Flash Drive 2016 Cadillac CTS
Model Tested: 2016 Cadillac CTS AWD 3.6L Premium Collection
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6 gas, 335 horsepower, 285 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive
EPA Ratings: 19/City—28/Highway—22/Combined
Base Price: $64,685
As Tested: $66,425
Performance:
Very strong, powerful engine even though it’s not the optional 640-hp V-8
Impressive acceleration
Smooth paddle shift 8-speed automatic
Auto Stop fuel economy feature is a little annoying
Transmission modes: Tour, Sport, and Snow/Ice
Good balance of luxury and sporty ride characteristics
Magnetic ride control
Strong Brembo brakes
Outstanding safety alert features
Comfort:
Full leather seats
Power lumbar driver and front passenger
Solid construction
High quality interior materials
Heated and cooled front seats
Heated outboard rear seats
Heated steering wheel
Power tilt/telescopic steering column
Great contoured leather wheel
Excellent room for front passenger and driver
Back seat very tight when front seats are all back
Huge floor hump
Wide rear armrest
Nice Bose sound system
Utility:
Large info screen
Wide trunk opening
Very high lift-over height
Oversized trunk hinges intrude
Flat trunk floor
Nice segmented storage tray under cargo floor
Split folding rear seats have noticeable slope
Trunk pass-through is on the small side
Two seatback storage pouches
Small console bin and glovebox
Tiny door bins
Wow Factors:
Great heads-up display
Sharp, athletic styling, luxury and performance
Excellent all-weather AWD traction and performance
Great winter car with heated seats/steering wheel
Lots of well-integrated high tech info/entertainment features
Impressive safety features
Whines:
Start/Stop fuel saving feature not super smooth
Back seat is tight
Rear seat ingress/egress is difficult due to wheelwell intrusion
Minimal interior storage options
Bottom Line:
The 2016 Cadillac CTS makes a very strong case for buying an American performance/luxury sedan. The CTS is competitive with European and Asian super sedans. Engine choices range from a turbocharged I-4 to a wild supercharged 640-hp V-8. We drove the amply powerful V-6 with AWD, which provides a great all-around performance and handling combination. Luxury and safety features abound in the CTS.
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