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- Highs World-class handling, potent twin-turbo V-6 option, comprehensive infotainment suite.
- Lows Unrefined base four- and six-cylinder engines, cramped rear seat, interior lacks upscale feel.
- Verdict The CTS is a good choice for buyers who are willing to swap a bit of luxury in their luxury sedan for a more sporty driving experience.
Overview
Blending sport and luxury is a balancing act, and the CTS leans heavily toward the sport side of the equation. It still offers the luxury features that buyers expect—upscale interior materials, a full complement of infotainment features, and plenty of curb appeal—but it’s also rife with compromise. The interior design is overly busy, the cabin of some CTS models that we’ve sampled have shown poor build quality, the rear-seat passenger space is uncomfortably tight, and two of the three available engines could use significant refinement. For buyers who prioritize comfort and convenience, there are better offerings from some European luxury rivals, but the CTS will appeal to driving enthusiasts.
What's New for 2017?
Cadillac’s mid-size sedan rolls into 2017 with few changes. All CTS models now come with a revised grille and lower rear bumper. There are also new wheel designs, an available Carbon Black appearance package, and two new paint colors—Bronze Dune Metallic and Silver Moonlight Metallic. The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system is reimagined for 2017 and is vastly improved compared with last year’s model.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $46,990
- Luxury: $52,690
- Premium Luxury: $60,190
- V-Sport: $61,690
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Three different engines provide power outputs ranging from plentiful to potent, but powertrain refinement doesn’t seem to be a priority in the CTS. The base model’s 268-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four will outrun the best four-cylinder sedans from Europe in acceleration testing, but its engine is unrefined compared to those from makes like BMW and Audi. The 335-hp naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 is equally unrefined and struggles to compete with similarly powered rivals. But opt for the V-Sport with its 420-hp twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6, and the CTS is a seriously quick performance powerhouse. Gearchanges are handled competently by an eight-speed automatic no matter which engine is chosen, and most CTS models can be had with either rear- or all-wheel drive. This is a sedan that loves to be pushed hard. Its chassis is one of the world’s best, and it’s athletic and lively—even in base trim. Body roll is well controlled, and in aggressive maneuvers the CTS remains composed and unruffled. The trade-off is a ride that can be flinty when driving over rough stretches of road. It doesn’t punish, but it’s far from the heavenly ride of some more comfort-oriented competitors.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The CTS’s cabin manages to feel less than the sum of its parts. Fine materials are used throughout, but the many textures and design elements are jarring in their lack of harmony and look decidedly less than upscale. Some CTS models we’ve tested also suffered from indifferent interior build quality. A cramped rear seat and below-average outward visibility are disappointing as well. But all models come well-equipped, most of the controls are within easy reach, and the seating position is ideal for sporty driving. Although the CTS has a couple of tricks up its sleeve—like a handy hidden smartphone cubby in the dash—its middling trunk capacity, high lift-over height, and smallish interior bins contribute to a mediocre score in the storage department.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Forget checking option boxes to get a high-tech infotainment system. In the CTS, everything but navigation is standard. The updated Cadillac CUE system features an intuitive menu layout, large buttons that are easy to activate while driving, and an 8.0-inch touch-sensitive display. Our testing proved that the infotainment system is responsive, but USB charging performance leaves much to be desired. The rest of the CTS’s infotainment offerings are useful and comprehensive: three USB ports, real-time traffic and weather updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, onboard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio are all standard fare.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Cadillac CTS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.