In a world dominated by SUVs, there’s still something striking about driving a luxury sedan. Lower, sleeker, and better handling than a sport utility vehicle, executive sedans like the Lexus ES and Cadillac CT5 also come packing the latest technology and safety systems. Moreover, they make a powerful statement on the road and about who is behind the wheel.
Let’s compare the 2025 Lexus ES and 2026 Cadillac CT5. Note that the difference in years accounts for what is currently available on dealer lots.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES has a sterling history that goes back decades, to the very introduction of the Lexus brand itself when it debuted as a model in 1990. Over the years, the ES has continued to evolve into a midsize luxury sedan known for its excellent quality, innovative yet easy-to-understand technology, easy manners, and something often not found in high-end vehicles: value.
The 2025 Lexus ES marks the last of this generation before an all-new one arrives for 2026. It’s still a fantastic recommendation, with this generation winning multiple Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards. The Lexus ES is also available in a surprising variety of trims, with gas or hybrid powertrains, and the option of all-wheel drive (AWD).
Lexus ES Highlights
Comfort galore: Here’s a confession – whenever a Lexus ES comes in for testing, KBB editors have to fight over the keys. We simply love how comfortable, easygoing, and quiet the Lexus ES is to drive. We can think of few other cars we would so willingly get in and drive cross-country on a moment’s notice.
Hybrid option: In addition to 4-cylinder and V6 gas engine options, you can also choose a gas-electric Lexus ES hybrid that achieves 44 mpg combined. Such an efficient powertrain is nowhere to be found in the Cadillac CT5 lineup.
Value: The 2025 Lexus ES starts at just over $43,000. That is almost unheard of for a midsize luxury sedan, and several thousand below the cheapest Cadillac CT5. Combined with Lexus’ excellent resale value and 5-Year Cost to Own, and the ES is the clear winner in terms of financial impact.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Lexus ES models near you.
2026 Cadillac CT5
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 combines sporty manners and innovative technology. Regarding the former, its standard rear-wheel-drive layout and available V6 and even V8 engine offerings make it a legit sports sedan. Meanwhile, it also features loads of interior tech and Cadillac’s excellent Super Cruise hands-free driving system. As with the Lexus ES, AWD is optional for those needing extra traction in inclement weather.
The standard CT5 is available in just two trims: Premium Luxury and Sport. But there is also the high-performance CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing.
Cadillac CT5 Highlights
Massive screen: The Cadillac CT5 comes standard with a dash-spanning 33-inch screen that dwarfs the Lexus ES’s 8- and 12.3-inch touchscreens.
Super Cruise: Cadillac was among the first to introduce a hands-free semi-autonomous driving system, and this one works very well on roads across the nation.
Potent V models: Cadillac has long made surprisingly high-performance sedans, and the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing are among the best. The former has a 360-hp twin-turbo V6, while the latter boasts a supercharged V8 cranking out 668 hp. Even more thrilling for enthusiasts: The Blackwing comes with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Cadillac CT5 models near you.
New 2025 Lexus ES Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (70062)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,190 |
$41,200 |
|||
$43,190 |
$41,900 |
|||
$44,590 |
$43,000 |
|||
$47,775 |
$46,100 |
|||
$47,775 |
$46,300 |
|||
$48,360 |
$46,100 |
|||
$48,360 |
$46,400 |
|||
$48,975 |
$47,200 |
|||
$49,650 |
$47,900 |
|||
$49,760 |
$48,000 |
|||
$50,885 |
$49,400 |
|||
$52,080 |
$50,100 |
|||
$52,080 |
$50,500 |
|||
$53,480 |
$51,600 |
New 2026 Cadillac CT5 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (70062)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$50,995 |
$50,700 |
|||
$51,995 |
$51,700 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Lexus ES vehicles and New 2026 Cadillac CT5 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Lexus ES | 2026 Cadillac CT5 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 237 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed w/direct shift | automatic, 10-speed |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/34 highway/28 combined mpg | 22 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 113 inches | 116 inches |
| Overall Length | 195.9 inches | 193.8 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 80.3 inches |
| Height | 57.1 inches | 57.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 37.5 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 37.8 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.4 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.2 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 54.3 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Cargo capacity | 13.9 cubic feet | 11.9 cubic feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
If you prioritize hands-free driving and/or performance thrills in your midsize luxury sedan, the CT5 checks those boxes. For the majority of others shopping for a stately executive sedan, the Lexus ES is the easy choice. It delivers its own array of tech, active safety, and driver-assist systems, while costing thousands less both when purchased new and operated over the years.
