Cadillac has been a surprising presence in the American sedan market. Clearly, the luxury brand isn’t able to compete with Honda or Kia on price alone. But Cadillac has done its best to fill the holes left by GM’s retreat from the sedan market, even as they struggle to figure out where to concentrate their efforts. Juggling the CT4, CT6, and CTS (now CT5) proved to be too much for Cadillac and they’ve since cut the 2020 CT6 to focus on the larger Cadillac CT6-V, along with the 2020 Cadillac CT5.

Luckily for consumers, it turns out that this year’s Cadillac CT5 is…actually great? Car and Driver report that the rear-wheel drive is smooth. And if you’re willing to add an extra $3,090 on the purchase price, you can even pick up the AWD option. The V-6 engine on the CT5 is available starting at $46,540 for the whole vehicle, and it’s important to break down exactly what you’re getting for that price.

What’s included in the CT5 package?

First of all, you’re getting the Cadillac name. Yes, it’s a sedan. No, it’s not going to break any speed records. But it’s a Cadillac, and that still means something — even in the Sedan market.

In addition to the V-6 option and the All-wheel drive, the Cadillac CT5 comes with 335 horsepower, a 10-speed automatic (or manual) transmission, and 405 lb-ft of torque. Again, it’s a sedan. But Cadillac is doing everything they can to make their car fun to drive.

There are slight missteps with the 2020 Cadillac CT5. Car and Driver criticized the “cheap nail polish” look of the black trim and the restricted motion of the rotary control knob. The steering is “heavy” for driving around town, but does shine in faster and tighter circumstances.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 isn’t perfect, but its flaws pale in comparison to the improvements it brings to Cadillac’s line of sedans.

The CT5 reception

While Car and Driver raved about Cadillac’s new offering, Consumer Reports published a less flattering review. But to be fair, CR published their review in early February when there was less data about the vehicle itself and its competition.

Four months later, it’s become clear that not only does the Cadillac CT5 have a solid niche in the market, it meets and exceeds any expectations that might be set for it. The lack of competition in its class seems more like a mark in favor of the Cadillac CT5 — there’s simply nothing that can compete.

The bottom line on the Cadillac CT5

If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan and you don’t need something the CT5 can’t give you, it’s a fantastic buy. However, if you’re still on the fence, it might be worth waiting until the next model year.

2021’s Cadillac CT5-V will not only bump up its horsepower to a staggering 640 hp, but they’ll be delivering it with a V8 engine. It’s not fair to compare this year’s affordable luxury option with next year’s rumored leap forward, and the price will likely be much higher.

But that’s Cadillac. The CT5 is a great option for consumers who need a sedan and want to go more upscale. It rides well, it feels good to drive, and they’re continuing to improve the infotainment system every year.

You’ll have to wait until next year for the massive V8 engine to be an option, but if you’re content with the roar of the V-6 then this year’s CT5 might be perfect for you. It’s a big improvement over previous years and comes at an extremely reasonable price.