After five years, Cadillac’s replacement for the CTS gets its first facelift, receiving a new front fascia and enhanced infotainment.
“CT5’s importance in Cadillac’s portfolio cannot be overstated,” says John Roth, Global Cadillac vice president, in a press release. “Globally, CT5 is having its best sales year, ever. The 2025 CT5 stays true to what customers love about this vehicle while bringing a refreshed look and the latest technology and safety features.”
Bucking the trend of headlight housing sizes shrinking to almost nothing, the luxury sedan boasts larger stacked LED projectors wedged up against a longer vertical signature daytime running light element running from the bottom of the larger side air intake all the way up the fender. The grille is also slightly longer and wider than before. On the Sport grade DARPAN tested, the inner mesh is finer and blacked out and is complemented by a black front spoiler lip and other trim pieces.
Two new paint colours, Deep Space Metallic (blue) and Typhoon Metallic (green), have been added as well.
The highlight of the interior enhancements is the 33-inch curved glass touchscreen display, similar to the one in the Lyriq electric SUV, replacing the outgoing 10-inch example. The unit boasts up to 9K resolution and does double duty, serving as both the digital speedometer and infotainment screen.
Powered by Google’s built-in OS, operating the software is very similar to using an Android mobile device. Apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps run natively, so there’s no need to connect a smartphone, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported for users desiring this experience. Additional apps can be downloaded directly from the integrated Play Store.
Other tech upgrades include the optional 5G Wi-Fi hotspot to allow high-speed connections to electronics; Blind Zone Steering Assist preventing an accidental lane change if an object is detected in the blind spot; Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking providing hard braking force to mitigate a potential collision; and available Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Assist that compares the current speed to posted speed limits and warns the driver to slow down if necessary.
The Super Cruise hands-free driving is updated too, now incorporating Driver Attention Assist designed to monitor focus and sound an alert to combat drowsiness or distraction on the road.
No changes to report in the powertrain department—the standard mill remains the capable 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sending 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to either the rear or all four wheels (+$2,000), mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The peppy engine is fun enough to drive, though a Premium Luxury model offered with the optional 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 outputting 335 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque would be the choice for buyers seeking more performance.
Unfortunately, Cadillac’s grip-inducing adaptive suspension is reserved for the fire-breathing V-Series, but the MacPherson strut front/five-link rear setup serves the regular variant fine. Just don’t expect to set any lapping records at the track.
The 2025 Cadillac CT5 is built at the GM Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in Michigan.
Highlights:
MSRP: $51,990 (base)
Motor: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 237 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 258 @ 1,500 rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Layout: rear-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 9.0 L/100 km mixed city/highway (manufacturer estimate)