick in a sedan segment with great options, whether those options are smaller or larger than the CT5.
MotorTrend Tested
The standard engine in the 2026 CT5 is a 2.0-liter turbo-four that produces 273 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, this engine accelerated the CT5 from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Fuel economy comes in at approximately 21–23/30–32 mpg city/highway depending on options.
As an upgrade, the CT5 is available with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 making 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Expect 0–60-mph acceleration of about 5.3 seconds from this engine and fuel economy around 18–19/26–28 mpg.
Both of these engines are joined to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available.
CT5-V vs CT5-V Blackwing: What’s the Difference?
Cadillac builds two high-performance variants of the CT5. First up is the CT5-V, which uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 producing 360 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. That output is routed through a 10-speed automatic to standard RWD or available AWD.
In MotorTrend testing, a CT5-V RWD launched to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 17/26–27 mpg. Other performance upgrades on the CT5-V include magnetic suspension dampers, Brembo front brakes, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and enhanced traction control.
For even more speed the CT5-V Blackwing packs a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that cranks out 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque. The engine is joined to a 10-speed automatic or—rejoice—a six-speed manual, with RWD standard either way.
In MotorTrend testing, an automatic-equipped CT5-V Blackwing tore from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, while the manual equivalent wasn’t far behind at 3.6 seconds. Fuel economy is dismal, rating at 13/20 mpg with either transmission. Brembo brakes at all four corners counter the powerful acceleration, while upgrades to the suspension, steering, and electronic controls increase the sporty feel.
CT5-V Blackwing Precision Package
In 2025 Cadillac started offering a Precision Package for the CT5-V Blackwing. Aimed at improving track performance, this package contains carbon-ceramic brakes, but the extensive chassis and software recalibrations Cadillac applied indeed result in a more precise feel, but the car remains comfortable enough to live with every day.
Safety Features—Self-Driving Cadillac?
Aside from the Blackwing model, the CT5 now comes equipped with Super Cruise, General Motors’ excellent hands-free driving system. Super Cruise is optional on the CT5-V Blackwing, but not compatible with the manual transmission.
Other standard safety features include:
- Eight airbags
- Front and rear automatic emergency braking
- Side and rear cross-traffic alert
- Intersection collision avoidance
- Blind-spot monitoring with steering assist
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- General Motors OnStar crash response system
Cargo Space and Interior Room
As a segment in-betweener, the CT5 competes against vehicles that are smaller and larger. As such, it’s more spacious than some rivals yet tighter inside than others. Ultimately, it’s probably roomy enough inside for most people’s needs.
Technology
In 2025, the CT5 gained an enormous 33-inch digital dashboard display that combines the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen. It has familiar Google apps built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and 360-degree camera are also available.
Three USB ports and a wireless charging pad are standard. All 2026 CT5 models have a 15-speaker AKG premium audio system.
Value
Recommended Trim
Our favorite model in the CT5 range is the Blackwing, but if you don’t need supercar performance or prefer to spend less than about $100,000, the Premium Luxury trim does just fine. That variant comes generously equipped with features like Super Cruise, a huge 33-inch digital display, heated front seats with lumbar massage, and a 15-speaker premium audio system.
Make sure to opt for the available V-6 engine, as the standard I-4 doesn’t suffice. The 2026 CT5 Premium Luxury V-6 starts at approximately $55,000.
