Item: 2016 Cadillac CTS
Author: Justin Cupler

Overview

Cadillac's well-regarded midsize sedan, the CTS is capable of delivering athletic performance on the weekends and silky smoothness when all you want to do is cruise. Add to that it's flamboyant American style, and you have the quintessential Cadillac for modern times.

What's New for 2016

The CTS receives a new V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, plus updates to its CUE infotainment interface. Instrumentation has been revised, and a rearview camera is now standard on all models.

Choosing Your Cadillac CTS

Until a few years ago, the CTS was known as the entry-level Cadillac, but that spot has been filled by the compact ATS. The current CTS ranks firmly in midsize luxury class, where it competes with stalwarts like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The base 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder packs a lot of grunt for its size: 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Last year's optional 3.6-liter V6 has been replaced by an all-new V6 (also measuring 3.6 liters) with 335 horsepower, up from 321 previously. Cadillac reports that the engine's fuel-saving technology boosts efficiency by 9 percent. Both the 2-liter and 3.6-liter come exclusively with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. As before, all-wheel drive is available in place of the standard rear-drive setup.

Last year's twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 continues as the top engine. Output remains at a mighty 420 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The turbo V6 comes exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a carryover eight-speed automatic.

Cadillac offers the CTS in no less than six trim levels:

CarsDirect Tip

Don't be scared off by the notion of a four-cylinder engine in a midsize Cadillac. The 2-liter is mighty for its size, and most buyers actually prefer it to the more powerful (and expensive) V6. We especially like the Performance trim level, which adds some excitement without requiring you to spring for the full-blown Vsport treatment, thrilling as it is.

Get your price on a Cadillac CTS »

Read our review on the Cadillac CTS »

John Diether

Automotive Editor - August 19, 2015

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Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Justin Cupler

Automotive Editor - November 23, 2015

Cadillac has been pressing hard to better compete with high-end models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. In 2014, Cadillac’s midsize sedan, the CTS, underwent a full redesign aimed directly at the midsize offerings from the big three in the segment. Since its debut, Cadillac has lightly tweaked the CTS here and there, and these tweaks help make the 2016 example of the CTS the best to date.

Pricing and Equipment

As a midsize luxury sedan, we expect a pretty hefty starting price tag, and the 2016 Cadillac CTS delivers just that. Its base trim level, called Standard, starts $46,555. This model comes very well equipped with:

Automatic stop/start
Cadillac CUE infotainment system
Leatherette upholstery
Heated and ventilated front seats
Power sunroof

Buyers can get additional premium and performance features from the CTS by opting for its higher-end trim levels. These include the Luxury, Performance, Premium, Vsport, and Vsport Premium trims. Respectively, these trims start out at $52,280, $57,280, $61,680, $60,950, and $70,950.

Performance Pros

The 2016 CTS's six-cylinder engines deliver plenty of pop to compete against its German rivals. The sedan is also quite the handler while also delivering plenty of comfort.

Magnetic ride control knows when to stiffen up and when to absorb impacts.
Twin-turbo V6 engine's 420 horsepower is plenty.
Base V6 engine is pretty competent, too.

Performance Cons

Pass on the base 2-liter four-cylinder engine, which is noisy and has an odd power band. Just go straight for the V6 engines.

Interior Pros

Cadillac has worked hard to perfect its interiors, and the CTS is its best result yet. It fixes all of the rough edges in early examples of Cadillac’s Art & Science design language, and delivers a clean and futuristic look.

Screens galore give the cabin a futuristic look.
High-end materials and perfected lines fuse art and science perfectly.

Interior Cons

Cadillac’s CUE system still struggles in terms of usability. Swiping through the endless screens is distracting and aggravating. Cadillac needs to fix it.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

While we know Cadillac has been working hard at making its interiors more upscale and clean, we never expected the level the CTS is at. The sedan’s cabin is a beautiful place to spend a lot of time, thanks to its premium materials, beautiful lines, and loads of premium features.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

A turbo four-cylinder engine is a pretty common offering in the luxury segment these days, but Cadillac’s version seems subpar. Its power is fine at 268 horses, but its noise is pretty intrusive despite Cadillac offering it with a noise-cancellation feature.

The Bottom Line

Though the CTS is not the perfect luxury car, it is a great alternative to the typical German offerings. It has a range of engines that are more than able to compete with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, and its cabin is right up there with the best of the best.

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

2.0L I-4 / 268 HP / 295 ft.lbs.

Transmission

8-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD

Drive Type

Rear-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

21 / 31 / 26 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	2.0L I-4 / 268 HP / 295 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	21 / 31 / 26 Mpg
Brakes	Brembo 4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank	19.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$73

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	13.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	97 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	195.5 "
Exterior Width	72.2 "
Exterior Height	57.2 "
Front Headroom	40.4 "
Rear Headroom	37.5 "
Front Legroom	45.7 "
Rear Legroom	35.4 "
Front Shoulder Room	56.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	3,646 Lbs.
Wheel Base	115 "
Turning Radius	18.5 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	17.0 " Painted Aluminum / 19.0 " Painted Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Tri-coat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Black W/chrome Surround / Chrome
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Dual Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Leatherette / Leather
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Armrests	(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats	Bench / 60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Cadillac Cue Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	11 Bose / 13 Bose Surround Sound
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt / Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof	Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	3

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag	Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors	Ultrasonic Rear
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Pass-key Iii+

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months	72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months	72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	72 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2016 Cadillac CTS for Sale

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