Track Tested: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Edmunds.com tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

Don't ask why the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon exists, just be glad that it does. Cadillac could have directed some funds into building the Escalade EAT, but instead it built this far more sensible, and better-looking, wagon instead.

Actually, Cadillac refers to this CTS as a sport wagon, which is typcially a euphemism for a wagon that's not actually useful. In this case, however, the CTS offers a solid 25 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats. Not exactly huge, but more than your average trunk and it expands to over 53 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

More importantly, this wagon is actually sporty. It gets all the same equipment as the sedan so there's a 304-horsepower V6 under the hood and a well-tuned suspension holding it up. On our scales, the wagon adds about 200 pounds compared to the sedan, but the added weight in back actually evens out the wagon's weight distribution to nearly 50/50.

For 2010, Cadillac also introduced a new 19-inch wheel and tire package, so this CTS wore big 245/45ZR19 tires. Did it help? Can it outrun the sedan? Will anybody care? See for yourself in our latest notes from the test track.

Vehicle: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon
Odometer: 5,300
Date: 10/20/09
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: $54,635

Specifications:
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed automatic
Engine Type: V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 3564/217
Redline (rpm): 7,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 304 @ 6,400
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 272 @ 5,200
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc    
Brake Type (rear): Ventilated disc
Steering System: Speed proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): Independent, double wishbones, coil springs and stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Independent, multilink, coil springs and stabilizer bar
Tire Size (front): 245/45ZR19
Tire Size (rear): 245/45ZR19
Tire Brand: Continental     
Tire Model: ContiSportContact 3
Tire Type: Summer performance
Wheel Size: 19 x 8.5
Wheel Material (front/rear): alloy
As Tested Curb Weight (lb): 4202

Test Results:
0-30 (sec): 2.7
0-45 (sec): 4.6
0-60 (sec): 7.0
0-75 (sec): 10.3
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 15.1 @ 93.3
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 6.6
30-0 (ft): 30
60-0 (ft): 118
Braking Rating: Very good
Slalom (mph): 67.1
Skid Pad Lateral Acceleration (g): .81  
Handling Rating: Very good
Db @ Idle: 41.6
Db @ Full Throttle: 70.8
Db @ 70-mph Cruise: 59.8

Acceleration Comments: Acceleration from CTS wagon is adequate and nothing more. It does little to inspire the heart, soul or body. Engine isn't involving and there's little a driver can do to improve accel.

Braking Comments: Respectable stopping distance. No fade. Feel only OK.

Handling Comments: Skid pad: Stability control cannot be fully disabled and makes its presence known clearly on skid pad. Again, a good number but not such a fun one to earn. Slalom: Stability control calibrated well enough to stay out of the way in all but the stupidest situations. Chassis doesn't like mid-corner bumps (cone 3) but still makes a good slalom number.