The 2025 Genesis G80 and 2025 Cadillac CT5 are midsize luxury sedans emphasizing value. Yes, even prestigious marques and models can often stand out from rivals by offering more for less.
Genesis loads the G80 with a comprehensive array of advanced driver aids and amenities. Meanwhile, the starting price of the CT5 is thousands less than the G80, as well as undercutting competitors from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
How do these two sedans compare? Does one hold an edge in terms of driving dynamics or onboard tech?
Let’s check out the highlights of the Genesis G80 and Cadillac CT5 to find out.
2025 Genesis G80
in 2.5T form, the 2025 Genesis G80 starts at $58,450, including the destination charge. This second generation of G80 launched for 2021, so it’s time for a mid-generation refresh. The exterior design has been spruced up, along with a few changes in the cabin — the most dramatic being the super-large 27-inch OLED display. The headlights, grille and front air intakes receive minor tweaks. Crucially, Genesis has reinstated physical controls in the center console for volume, tuning, and temperature adjustment. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto becomes standard, the infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates, USB-C ports replace USB-A, the Digital Key feature is now compatible with Apple iPhones, a fingerprint reader becomes available, and the 360-degree camera system (in Sport Prestige trim) has a screen capture function — owners can access this remotely to check on their car’s surroundings. The previous Lexicon audio system is replaced by a Bang & Olufsen setup. The cabin also gains 64-color ambient lighting set into more places.
The base drivetrain consists of a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). A 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 continues to be available and comes in the 3.5T variant. This juicier version of the G80 starts at $70,950.
Genesis G80 Highlights
Class-leading warranty: The Genesis G80 has stellar warranty coverage. This includes five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, plus a powertrain warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Genesis also includes three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
All-wheel drive: This is standard in every new G80 — great news for those who live where the roads can turn treacherous during rough weather.
Highway Driving Assist 2: This partially automated system uses adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to maintain lane positioning and safe distances to other vehicles while on the highway. It’s another standard feature.
Standard features: While we’re on the subject of standard goodies, the Genesis G80 comes with loads of them. In terms of comfort and tech alone, these include heated seats front and rear, heated steering wheel, 14.5-inch touchscreen, four USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a 12-speaker audio system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the G80 models near you.
2025 Cadillac CT5
The 2025 Cadillac CT5 starts at $48,990, including the destination charge. This makes Cadillac’s largest gasoline-powered sedan substantially less expensive than the Genesis G80, as well as many other midsize luxury sedans. The base drivetrain employs a 237-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine sending power to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional with this engine.
Like the G80, the CT5 (which debuted for 2020) receives a refresh this year. There are styling tweaks at the front, centered around a new grille design, plus a couple of new exterior paint choices. Inside, every new CT5 comes with a high-resolution 33-inch touchscreen incorporating a digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system itself is completely new, with Google Built-In, plus Amazon Alexa compatibility.
More standard safety features also come on board, including blind-spot monitoring with active steering, and intersection assistance with automatic emergency braking. The high-performance 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing variants are also updated..
Cadillac CT5 Highlights
Super Cruise: This hands-free/feet-free driving feature is compatible on more than 400,000 miles of pre-mapped roads throughout North America. Where it’s optional, we think it’s worth adding. It operates smoothly and is one of the best of its kind.
Value: The CT5’s starting price is markedly lower than most competitors. A Cadillac shopper can scale up several trims and one drivetrain to the sportier CT5-V model and still save a few thousand compared to the entry-level Genesis G80.
Sporty V models: Speaking of the CT5-V, its turbocharged V6 provides considerable poke. For the ultimate in high-speed hysterics, few come close to matching the mighty CT5-V Blackwing. We generally review this model separately, yet we can’t help mentioning it here. It rockets from standstill to 60 mph in a fleeting 3.4 seconds, thanks to a 668-hp supercharged V8. And believe it or not, the CT5-V Blackwing offers a choice of an automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.
Platinum package: For those who value their driver’s licenses and prefer to be pampered rather than pinned into their seats, we recommend the Platinum package. Available with the Premium Luxury trim, it includes a panoramic sunroof, massaging front seats, semi-aniline leather upholstery, and a head-up instrument display.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CT5 models near you.
Similarities
The Genesis G80 and Cadillac CT5 are attractive, comfortable, and practical luxury cars with all the modern conveniences demanded by today’s luxury buyers. Thanks to their class-leading warranty coverage or lower pricing, they each have strong budget-friendly credentials.
Conclusion
The Cadillac CT5 makes a strong case as the value choice in this comparison, given its considerably lower starting price and slightly better fuel economy. However, the Genesis G80 justifies its price with head-turning design, a roomier and fancier interior, plus the choice of two outstanding engines. We also love its class-leading warranty coverage. The Cadillac is indeed kinder on the wallet, but the G80 is worth the extra money if the funds allow.
| 2025 Genesis G80 | 2025 Cadillac CT5 | |
| Starting Price | $58,450 | $48,990 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cyl. | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl. |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 237 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 20 city/29 highway/24 combined | 23 city/32 highway/26 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 | Twin-turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, Supercharged 6.2-liter V8, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 118.5 inches | 116.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.7 inches | 193.8 inches |
| Width | 75.8 inches | 74.1 inches |
| Height | 57.7 inches | 57.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 39.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.2 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.3 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.1 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 13.1 cubic feet | 11.9 cubic feet |
