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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?

  • A/C Seat(s) features are now available as options 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
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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

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

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

Premium Performance 2WD 2D Coupe

Standard Features

  • 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
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • 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
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.6L

Horsepower

335

Torque (ft-lbs)

285

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

16

Wheelbase

109.3"

Overall length

183.6"

Width

72.5"

Height

54.8"

Leg room

F 42.3"/R 33.5"

Head room

F 37.6"/R 35.1"

Front tires

P225/40R18

Rear tires

P255/35R18

Seating capacity

4

Max towing capacity

100/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Cadillac ATS FAQ

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