2026 Cadillac CT5 Earns Multiple "Poor" Ratings in IIHS Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently released crash test results for the 2026 Cadillac CT5. The vehicle received a "Poor" rating in both the driver-side small overlap front crash test and the side impact test. In the small overlap front test, excessive forces were recorded on the head, neck, and chest of the rear-seat dummy, indicating inadequate protection for rear passengers. During the side impact test, the vehicle's structure deformed severely, and the side curtain airbag failed to adequately cover the dummy’s head, causing the dummy’s face to strike the door trim directly. The subpar performance is linked to the CT5’s use of the Alpha II platform, which has been in service since its debut on the ATS model in 2012. In recent years, the IIHS has raised its crash test standards, making evaluations more stringent. Cadillac did not upgrade the CT5’s body structure to meet these new requirements. Additionally, the automaker has shifted resources toward developing electric vehicles in recent years, reducing investment in internal combustion engine models. Consequently, the 2026 CT5 received only cosmetic and interior updates, with no improvements made to its safety performance.