2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily influenced by the Escala concept vehicle. It exuded a sleek and elegant aesthetic, with only minor quibbles such as the chrome spear on the rear roof pillars. The CT5's proportions were well-balanced, and even with standard 18-inch wheels, it maintained a cohesive look. The Red Obsession Tintcoat paint was a costly option, but the overall design was a significant improvement over previous CTS models.

Inside, the CT5 offered a luxurious experience, especially in the Premium Luxury trim with the V6 engine. The Platinum Package added premium semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents, creating an exclusive cabin ambiance. While some lower-quality plastics were present, the overall quality was commendable. The CT5's cabin provided a sense of luxury and comfort, making it a compelling choice in the midsize luxury sedan segment.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2017 and restyled in 2019, retained its geometric-influenced appearance for 2020. This design set the stage for the upcoming 2021 model's angular styling. The Elantra was available in six trims, ranging from the base SE to the Sport, with prices spanning from $19,300 to $24,150. Our Limited test vehicle, equipped with the Ultimate Package, showcased a stylish black paint job that highlighted its angular design elements.

Inside, the Elantra's interior received updates to enhance its upscale appearance. Silver trim accents adorned various areas, adding a touch of sophistication. However, some hard plastics remained, reminding occupants of its mainstream compact car status. Despite this, the Elantra offered a comfortable and stylish cabin, making it a practical choice for those seeking a compact car with a touch of elegance.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between an unrefined 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more desirable twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The latter was available as an option on the Premium Luxury trim and standard on the CT5-V. The V6 delivered 335 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, while the CT5-V offered 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, featuring paddle shifters and Active Fuel Management for improved efficiency. The CT5's V6 provided exhilarating acceleration and a satisfying engine note, although the transmission's behavior in Sport mode could be unpredictable.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Elantra Eco trim offered a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with 128 horsepower and improved torque, while the Sport trim boasted a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower. The Elantra's CVT, known as the "Intelligent Variable Transmission," provided smooth and efficient performance, although real-world fuel economy fell short of expectations. The Elantra Sport's independent rear suspension offered a more engaging driving experience compared to the standard torsion beam axle.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the CTS. With a stretched wheelbase, it offered true midsize spaciousness, featuring 18-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar massage, automatic heating and cooling, and premium leather upholstery. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was generous, with a smartphone tray, wireless charging, and a sizable center console. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra provided comfortable accommodations for four adults, with a fifth passenger fitting for short trips. The Limited trim featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. Dual-zone automatic climate control with a Clean Air ionizer was standard, although rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The Elantra's trunk offered 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, and included a convenient interior grab handle for easy closure.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 featured an updated Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with a 10.0-inch high-definition touchscreen, stereo knobs, and piano-key controls. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Near Field Communication for smartphone pairing. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. The CT5 also offered a high-definition surround-view camera system, a rearview-camera mirror, and a head-up display, although the speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The SE trim featured a 5-inch screen, while the SEL and higher trims offered a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system. The Ultimate Package increased the touchscreen size to 8 inches and included navigation and Blue Link services. The Elantra's infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and volume knobs for easy operation.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a sophisticated safety technology suite, although it required upgrading beyond the Luxury trim. Equipped with advanced safety features, the CT5 provided accurate warnings and subtle lane-keeping assistance. The adaptive cruise control system maintained a safe following distance and smoothly accelerated when traffic cleared. However, Super Cruise, Cadillac's hands-free driver-assist technology, was not available for the 2020 model. The CT5 earned five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured Hyundai Smart Sense as standard on all trims, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the SEL trim, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were included. The Limited and Sport trims offered full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package added adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.