The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V is the Impressive Underdog

I spend a week with the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and find that there's a lot to like about it. With a little more room than the competitors for a little less money, the CT5-V is a strong value even at its MSRP. Then when you add in the fantastic driving dynamics and its fun-to-drive and eager character, it's hard not to enjoy the CT5-V. With an as-tested price of $56,305 it undercuts everything except the Genesis G70 (which has a much smaller back seat), and will likely get even cheaper with the usual GM discounts. What do you think of the 2020 CT5-V? Thanks to Cadillac for providing this vehicle to review!
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
3:15 Interior
4:03 Initial driving impressions
6:00 Acceleration
8:29 Handling
13:04 Other impressions
15:41 Thoughts after a week
16:57 Pricing and competitor comparisons
21:18 Fuel economy
23:06 Safety tech
25:07 Final thoughts
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[@webbie1891]

Cadillac is the only brand from the GM family that I'd spend money on without thinking twice about it

[@davidpate6095]

I agree. And Corvette.

[@usernamealreadytaken770]

I have a BMW M2 and I’m starting to like Cadillac more than any of the German brands right now except for Porsche. With BMW making ugly cars, especially since the new M3/M4 are hideous and the next gen C63 rumored to be 4 cylinder, I’m liking Cadillac more than those 2 brands right now.

[@TheMildGamer12]

That would be a mistake

[@srsg-wy8tr]

Lol

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Despite its upbringing, a damn sight better than Chrysler and Lincoln

[@MayorMcCheese78]

Matt is so adorable. Always in a good spirits

[@microdetailsllc]

I really like it. I know some people aren't a fan of them but I think it looks sick

[@renegadezen7841]

I said "wow" when i saw that back end. Love it

[@ph00ny1]

Yes it is. I've been trying to convince the wife we don't need a stinking SUV and she needs this

[@ramairiv2012]

Good luck convincing her lol. Have her drive one, maybe that will convince her

[@ph00ny1]

@@ramairiv2012 It will be a nice replacement for her 16 ATS

[@BobThe9534]

just get a SUV and a CT5-V

[@gregholman2930]

@@ph00ny1 FOR SURE, WITHOUT QUESTION!!

[@russbob3796]

Just get it don’t ask... get her a used Honda CR-V, she’ll come around

[@basithph8958]

Can’t wait to see the CT5-V Blackwing with the manual transmission🔥

[@BobThe9534]

hopefully it'll be reliable

[@drwinlied]

I'm fairly certain they said the actual Blackwing motor won't fit; which is embarrassing for them. It would be Blackwing in namesake only.

[@basithph8958]

drwinlied yeah but at least it’s a Corvette V8

[@kendallsherryleech7035]

I like you reviews the best of them all Matt! An honest review, without trashing, or overdoing it. Always look forward to your opinion. Thanks!

[@RANDsreviews]

Love your enthusiasm and positivity! Keep it up Matt!!

[@wesleywalls7582]

Great review Matt! I drive a current gen Audi S4 and have test driven the CT5-V and thought it was phenomenal.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Wesley!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great review. Really enjoyed the split view between you in the cabin commenting and the POV camera angles while you were in the corners in the “Handling” section.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@yadvindergakhal4294]

Awesome review Matt. Keep up the hard work.

[@pedrofraymond999]

Aww man I missed this dude. Thank you for reviewing this car I’m actually thinking about getting one real soon. The v model to be exact and it’s just a drop dead sexy car (in white).

[@marcnobel3938]

Great review! Very interesting to watch.

[@jonathanrodriguez6161]

Great review!! I can’t wait for the blackwing!

[@knightowlct]

Great video Matt!

[@richardmckinney8354]

Great review Matt !!!

[@user-cj7dv2kc6d]

Amazing how you press the start button.. and it starts right up.

[@gregholman2930]

WOW!! What A Hot Tamale!!...You didn't have to say a word Matt, it was written all over your face, you couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear....CHEERS!

[@telliesmith9825]

Motor trend said it was the best handling in class in the rear drive

[@isaacfalvey]

Looks like a fun car. Nice review.

[@Ben-bs4od]

These Cadillacs are so underrated. I also like the CT4. I think I prefer them to the Genesis for looks also. If I had to have a new car these 2 would be right up there.

[@w41duvernay]

CAN'T wait for Matt to get his hand on the 2021 CT5 Blackwing v.

[@jamesparkerjr5539]

With Supercruise coming now I'm interested!

[@oldcrook510]

A smaller turbo V6 is going to work harder (more compression) to give that big car performance VS a V8 so it's going to get crappy MPG. That's the trend these days everyone is tossing small, high boost turbo motors into cars it reminds me of the emission restrictions of the mid 70's to mid 80's coming full circle again.

[@tizok100]

They did a great job with this gen

[@Prad2007]

Great review. That rear side quarter, I just can't get my head past that. The CT4 doesn't suffer the same. I think the rest of the car looks great! The CTS had it right.

[@yiyangcheng]

And people still think the new 3 series look better right lol?

[@ryanadams9069]

Great review on the CT5-V. I'd consider trading in my 2013 G37X on one of these! I know exactly where you are driving too, as I live near many of the buildings I saw in the background.

[@btownjhawk]

Thanks, Matt. I think I need this car, lol.

[@ericortega5618]

Hey Matt! I've seen your TLX type S review. The car is so beautiful but it is pretty heavy and has a slow 0 to 60 time. Can you tell me how the CT5 V compared to the Type S? Which performs better and is more fun to drive ?

[@gene978]

I never got a good look at that back end and now I have and color me impressed! I’m with Matt on that back window black panel cheapens the look and just don’t look right on this car.

[@manofbro212]

Bring the ATS V back please I’ve got a ‘16 and I’d love a 20

[@BobThe9534]

hi Matt. nice vid. liked b4 watching b/c I knew it was going to be good

[@silverballsanctum3298]

You are 100% right about the small difference in the exhaust sound between modes. I too was surprised, especially since one of the custom engine/exhaust settings is called "Stealth" ...and stealth it is not! Glad you confirmed my thoughts about that . I also found the brakes very grabby, fatiguing to have to carefully apply the brakes in normal daily driving, not sure if you had the same experience?

[@BrawlFreak786]

once the new Subaru Wrx comes hopefully he'll say "What's up everybody subaruwrxfan here with another car review"

[@s3hooligan]

I was looking at the Audi A6 Allroad but the CT5 V has grabbed my attention. Seems like a great daily driver that will also be fun on the weekends

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

You might as well compare it to an F150 pick up truck

[@jsfbay1]

How loud is it in V mode when you turn the engine sound to the lowest setting? I know it's been 2 years but I thought I'd ask in case you remember if you tried that. I *HOPE* that there is an option to silence the sound through the stereo.

[@darksideemt]

Absolutely love how they look. My main gripe is that for the price and in this day and age it should be a full digital gauge cluster, Audi style. Give me the engine from this in the CT4-V and i'd take one right now.

[@Wallriss]

That's coming next year.

[@DrunkHomicide]

there is a nice digital gauge cluster if you get the tech package

[@ContentinMesa]

@@Wallriss we are still waiting

[@khronin]

I love this car but got a stinger GT AWD--there was a 25k diffrence in these cars was the main reason and KIA offers a longer warranty.Caddy interior is nicer and it is more of a cruiser then a GT car--but 25k is a lot of money to pay for electronics and exotic leather.Even my Stinger has too many tech goodies for me--Even GT model has 360 radar--cameras--leather heated /cooled seats etch. Really the only thing that turned me off was the price and with AWD these are 60k plus--when I paid 36k for my stinger--19k after my trade and I own my Stinger--Stinger is also a much better sports car-handles--brakes and accelerates better then this caddy--at 60k plus they should of gave this the 450 hp TT 3.6--then it would justify its tag--this is a V car and V cars are known for sub 4 second 60s and 170 MPH top ends--which is what one would expect--also this is governed to 155.Tis car in its current form should be 10k less.

[@lalo599]

Need a drag race between this and a q60 red sport

[@dude...are-you-sure]

for the mpg is that including your spirited driving?

[@w41duvernay]

WHAT kind of tires for AWD and rear wheel drive? REGULAR or rock hard Run flats.

[@giovanniverdichizzi5685]

Veri nice

[@paddle_shift]

I know Cadillac has screwed up with the naming convention, blah blah blah. But, i really do love the looks of the "V" and am not all that ticiked off about the engine choice. However, i do not understand why the CT5V TT3.0 has 360 when its 400 in the CT6. It should have had that engine spec considering that the Blackwing will have 150-200 hp more. It would have made the new V reasoning more palatable. Also, i do not believe the CT5V has the magnetic ride available in the AWD version, i think it is only available in the RWD. I know this is the way it is in the CTS4V. I could be mistaken.

[@brettmoffett]

Great review! You compare to the G70 but wonder if the Stinger GT is the better comparison size wise?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Possibly, I was just trying to stick to luxury brands. The Stinger GT is fantastic if you don't need a luxury brand and want the hatch.

[@23Piccolina]

Its not that this car is terrible Matt, its nice. Its just too expensive for what it is and what you get. I'd like to see Cadillac return to making huge tuna boats that float across the highway, with full luxury appointments, fridge in back, incredible sound system etc. I don't need high performance speed from Cadillac. I'd like to see the Fleetwood Brougham return. Huge long car with tons of room inside and a V8 monster under the hood.

[@carlellis9647]

With fuel economy standards the way they are, you simply are not going to see a lot of luxury cards with V8's anymore. If you looking for huge tuna boats, floating across the highway, get yourself 1978 Cadillac. That era is gone.

[@23Piccolina]

@@carlellis9647 Era may be gone, but that doesn't make it better. Things constantly change in the world, not always for the better. A big rear drive Cadillac Brougham could be made with a turbo V6 engine. They could make it the size of the S Class or 7 Series, just give it a distinct Cadillac fin rear panel and a hood ornament. The car I have in mind would sell. There is millions of us in our late 50s, 60s, and 70s who would consider such a car.

[@GoofieNewfie]

very impressive car with 2 very real problems. 1st is gas mileage. 2 price. When you add the packages to this it gets too high. I think this is really competitive with the g70, stinger, Q50, new tlx more than the germans. But the price doesn't reflect that. Would not buy this over the other german options. Would consider it over the Japanese and Korean entries with discounts.

[@tjhouston1280]

I wish they would’ve just gone ahead and released the v black wing because people were and are still confused.

[@christopherdizon8497]

You’ll see how good “Hyundai” genesis now they come a long way getting compared to a CADILLAC., nice review.

[@w41duvernay]

This CT5 needs to have 50 to 100 more hps to match the CTS V sport. As an Uber driver I really hate Cadillac taking away rear head room, and reduction of width of passthrough trunk area.

[@mattmitchell5320]

Looked at this when I just got my new Stinger GT Ltd. Couldn't get behind the transmission tuning, and optioned out it ends up being way more money than a Stinger up here in Canada.

[@paulkeddy7656]

That's okay. You like bumpy and noisy. You describe that as fun and road feel. You never wanted a cadillac. Lol

[@MattMaranMotoring]

The Stinger is neither bumpy or noisy. They're a great choice as well, I'd take it over the Cadillac just for the extra practicality of the hatch. The Kia feels just as nice inside too.

[@99-Zulu]

For a bit less power and a cheaper price I think the Premium Luxury CT5 would be the way to go. Still torque leading, sure it will not be as fast as the competition. But it will feel just as quick. And even cheaper than the rest of the competition including the V Series.

[@paulkeddy7656]

Yes. I just ordered a premium luxury with the 3.0TT. I suspect that when a BMW is tailgating that I can easily loose him. Lol.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

@@paulkeddy7656an M5?

[@dakotalafrance3618]

That front fascia is just so underwhelming in my opinion. The bumper looks too rounded. I like sharp edges. Maybe pedestrian safety requirements limit what Cadillac can do. Love that interior though. Glad to see actual buttons again. Great review Matt!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Dakota!

[@D1man1525]

I hate when people compare this to the 3 series, C-Class etc. This car replaces the CTS which was a 5-Series and E-Class competitor. Look at the damn size of this car. If you compare it to the C43, M340i, S4 it will never be as good, too heavy, not as quick(because of the weight) and the transmission isnt sports sedan good. If you compare it to a BMW 540i, Mercedes E400, Audi A6 3.0t, then its awesome. Just as quick as the bimmer and Audi and quicker than the Mercedes, handles better than all, and the transmission feels similar to them but snappier upshifts

[@vomErsten]

They do it because that's what GM says it competes with. I agree with you, size-wise this is definitely a 5-series competitor, but people are aligning by price and not size per GM's indications.

[@w41duvernay]

I HAVE noticed this CT5 v doesn't make Matt as happy as the CTS v v8 version.

[@marvinhood317]

Just wow

[@doublehh666]

I’d consider this model only w awd and supercruise to go on long trips. GM chassis tuning/suspension and driver aid tech superior to German cars now. But the German drivetrains are now superior for both raw speed and fuel economy.

[@TD-il6ju]

@Der Schwindel lol

[@usernamealreadytaken770]

With how ugly the new M3 is I hope the CT4 and CT5 Blackwings are a hit.

[@SteelTimeify]

I thought you were playing but you're not kidding. Wtf did I just saw 🤮.

[@James-ik7zv]

The new M3-4 is amazing. BMW also released the M1000RR. The brand is killing it.

[@johnholst]

@@James-ik7zv It's a case of nice ass, shame about the face. :) But, to each his own.

[@99-Zulu]

I'll take the odd looking CT5 C-pillar over the ugly face of M3/4

[@BobThe9534]

w/ a license plate, it looks ok

[@anonmouse956]

He looks like Bob Hope.

[@melvinmccl]

365hp 👎🏾. The CT6 Twin Turbo is 404hp.

[@cccc9911]

is that real sound? or coming thru the speakers?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

It's a mix of both.

[@cccc9911]

@@MattMaranMotoring and you did say that in the video. Great review!! I enjoy your work!!

[@ednonkhan3645]

GM Key design (shape) was originally from BMW.

[@jsfbay1]

It looks orange in some lighting - of course my monitor is not color calibrated so who knows what is causing this.

[@darozah]

I’ll take a Ct5 10 out of 10 times over a G70.

[@Travis73917]

What about the face lift g70

[@mscongeniality8205]

Facelift g70 has no mechanical upgrades and this still looks way better than its conservative design. The ct5 will be even better in 2021 alongside the face lifted genesis

[@Travis73917]

@@mscongeniality8205 I might go with the ct5v for my next car because of the interior room but if it wasn't for that ill get the g70 ...gonna have to really test drive them both to make a decision and also ik ill have to wait lil longer for the xt5v to depreciate before I get one

[@Jacobk66]

S4 has Massaging Seats standard

[@TD-il6ju]

What ever jake

[@4406bbldb]

Foreign products are foreign profits. Its good to have choices but i chose to support American industry.

[@raver208]

Matt was underwhelmed by the acceleration...It's official, not buying a CT5. = D

[@havok3344]

WTH is Government Motors thinking with Caddy’s new naming scheme?

[@GoofieNewfie]

its just a name, people need to judge the car. Move on. No different than a a5,s5, or rs5 from audi and bmw doing the same.

[@paulkeddy7656]

"Government motors". Hey trump time to move on. It's a great car. Designed by...u guessed it americans.

[@vomErsten]

@@GoofieNewfie It used to be Blank, V-Sport, and V; they changed it to Blank, V, and V Blackwing. Basically, they already had the good/better/best performance branding, knocking V down a peg just cashes in what little equity V had by confusing lay people enough that they buy something lesser than what they think it is. Shady.

[@gpgoldb]

For the price of CT5-V, you could have a charger scat widebody or slightly used charger hellcat

[@sjwang40]

Totally comparable cars!

[@Wallriss]

@@BezmenovDisciple hahaha

[@alexkuch9232]

Other people were also very vocal about this transmission apparently its really not where its at.

[@IReahpZz]

I still think the g70 is the better car. And with incentives and local pricing bringing an elite loaded g70 to mid 40s by me for a new g70 it kinda kills this value wise as well.

[@holdenc3082]

Then you would still have to be seen in a Hyundai. No way that POS is better than a Cadillac.

[@IReahpZz]

@@holdenc3082 it is 😂 get with the times my dude. People still trashing Hyundai's and Kias are the same smooth brained idiots paying over MSRP for cars rn. You'd be seen in a genesis which is more exclusive than a fancy gm product 😂

[@NoVaRedacted]

@@IReahpZz genesis dealers are all marking up all their vehicles 5-10k.....

[@IReahpZz]

@@NoVaRedacted congrats on being over a year late. Caddy is now marking up the v 8-15k over currently and they can’t sell them. There’s still local dealers by me only marking up the g70 by 2-4k.

[@NoVaRedacted]

@@IReahpZz I've found over 10 Vs under MSRP . Ones 9k off in Michigan right now. Genesis dealerships are shit and the reason I didn't get a g70. Not to mention they're all losing their licensing to sell genesis vehicles. Horrible

[@colla555]

That fake engine noise sounds disgusting! (I mean especially in higher RPMs) Other than that a really good looking car!

[@brolyv5802]

I thought they were discontineud.

[@Bmackins94]

The cts ats and ct6 were discounted

[@tootsiejoon]

This will never be a AMG little dude!!!

[@HUMC5]

6:00

[@carlbarnett8942]

I purchased a new CT5V and it is a nice car. My car had a MSRP of $64,390. I look at Kelly Blue Book and Trade In Value is $43,350. I traded a 2018 CT6 3.0 TT Platinum and the trade in is $45,725. The CT6 was a much better car. Not happy at all.

[@lukesturbo]

6:09 back road acceleration. Unimpressive to be honest

[@user-gr6qx3up6w]

Dang it can’t they just make the key different than other cars in the GM lineup. Why why why that makes me so frustrated with GM. Gosh man it just seems lazy

[@darrell9616]

Fuel economy on this and the Hyundai/Kia twins is a deal-breaker for me. There's no excuse considering what the Germans are doing. If they are going to deliver such poor economy, just provide a V8.

[@bikebudha01]

I get we're in a pandemic lockdown, but come on man, keep it professional.... no short...

[@Armen567]

I like the CT5-V but my 2019 F150 Super Crew 4x4 gets better mileage. Surprised by that.

[@khristoferyan]

He said most of his driving was city with a little highway mixed in. I don't see that as being an average commute for most people. Ans with power like that in a new car it's hard not to keep your foot off pedal. Lol

[@bikebudha01]

the hood should really go all the way out. the little strip across the front is stupid... and sooooo much fake vent...

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Looks like a Cadillac Kia Stinger

[@TheBigNate505]

nice car but that fake engine noise...

[@sanj5026]

What you drive

[@4406bbldb]

Sweet, buy American.

[@marvinhood317]

I live cars ok

[@drwinlied]

literally 3 seconds before the car figured out what you wanted to do with the pedal smashed to the floor.

[@user-fw8ew4tk2h]

For me it looks a little like Mazda 6... imho

[@Alexd3498]

That isn't a bad thing:)

[@bikebudha01]

sti is only 49k... sti for the win...

[@camaro69green31]

Hyundai (Genesis) does not have the build quality the Cadillac does. Engines and drive Trian especially. I'll always take a Cadillac over Hyundai. No brainer.

[@asmcdon1]

Pull me over red

[@williadawilliams]

It's still GM though.

[@cccc9911]

You sound like my father. Newsflash....GM is, and has been for over a decade, a legit, quality car maker. Most are playing catchup in reliability.

[@williadawilliams]

@@cccc9911 I disagree my friend. Quality would be low on my list when speaking about GM. Starting with the Cheap materials, bland designs, outdated designs, overpricing, and multiple models trim that just nickel and dime the consumer from one trim level to the next...... it is a constant with GM. ie LS, LT, LTZ, HIGH COUNTRY, Z71, TEXAS EDITION. I thought they were on to something with the VOLT and the BOLT. They could've been ahead of the Tesla had they continued to advance the technology of those cars. Instead, they failed! Now they are about to make another MAJOR blunder if they discontinue one of America's iconic cars....the Camaro. That's just my opinion. If you want quality, buy a Toyota. You will never go wrong if you buy a Toyota Tundra, a Toyota Prius, or a Toyota Camry. You get years of worry-free driving.

[@cccc9911]

@@williadawilliams Toyota is obviously reliable, but they offer nothing as far as excitement or passion. With GM, you have a choice between economy and performance. You might not like the trims on some of them , but they are reliable. If they do get rid of Camaro, then that will suck for sure.

[@williadawilliams]

@@cccc9911 I agree.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Use the word fake anytime you talk about these cars, simplifies it. This is a ct5 fake v. Mercedes fake amg c43

[@edjackson4389]

It's just O.K. Nothing ground breaking here. I'm sure it's a nice car, but it's not blowing my skirt up

[@ejmich8136]

45k max is what ill pay for that. At 50 its the bmw

[@aesho46]

Cadillac is so lost!! Transmission on this car is terrible!

[@GoofieNewfie]

they need to improve it for sure

[@khristoferyan]

The transmission itself is great. Designed with Ford. It's the tuning that's terrible.

[@aesho46]

khristoferyan wow you’re so smart! 😂🤣

[@brentengstrom5406]

Looks a little like a Stinger.

[@GoofieNewfie]

no it doesnt in any way whatsoever

[@tim3172]

Please see an optometrist.

[@Twittavelli]

These guys all regurgitate the same shit. We get it, its not a full V. Evaluate the car as is.

[@TD-il6ju]

!!

[@snakevergil]

Front end looks like a mustang wtf lol

[@paulpatrulescu9976]

That’s not a Cadillac ... GM has screwed up on this one.