2021 Cadillac CT4 Review
Price Range: $20,000 - $34,998
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Below Average
6.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 needs a lot of work before it can genuinely compete with other entry-level luxury sedans. Its promise of grandeur is spoiled by ergonomic errors, costly options and a downright uncomfortable ride. The CT4 pales in comparison to modern rivals that do a far better job of providing modern comfort at a similar — or often better — price point.
Price & Payment
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Average price: $26,918
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Pros
- Sporty acceleration
- Up-to-date technology features
- Powerful engines still net good fuel economy
Cons
- Many advanced driver safety aids don't come standard
- Small back seat, even for the class
- Overly firm ride quality
- Too much cheap-feeling plastic and too many hard surfaces given the CT4's price
What's new
- Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking now standard
- Available customizable digital instrument cluster
- Super Cruise (Cadillac's semi-automated driving system) is available
- Part of the first CT4 generation introduced for 2020
Overview
What's the CT4? This is probably something most people don't know the answer to. Cadillac has rejiggered the name of its sedans recently, and consequently there's not a whole lot of equity behind the 2021 CT4. Effectively, it's Cadillac's entry-level sedan that's priced below the larger CT5 and meant to rival the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
21 listings
- $24,950great price$3,258 below market
- 12,390 miles
- 23 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- 24 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
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Located in Arlington, VA
Refined 2021 Cadillac CT4 Sport Sedan 4D - Modern Elegance and Exceptional ValueExperience the distinguished presence of the 2021 Cadillac CT4 Sport S...
- Features and Specs:
- 27 Combined MPG (23 City/34 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- 1G6DG5RKXM0144047
- Stock:
- 144047
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- $24,779great price$3,148 below market
- 44,073 miles
- 23 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- 149 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
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Located in Mount Laurel, NJ
CARFAX One-Owner. CARFAX One Owner!, Clean Carfax!!, Low Miles, Sunroof/Moonroof, All Wheel Drive, Financing Available, Local Trade In, Great Conditio...
- Features and Specs:
- 27 Combined MPG (23 City/34 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- 1G6DK5RK0M0125991
- Stock:
- M0125991
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 06-04-2026
Cadillac certainly has the basics right for the CT4. It boasts a decent collection of technology features, two available turbocharged engines, optional all-wheel drive, and a V-Series trim level that boosts the car's sport sedan credentials. But we've found the CT4 lacks the polish and refinement those rival sedans often deliver to make them more compelling picks. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth review of the 2021 CT4.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Below Average
6.6
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Cadillac CT4 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
6.5/10
How does the CT4 drive? The CT4 certainly has power, and it can get going in a hurry. Our all-wheel-drive test car with the upgraded 2.7-liter engine accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. Unfortunately, the driving experience is better on paper than in reality. The turbocharged engine wheezes when pushed, and it lacks responsiveness when you need it. The brake pedal on our test vehicle audibly clicked upon almost every touch, but worse was its wooden feel that made it difficult to consistently come to a smooth stop.
Most aspects of the CT4 seem reluctant to do what you ask. Its steering is unceremoniously heavy, and its chassis struggles when asked to transition from one quick turn to another. The 10-speed automatic transmission issues thumpy shifts, and the automatic engine stop-start system is one of the loudest around.
Most aspects of the CT4 seem reluctant to do what you ask. Its steering is unceremoniously heavy, and its chassis struggles when asked to transition from one quick turn to another. The 10-speed automatic transmission issues thumpy shifts, and the automatic engine stop-start system is one of the loudest around.
Comfort
6.5/10
How comfortable is the CT4? The vehicle we tested came in the Premium Luxury trim, but we found little evidence to back up that lofty claim. The CT4 feels neither premium — the seats lack support — nor luxurious — the leather feels generic — and it gets worse from there. Drivers will notice that road noise is present inside the cabin at nearly all speeds on nearly all surfaces. That's disappointing in a vehicle at this price, wearing this badge.
Worst of all, though, is the choppy suspension. You don't just hear every crack and bump in the road; you feel them. There are many affordable economy sedans that provide a much smoother ride. It's simply uncomfortable.
Worst of all, though, is the choppy suspension. You don't just hear every crack and bump in the road; you feel them. There are many affordable economy sedans that provide a much smoother ride. It's simply uncomfortable.
Interior
6.5/10
How’s the interior? There are some head-scratching issues that mar an otherwise tolerable cabin. Getting in and out of the front seat is no problem, and there is ample room inside. The back seat, though, is tight even for the compact class. The roof is low, the sills require a high step-over, and the doors don't open very wide. Passengers 6 feet or taller will not be comfortable in the back for long, and they will likely find it need to contort themselves to get out.
Elsewhere, buttons and controls for the driver seem to have been placed wherever there was space with little thought to making the experience pleasant or convenient. We often found ourselves searching for the desired button or dial, and the rotary controller to operate the main interface feels cheap.
Elsewhere, buttons and controls for the driver seem to have been placed wherever there was space with little thought to making the experience pleasant or convenient. We often found ourselves searching for the desired button or dial, and the rotary controller to operate the main interface feels cheap.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Our test CT4 came with an integrated navigation system and 14-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Both are optional, and both stood out as highlights of our time with the car. Navigation is easy to read and follow on the 8-inch touchscreen, and the stereo has a wide range of adjustability and nice acoustic quality.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity comes standard, and connecting up with Bluetooth is quick and easy. The CT4's integrated voice recognition system also works quite well. While it can't recognize natural language, it's simple enough to issue the right command for directions and some in-car functions. Adaptive cruise control is optional and wasn't included with our test car, which is unjust considering it's a standard feature on many mainstream vehicles.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity comes standard, and connecting up with Bluetooth is quick and easy. The CT4's integrated voice recognition system also works quite well. While it can't recognize natural language, it's simple enough to issue the right command for directions and some in-car functions. Adaptive cruise control is optional and wasn't included with our test car, which is unjust considering it's a standard feature on many mainstream vehicles.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? When it comes to utility, the CT4 is mostly usable for everyday tasks. But there are a lot of caveats. The trunk is wide and deep but only amounts to 10.7 cubic feet of total capacity, which is low for the class. It also lacks handles in the trunk to fold down the second row of seats that many rivals have.
Inside the cabin, small-item storage seems fine at first glance. There's a decent-size center console, and our test vehicle came with a smartphone charging station. But that same console is only acceptable compared to other small luxury sedans, and the cupholders and door pockets are on the small side. Child seat attachment points are accessible, but the tight second row does not accommodate bulky child seats.
Inside the cabin, small-item storage seems fine at first glance. There's a decent-size center console, and our test vehicle came with a smartphone charging station. But that same console is only acceptable compared to other small luxury sedans, and the cupholders and door pockets are on the small side. Child seat attachment points are accessible, but the tight second row does not accommodate bulky child seats.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the all-wheel-drive CT4 with the 2.7-liter engine will get 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is underwhelming for a four-cylinder luxury sedan. But the good news is that our test car easily beat that number in our real-world driving, posting an impressive 29.5 mpg on our standardized 115-mile evaluation route.
Value
7/10
Is the CT4 a good value? We didn't notice any shakes or rattles coming from the inside of the cabin while driving, but there is little else worth praising. There's too much cheap-feeling plastic and too many hard surfaces given the CT4's price. Our test car came to $46,690, which simply isn't justifiable considering the quality of rivals for the same money.
Cadillac provides a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage, slightly better than average for the class. Rust protection of four years/50,000 miles is shockingly low for a luxury brand.
Cadillac provides a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage, slightly better than average for the class. Rust protection of four years/50,000 miles is shockingly low for a luxury brand.
Wildcard
5.5/10
It's difficult to point to any aspect of the CT4 that is unique, innovative or even distinctive. It feels like you made a Xerox of a Xerox of a modern luxury sedan. The driving experience is far from dynamic or rewarding, and that could be forgiven if the CT4 provided an excellent ride — but it doesn't. The CT4 tries to coast on the cachet of its Cadillac badge. Instead it risks cheapening it.
2021 Cadillac CT4 trim level differences
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 is available in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport and the top-flight V-Series. Each comes well equipped, but the higher-level trims open up the available options. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is offered as an option. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2021 Cadillac CT4 trim levels in-depth.
Which CT4 trim does Edmunds recommend?
Get the V-Series. It's the most expensive version of the CT4, but the payoff in additional power and sporty handling is worth it. We also recommend getting the optional Driver Assist and Driver Awareness Plus packages because they add desirable driver aids such as adaptive cruise control.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$202/mo for CT4 Luxury
CT4 Luxury
vs
$193/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 25V148000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N242480630
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 90081
- Defect Description:
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
- Defect Consequence:
- Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will install transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242480630.
- Recall Number:
- 22V903000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N222386380
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 740108
- Defect Description:
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Defect Consequence:
- DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
- Recall Number:
- 21V611000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N212342780
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 34157
- Defect Description:
- General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 vehicles. The roof rail side-curtain air bags may not have been installed correctly, which could result in an improper air bag deployment during a crash.
- Defect Consequence:
- Air bags that do not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect both left and right-side roof rail air bags and reinstall the air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 30, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212342780.
- Recall Number:
- 21V421000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N212338110
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 285622
- Defect Description:
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
- Defect Consequence:
- The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 6 years / 70,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 6 years / 70,000 miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 1 years / unlimited miles
Cadillac CT4 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(62%)
4(19%)
3(13%)
2(6%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Luxury and Sport Combined
5 out of 5 starsJscheu, 12/06/2020
2020 Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
My All Wheel drive Premium Luxury CT4 surprised me by how well it handles on the road, both straight way and especially curves. In a 6 inch snow this past week, I actually felt safer the way it hugged the road and handled than my 4 wheel drive truck.Safety features galore.Even though there is not much room in back for passengers, by moving the front seats up.some provided enough leg … room. The 4 cylinder is surprisingly spiffy and also gets over 30 mpg on the road.
Way better than expected!
5 out of 5 starsCT4 to go go go, 12/31/2020
2020 Cadillac CT4 Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I have a CT4 Luxury. Before this car I had a 2014 CTS Coupe (3.6L) which I also bought new. While this car is a little smaller, it is so much to drive. It really feels like a sports car. I don't bother with surveys, in this case it was worth my time. I first drove a CT5, I prefer the CT4.
My only negative comment it my own fault. My last Cad had the BOSE system. I miss that, the … Premium Sound is OK, but it is noticeably not Bose.
Ct4-v
5 out of 5 starsJohn lee, 06/07/2022
2021 Cadillac CT4 V 4dr Sedan (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
I just purchased this car used. It had only 4500 miles on it. First day put 150 miles on it and enjoyed every minute. The V has so many driving modes that engage the driver and make driving..
FUN! The engine power is fantastic the ride, contrary to what Edmunds say is quite nice. The steering is exceptional with excellent road feel. The suspension is also quite fine. I averaged 30.2 … MPG which was better than my 2019 XT4. I don't really care about rear seat room due to the fact I am single. If I do have passengers back there they will be my 5 year grandkids so all is well. Overall and initially I am very happy with this vehicle, it's appearance performance safety features and the fun to drive aspect. Watch some YouTube car reviews and almost every reviewer is smiling and/or laughing every time they accelerate and then they marvel at how well the ct4-v responds
Awesome CT4
5 out of 5 starsSDS61, 11/28/2020
2020 Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Ct 4 is awesome, Great styling inside and out, smooth driving handles well at all speeds. Acceleration is great. Solid Fit and Finish.
A great vehicle overall!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Cadillac CT4, so we've included reviews for other years of the CT4 since its last redesign.
2021 CT4 Features & Specs
Sedan
Luxury
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $33,395 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $202/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.7 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the CT4 models:
- Teen Driver
- Provides configurable vehicle settings and reports to help ensure safer driving habits of young drivers.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Warns you of a vehicle in the car's blind spot by illuminating lights in the car's mirrors.
- Buckle to Drive
- Ensures the driver's seat belt is fastened before he or she shifts out of park.
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