4 Sneaky-Good Cadillac CT4 Alternatives You Need to Consider Right Now

Some cars with certain specifications really do get to be too sporty for their own good, even the BMW 3 Series, which is the quintessential sports sedan, is not immune to this issue. Alas, we’re not here to talk about the 3 Series, at least not directly. We’re here to talk about the very best alternatives to the surprisingly non-expensive Cadillac CT4, priced from just $34,395.

Technically, it is a premium product, and it certainly drives well enough to call itself a sports sedan. It would never truly threaten the German establishment, at least not with this generation, but you can easily buy one and get away with feeling pretty good about yourself. That being said, you can definitely do better than the CT4, without having to spend BMW or Mercedes money, although that’s not to say that 100% of the following models are categorically superior to the Caddy.

#4. Acura Integra ($31,500 MSRP)

Unveiled last year, the 2023 Acura Integra is a bit of a dark horse. On the one hand, it’s closely related to the latest-generation Honda Civic, which isn’t what you’d want to hear about your car when the key word is ‘premium’.

On the other hand, it’s well built, reasonably priced, has more than decent powertrains, and should, overall, give the Cadillac CT4 a proper run for its money. Where the Integra comes in at $31,500 (this will land you the entry-level 1.5L VTEC Turbo model with 200 hp), the CT4 is a $34,395 affair, with a 2.0L turbocharged engine of its own, producing 237 hp.

It’s worth noting that technically, the Integra is a 5-door liftback and not exactly a sports sedan, but this only means it’s more practical than the Caddy. Also, according to Acura themselves, the Integra “offers a more intuitive drive” compared to the CT4 – this is something they actually say on their official website. As a buyer, you should definitely test that out for yourself.

#3. Lexus IS ($41,235 MSRP)

You can argue that with this latest-generation (and heavily updated) Lexus IS, you’re getting a fresh design to go with a car that is otherwise way above average in several important categories.

The only downside is that you’re paying just over $40k, which takes you dangerously close to German premium sports sedan territory, However, to some customers, it might be worth it seeing as how the Lexus offers an equally prestigious badge as the one worn by the CT4, not to mention 241 horsepower courtesy of its 2.0L turbocharged four-pot (this would be the IS 300 RWD model).

Otherwise, both models are available with all-wheel drive systems and eight-speed automatic transmissions, but it’s the Lexus that will make you feel a little more accomplished, which is sort of the point in the premium sector.

#2. Volvo S60 ($41,300 MSRP)

The Volvo S60 edges out the IS in our book and from a comfort standpoint, it even edges out more expensive alternatives such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia or dare we say, even the BMW 3 Series or the Audi A4.

There’s plenty to love about the S60, both outside and inside. The design is elegant and modern, and once on the move, it feels as though you’re undertaking a mindfulness seminar on wheels. It’s just such a smart choice and it really says a lot about the person driving it.

The way the premium sports sedan segment stands now, if you don’t care all that much about having best-in-class handling characteristics or the most power, I reckon you really can’t do any better than the Volvo S60 comfort-wise, with the exception of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

#1. Genesis G70 ($39,400)

When you factor in everything, from driving dynamics to specs, performance and price, it’s hard to edge out the Genesis G70 as the ultimate Cadillac CT4 alternative. Yes, you’re paying an extra five grand, but by pretty much every conceivable metric, the Genesis is the better car.

It’s got better performance (252 hp 2.0L turbo), a slightly more spacious cabin, superior handling, and a nicer interior, in terms of build quality. It’s a genuine sports sedan, and Genesis figured out a pretty good sweet spot for it price-wise.

Those of you that don’t mind spending more money, can get the 3.3T RWD (or AWD) variant, which kicks off from $44,900. A bit steep, yes, but this engine will put down 365 horsepower, whereas the best you can do with the Caddy (aside from a V-spec or Blackwing model), is 310 horsepower courtesy of a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit. Heck, even the CT4-V only comes with 325 horsepower, plus a considerable MSRP bump.

In the end, though, if you don’t care about price or about putting the “sport” in sports sedan, and it comes down to either the Genesis or the Volvo, you might as well just get that sweet piece of Euro design because it definitely has the most style.