Flash Drive

2016 Cadillac CTS

Flash Drive 2016 Cadillac CTS

The 2016 Cadillac CTS sedan rivals any foreign sports/luxury sedans.
The 2016 Cadillac CTS sedan rivals any foreign sports/luxury sedans.

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:

Cadillac CTS engines include an I-4, V-6 (shown) and a V-8.
Cadillac CTS engines include an I-4, V-6 (shown) and a V-8.

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:

The Cadillac CTS interior is very comfortable and driver centered.
The Cadillac CTS interior is very comfortable and driver centered.

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:

Handsome, chiseled features make the Cadillac CTS instantly recognizable.
Handsome, chiseled features make the Cadillac CTS instantly recognizable.

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.