“It's really great to drive, has good features but the gas mileage is ooor and I wish the wood grain was real wood, not plastic. The steering wheel adjuster should be powered instead of manual at this price point and there should be a touch less (kick feature) to open/close the trunk.”
2021 Cadillac CT5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2021 Cadillac CT5 update is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the lineup. This is a light technology update, not a redesign, with the engines, basic shape, and rear-wheel-drive-based layout largely carrying over.
About the 2021 Cadillac CT5
1st generation (2020-2024), second model year; light-update year before later safety-content changes and the 2025 refresh.
Cadillac positions the CT5 as a midsize luxury sport sedan with bold fastback styling, rear-wheel-drive character, and modern tech that is easy to use day to day. The car’s appeal is less about old-school softness and more about a driver-focused feel, a quiet cabin, and distinctive Cadillac design touches like vertical lighting. Against rivals, it leans on strong value, generous back-seat room, and an American take on a sporty luxury sedan rather than trying to mimic German-brand cabin themes.
The 2021 CT5 ranges from the well-equipped Luxury model to the comfort-focused Premium Luxury and sharper-looking Sport. The CT5-V is the performance standout, with a 360-hp twin-turbo V6, adaptive suspension, Brembo front brakes, and track-focused driving modes.
What changed, by category
Tech
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard throughout the lineup. A 12-inch digital instrument display becomes available, and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance reaches select upper trims early in the model year.
2021 Cadillac CT5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 19–23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg | 28–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 237 hp | 237 hp | 360 hp | 237–335 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 405 lb-ft | 258–405 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.9 cu-ft | 11.9 cu-ft | 11.9 cu-ft | 11.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.9 in | 37.9 in | 37.9 in | 37.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
The biggest change is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every 2021 CT5. Drivers can connect a compatible phone to the car’s touchscreen without plugging in a cable.
Is the 2021 Cadillac CT5 a redesign?
No, the 2021 CT5 is not a redesign. It keeps the first-generation body, basic layout, and engine range introduced for 2020 while receiving a handful of technology updates.
Does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have Super Cruise?
Yes, Super Cruise reaches the 2021 CT5 early in the model year on select upper trims. It is a hands-free driving-assistance system intended for compatible roads, not a fully self-driving feature.
How is the 2021 CT5-V different from the regular CT5?
The 2021 CT5-V is the performance-focused model. It has a 360-hp twin-turbo V6, adaptive suspension, Brembo front brakes, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and track-focused driving modes.
Is the 2021 Cadillac CT5 meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
The difference is modest rather than transformative. The 2021 model is most appealing over the 2020 if wireless phone integration, the available 12-inch digital instrument display, or access to Super Cruise matters to you; the core design and mechanical package are largely unchanged.
2021 Cadillac CT5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Cadillac CT5.
4.2
2021 Cadillac CT5
(195 reviews)
“With current gas prices and the fact it uses mid grade to premium be aware! However it is a pleasure to drive.”
“Be aware that my car has engine problems almost instantly. GM is notorious for making bad quality cars, but since the fix on the second attempt at trying to find out what was wrong with my car, it's been fine. Still don't trust it though, but we will see what happens.”
Sources
- brochures.cadillac.com — 2021 / Ct5 / Specs Trims
- brochures.cadillac.com — 2021 / V Series
- brochures.cadillac.com — 2022 / Ct5
- brochures.cadillac.com — 2022 / Ct5 V Series / Specs Trims
- brochures-statics.cadillac.com — Brochures / 2022 CT5 / 22My Ct5 Trim Walk 10 4
- media.cadillac.com — CT5 / 2022 / 2022 Cadillac CT5