The 2025 Cadillac CT5 and the 2025 Lexus ES serve up luxury, performance, and tech, if you’re after bold design and real driving engagement. Here’s a head-to-head breakdown of what sets them apart in this 2025 Cadillac CT5 vs Lexus ES comparison review.
Key Takeaways
- The CT5 got a major tech upgrade for 2025, including a 33-inch curved display and more driver-assist features.
- Lexus ES has a lower starting price, but its higher trims land in the same range as the CT5.
- CT5 offers stronger engine options and a rear-wheel-drive platform.
Big Tech and Bold Styling
Cadillac gave the CT5 a fresh update for 2025, and it shows, especially up front, where the new grille, lighting, and fascia give it even more presence.
But the biggest news is the cabin. Gone is the smallish 10-inch screen, replaced by a sleek, curved 33-inch display that spans across the dash and brings Google Built-In to the party.
CT5 trims and pricing:
- Premium Luxury: $49,090
- Sport: $50,090
- CT5-V: $58,490
The ES has some minor changes, including the addition of the Black Line Special Edition package offered on the ES350 F Sport Handling. Lexus ES250 / ES350 / ES300h range from $43,215 to $53,505—there are twelve different versions to choose from.
Power and Performance: The CT5 Keeps It Classic
The CT5 rides on a traditional rear-wheel-drive platform, which means better balance and sharper handling. Standard is a 237-hp turbo four, but you can upgrade to a 335-hp twin-turbo V6 or go full CT5-V with a 360-hp version of that same engine. All use a smooth 10-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is available.
The Lexus ES is entirely front-drive based (except for the base ES250, which gets all-wheel drive but still uses a modest 203-hp four-cylinder). You can get a V6 (302 hp) in the ES350, or a hybrid powertrain with 215 hp in the ES300h.
Cadillac’s 33-Inch Display Crushes the Competition
The new 33-inch curved LED screen in the 2025 CT5 is a showstopper. It stretches across the dash and puts a massive amount of real estate at your fingertips. You can use it like a touchscreen or control it with the rotary dial, and every model includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and even access to the Play Store.
It’s functional, sharp, and future-forward.
And you can take things up a notch with Cadillac’s optional Super Cruise hands-free highway system or a premium 15-speaker AKG stereo system (a big step up from the base nine-speaker unit).
Meanwhile, the Lexus ES uses a smaller interface that’s functional but lacks the wow factor—and frankly feels a little dated by comparison. Even on the higher trims, you won’t find anything that competes visually or functionally with the CT5’s new screen setup.
Why the 2025 CT5 Feels Like the Better Buy
The Lexus ES is a solid luxury cruiser, no doubt. But the Cadillac CT5 delivers so much more when it comes to performance, tech, and overall presence. Rear-wheel-drive dynamics, serious powertrain options, a stunning new display, and Cadillac’s signature design all come together in a way that feels premium and personal.
If you’re looking for a luxury sedan that doesn’t blend into the pack, the 2025 CT5 is absolutely worth the test drive. If you're ready to get behind the wheel, give us a call!