Cars may be steadily falling out of favour with consumers, but when you look at what’s available these days, we’re spoiled with some seriously good choices. Case in point: the 2025 Cadillac CT5 Sport. While most are excited about the Blackwing models—and rightfully so—don’t sleep on the base Sport version. Cadillac has proven time and again they can go toe-to-toe against the best from Germany, and this latest CT5 is no exception.
Surprisingly, despite the name, the CT5 Sport comes with only one engine option: the base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It puts out 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic and an optional all-wheel-drive system. As far as base engines go, this unit is pretty good, bringing the CT5 Sport up to speed smoothly and with minimal drama. However, it does struggle a bit with the CT5’s 3,664-pound curb weight and doesn’t make flattering noises when pushed.
Plus, its competitors with their respective base engines—the BMW 330i, Mercedes-Benz C 300, and Genesis G70—are all more powerful and quicker. More power for a Sport-badged model would be nice; if you want Cadillac’s twin-turbo 3.0L V6, you have to step up to the Premium Luxury trim, or the non-Blackwing CT5-V.
It may be down on passing power, but fuel efficiency is the name of the game with the base turbo-four. Cadillac rates the CT5 Sport at 9.5 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 7.5 combined. During the week, we did have to contend with colder-than-expected weather, and that meant extensive use of all the heating functions and remote starter. Still, our combined real-world numbers came back at a more-than-respectable 8.6 L/100 km. Premium fuel is recommended.
The base engine also means less weight up front, making the CT5 feel more agile than you expect. Add a fantastic chassis and this sedan takes on twisty roads and tight on-ramps with ease. The tight steering inspires confidence and the suspension tuning balances sportiness and comfort well. It’s not super stiff, but it’s a fun daily driver, the brakes are strong, and the all-wheel-drive system adds confidence through snow and slush.
Bar none, the CT5 Sport is one good looking car. It receives a mild facelift for 2025, looking appreciably more chiseled and fresher over last year’s car. There’s a larger Cadillac logo, a new mesh grille design, restyled lighting elements, and more aggressive lines to create an imposing sedan. Altogether, the CT5 looks low and wide, which I appreciate in a sport sedan, and the 20-inch gloss black wheels fit the sporting nature.
Inside, the CT5’s updates are more apparent. Last year’s puny 10-inch screen is gone, replaced with a massive 33-inch curved screen that doubles as the gauge cluster. It’s a more modern look that fits the bill, following what competitors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are doing. Overall material quality is great; there’s a good mix of quality leather, solid-feeling plastics, and carbon fibre trim to tie it all together. Aside from a few wider-than-expected panel gaps most people likely won’t notice, anyone familiar with Cadillac will feel right at home here.
The rest of the CT5’s interior is up to task. The seats are comfortable with some bolstering for spirited driving, there’s plenty of space even out back, and the infotainment is easy to use. Unlike certain Chevrolet models using the new Google-based software, the CT5 still has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but one thing to note with CarPlay: it doesn’t fully use the screen, so it looks a little awkward from the passenger’s perspective. It’s a small issue, but once you see it, it’s noticeable. Finally, an optional AKG sound system replaces the Bose unit from previous years. It’s a worthwhile and impressive upgrade.
The CT5 Sport starts at $50,999, which is competitive in the segment—until you start piling on options. For instance, our tester’s aforementioned 20-inch gloss black wheels cost an eye-watering $4,200. Add another $1,625 for a sunroof, $7,595 for the Platinum package, and a few more here and there for various other bells and whistles, and the as-tested price comes to $64,314 as-tested before fees, taxes, and destination. Skipping the wheels alone results in a much more competitive price tag.
I looked forward to getting behind the wheel of the 2025 Cadillac CT5 Sport, and it didn’t disappoint. Time and again, Cadillac proves it can do amazing things when it tries; the CT5 lives up to that, even with its base four-cylinder engine. Sedans may not be as popular as they once were, but if you’re in the market for a 3 Series, you owe it to yourself to at least test drive a CT5.
