Pros: Bold, innovative styling inside and out; competitive pricing compared to European rivals; impressive balance between ride quality and handling agility; refined engines
Cons: Rear-seat space isn’t great for the class; some testers find CUE touchscreen system awkward to use
CG Says: The 2016 Cadillac CTS now has 8-speed automatic transmissions for all models. Previously, 2.0T models and the AWD 3.6 made do with a 6-speed automatic. The naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine is new this year and includes automatic engine start/stop and cylinder deactivation. Horsepower rises from 321 to 335. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in 2.0T models also gains automatic start/stop. Cadillac’s high-performance CTS-V returns with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that’s rated at 640 horsepower and is also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The CTS-V is estimated to get 14 mpg city and 21 highway. CTS-V is built to compete with BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 and includes performance suspension and brakes, along with unique interior and exterior trim. Cadillac’s CUE system is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is due later in the year. The rearview camera is newly standard on all models. In terms of dynamics, performance, luxury, and feature availability, the CTS is a strong competitor to more established upper-line models in the premium-midsize segment, with a bold design character that stands apart from its European rivals.
| Class | Premium Midsize Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Cadillac |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | 2.0 Turbo: $45,560 AWD 2.0 Turbo: $47,560 2.0 Turbo Luxury: $51,285 AWD 2.0 Turbo Luxury: $53,285 2.0 Turbo Performance: $56,285 AWD 2.0 Turbo Performance: $58,285 2.0 Turbo Premium: $60,685 AWD 2.0 Turbo Premium: $62,685 3.6 Luxury: $53,285 AWD 3.6 Luxury: $55,285 3.6 Performance: $58,285 AWD 3.6 Performance: $60,285 3.6 Premium: $62,685 AWD 3.6 Premium: $64,685 VSport: $59,995 Vsport Premium: $69,995 CTS-V: $83,995 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 268 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-31 |
| Optional Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 335 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28-30 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 420 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24 |
