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2018 Cadillac ATS review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Cadillac ATS highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • The V6 engine is powerful
  • Fun to drive
  • Good-looking design

Cons

  • Interior is noisy
  • Lacks storage space
  • Not as refined as rivals

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 23 highway, 19 combined

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2018 Cadillac ATS stands out

The 2018 Cadillac ATS is a performance-focused compact luxury sedan that admirably competes with foreign rivals like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. It's available with a turbocharged four-cylinder or a six-cylinder engine, the latter of which offers impressive performance. The ATS is also a distinct, good-looking vehicle and stands out among a field of more conservatively designed luxury sedans.

But the ATS sacrifices comfort and utility in the name of performance and its compact size. The Cadillac boasts less interior storage than its rivals and its small trunk limits its usefulness for long trips. The tech interface and the buttons to control it can be a bit confusing. While nice to look at, they are tough to use while driving because of their polished finish. Still, even the base ATS is equipped with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ in addition to a handful of USB ports to keep your phone charged. Adaptive cruise control and many other driver aids can be installed with the optional Driver Assist package.

All Cadillac ATS years

What is new for the 2018 Cadillac ATS?

  • Improved fuel efficiency by 10%
  • New advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control
  • Enhanced infotainment system with larger touchscreen and smartphone integration
  • Updated exterior design for a more modern look
  • Optional all-wheel drive availability on select trims

2018 Cadillac ATS trims

Curious how Cadillac ATS trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 272-hp, 295-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Cadillac ATS inventory

Luxury:

Premium Luxury:

Premium Performance:

V:

  • Includes all features available on the Premium Performance
  • 464-hp, 445-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Manual Transmission
  • View our Cadillac ATS V inventory

Cadillac ATS photos

What We Like

Performance: Acceleration is solid with either engine; getting away from stoplights and merging onto highways won't be a problem. The ATS handles tight turns and curves well in addition to navigating parking lots easily. It's a great driving experience on the open road or around town.

Driver Comfort: The front seat is comfortable and easily adjustable so you can find a pleasant seating position. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes and the interior is suitably driver-focused.

Technology: Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard and there are plenty of places for you to plug in your device. A wireless charging pad is also standard. There's a nifty pocket behind the climate control system to tuck your phone inside which features USB charging.

What Needs Improvement

Comfort: The interior of the ATS is a bit cramped and the rear seat is only comfortable for kids or short adults. On-road comfort is also sacrificed to the performance gods, as you're likely to feel every bump and divot in the road thanks to a stiff performance-based suspension.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

8 customer reviews
The 2018 Cadillac ATS excels in performance, offering sharp handling and refined styling with a smooth, quiet ride. Customers commend its reliability and luxury feel. However, tight interior space, some technology usability concerns, and moderate fuel efficiency are common drawbacks. This sporty sedan is best suited for those prioritizing driver-focused agility and elegance.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Cadillac ATS an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Cadillac ATS 9th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Cadillac ATS

Cadillac ATS features and specs

Curious how Cadillac ATS trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

V 2D Coupe 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Smart Key
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Manual Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Navigation System

Optional Features

  • Sunroof(s)
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Head Up Display
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.6L

Horsepower

464

Torque (ft-lbs)

445

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

16

Wheelbase

109.3"

Overall length

184.7"

Width

72.5"

Height

54.5"

Leg room

F 42.3"/R 33.5"

Head room

F 37.6"/R 35.1"

Front tires

P255/35ZR18

Rear tires

P275/35ZR18

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Manual 6

2018 Cadillac ATS FAQ

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