2018 Cadillac CTS review
Cadillac CTS highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Precise and engaging handling
- Strong acceleration from the V-Sport engine
- Comfortable front seats
Cons
- Stiff ride
- Unrefined base engine
- Touch-sensitive controls are distracting
- Smaller rear seats than competitors
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 24 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2018 Cadillac CTS is a luxury sedan with sharp handling
The Cadillac CTS is a midsize luxury sedan that sets itself apart from competitors with its angular design, sharp handling, and tech-oriented cabin. The driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive, making it a great place to enjoy the open road, especially if you opt for the turbocharged V6 in the V-Sport trim. For 2018, the CTS gets two extra USB charging ports for rear passengers.
Unfortunately, that sporty handling comes at the expense of ride quality, with every CTS trim exhibiting a stiff ride. The standard 4-cylinder engine and optional V6 are both a bit underwhelming and don’t quite live up to the CTS’s handling capabilities. That tech-forward design language also means the Caddy traded in regular buttons for touch-sensitive controls that are distracting and frustrating. Unless you’re looking at what you’re doing, it’s impossible to tell if the controls just aren’t registering your touches, or if you’re missing them entirely.
All Cadillac CTS years
What is new for the 2018 Cadillac CTS?
- CTS trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment this year.
2018 Cadillac CTS trims
Base:
- 268-hp, 295-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Side Airbags
- View our Cadillac CTS inventory
Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- 335-hp, 285-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
- Sunroofs
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Leather Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- A/C Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Lane Departure Warning
- View our Cadillac CTS Luxury inventory
Premium Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the Luxury
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Head Up Display
- Rear Sunshade
- Automated Parking
- Rear Air Conditioning
Vsport:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Luxury
- 420-hp, 430-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
Vsport Premium Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the Vsport
- Automated Cruise Control
Cadillac CTS photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Cadillac CTS
What We Like
Handling: Every trim level of the 2018 CTS offers sporty handling and sharp steering. The CTS is designed to tackle twisty roads and be engaging for the driver. The downside is that the ride can feel overly stiff for a luxury sedan.
Optional V6: The 2018 CTS V-Sport comes with a turbocharged V6 engine that makes 420 horsepower. That makes it a serious competitor to the high-performance engines found in European luxury competitors. The added power also complements the CTS’s excellent handling.
Front seats: The CTS’s front seats do a top-notch job balancing support and comfort, keeping the driver in place during spirited driving while preventing soreness and fatigue on longer drives. The optional heated and ventilated seats are effective, with strong output to help keep you comfy.
What Needs Improvement
Touch-sensitive controls: The CTS’s center stack, where the climate and infotainment controls are located, opted to do away with regular buttons in favor of touch-sensitive controls. These can be frustrating and distracting to use, requiring more attention from the driver and less feedback when something isn’t working as you expect.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Cadillac CTS an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Cadillac CTS 33rd out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Cadillac CTSCadillac CTS features and specs
Luxury 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Run Flat Tires
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear Sunshade
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
268
Torque (ft-lbs)
295
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
19
Wheelbase
114.6"
Overall length
195.5"
Width
72.2"
Height
57.2"
Leg room
F 45.7"/R 35.4"
Head room
F 40.4"/R 37.5"
Front tires
P245/45R17
Rear tires
P245/45R17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
100/1000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Cadillac CTS FAQ
The 2018 Cadillac CTS is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Luxury : 22 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Premium Luxury : 20 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Base : 22 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Vsport Premium Luxury : 16 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Vsport : 16 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
The Cadillac CTS received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Cadillac CTS as 32 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Car
The 2018 Cadillac CTS has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Cadillac CTS, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Cadillac CTS Reviews.
The 2018 Cadillac CTS has a maximum towing capacity of 1000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Cadillac CTS:
- Panoramic Sunroof
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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