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2018 Cadillac CTS review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Cadillac CTS highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability 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

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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

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

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:

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

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

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

4 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

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 CTS

Cadillac CTS features and specs

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

Premium Luxury 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Parking
  • 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
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.6L

Horsepower

335

Torque (ft-lbs)

285

Engine type

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

P245/40R18

Rear tires

P245/40R18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

100/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Cadillac CTS FAQ

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