Skip to Content

2017 Cadillac CTS

Starting at $46,990

8/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2017 cadillac cts
Chris Amos|Car and Driver
8/10 C/D RATING

Select a year

  • 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.

2017 cadillac cts sedan driving near small airplane hangarView Photos
Chris Amos|Car and Driver

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.

2017 cadillac cts sedan interior dashView Photos
Chris Amos|Car and Driver

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)

View Crash Test Results

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.

Shopping Tools

What's My Car Worth?
Car and Driver values are calculated from the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.
Insurance Marketplace
See what you can save on car insurance.
Auto Loans & Financing
Our finance experts answer any questions you may have about financing a vehicle.

Cadillac

2024 cadillac xt4

2024 Cadillac XT4

2024 cadillac lyriq

2024 Cadillac Lyriq

2023 cadillac xt5 parked on a salt flat

2023 Cadillac XT5

2023 cadillac ct5 v driving

2023 Cadillac CT5

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
Hearst Autos - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

©Hearst Autos, Inc. All Rights Reserved.