2017 Cadillac CTS Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show).Pros
- Precise handling regardless of trim level
- Strong acceleration in V-Sport trim
- Attractive cabin design with high-quality materials
- Solid crash test scores
Cons
- Base engine lacks refinement of its rivals
- Not as spacious for rear passengers or cargo as other choices in the class
What’s new
For 2017, the Cadillac CTS wears subtle styling refinements front and rear. New technology such as rear camera mirror and Teen Driver data tracking have also been added. For shoppers looking for a sportier look, a new Carbon Black appearance package has also been added to the options list.
Vehicle overview
Given the luxury cachet and performance standards set by European and Japanese models, it's not easy to stand out in this class. But with world-class handling, an available turbocharged V6, and a top-shelf interior, the 2017 Cadillac CTS has all it needs to compete against the world's best.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Cadillac CTS Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.15 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$211/mo
CTS Luxury
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Like many of its competitors, the CTS comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It does the job, but it's not the best first impression, lacking the refinement and fuel efficiency of its competitors. Better to seek out the one of the CTS' two V6 engines: One delivers 335 horsepower, and the other is rated to produce up to 420 horses.
In any trim, the CTS offers exemplary handling that few luxury sedans can match. And though styling is subjective, we tend to think the Caddy's chiseled lines are elegant and will age well. The CTS also checks most of the boxes when it comes to features in this class: panoramic sunroof, adaptive suspension, sophisticated multimedia and smartphone integration, even a self-parking system.
New for the 2017 CTS is the rear camera mirror, which displays a streaming, high-resolution image that Cadillac says improves field of vision four times greater than a standard rearview mirror. Cadillac's Teen Driver system also arrives on the new CTS, allowing parents to set limits and receive feedback on the driving habits of their teens.
The midrange sport-luxury sedan segment is packed with well-known stars such as the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. The BMW isn't quite as athletic as the CTS, but it offers a range of engines and exceptional comfort. The same could be said of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the standard bearer for elegance in this group. The Audi, meanwhile, rivals the Caddy's sporty reflexes and manages a cool, modernist interior and refinement as well. The Lexus GS 350 and its hybrid-powered GS 450h sibling are also worthy considerations.
Standard safety features for the 2017 Cadillac CTS include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, a rearview camera, front and rear side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Also standard are rear parking sensors and OnStar telematics (which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, an emergency button, stolen vehicle locator and active intervention, and remote door unlock). A 360-degree bird's-eye camera view is standard on the Premium Luxury and V-Sport models.
New for 2017 are the rear camera mirror and Teen Driver. The latter is standard on all trims, while the mirror comes standard on Premium Luxury trims (regular and V-Sport) and is optional on Luxury trims. Additional safety equipment is bundled into the Driver Awareness and Driver Assist packages.
In government crash tests, the CTS received the top rating of five stars overall, including five stars for total frontal-impact safety and five stars for total side-impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the present-generation CTS its highest rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests, and the CTS also earned the top "Superior" rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with the Driver Awareness and Driver Assist packages.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Sharp style, a modern interior and strong all-around performance make the 2017 Cadillac CTS a serious contender among midsize sport-luxury sedans.
Driving
Acceleration in the 2017 Cadillac CTS V-Sport is impressive, reeling out loads of low-end power whenever you squeeze on the gas. It's enough to put Cadillac up against any of its European rivals with upgraded engines.
Most buyers will opt for the turbo four-cylinder or the regular V6 engine. The four-cylinder lacks the refinement and seamless power delivery of its BMW and Audi rivals but still packs a good punch in the middle of the powerband. It's not as quick or smooth off the line, but it's plenty fast for the interstate.
Through turns and curves, the CTS is uncommonly composed and tactile. Cadillac touts the time its engineers have spent refining the CTS suspension, and it shows in the car's daily manners. This Caddy is sharp but still keeps its composure over bumps and rough patches, especially when equipped with the optional adaptive suspension.
A smooth ride and quiet cabin also make the CTS an ideal highway cruiser. Its only flaw on the highway is the adaptive cruise control system, which is unusually conservative in its following distance and abrupt in its automatic braking. It works fine on high-speed highways but struggles in stop-and-go traffic.
Interior
The CTS interior is sophisticated and luxurious and displays high-level craftsmanship, materials quality and technology integration throughout. Front passengers enjoy ample personal space, yet the enveloping dashboard and door panels form an intimate cockpit that reinforces the car's sporting mission.
There's decent rear passenger room, but it's tight compared with other midsize sedans. The trunk is also on the small side at 13.7 cubic feet. Most other sedans in the class offer 15 cubic feet of space or more.
The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system pairs a graphically rich 8-inch touchscreen with touch-panel inputs. Outfitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, CUE is more capable than ever when it comes to smartphone integration. The constant poking and swiping at the touch panel, especially for routine functions like adjusting fan speed or stereo volume, gets tiresome, however (although you can also control volume on the steering wheel). It's one of the few drawbacks to an otherwise advanced and impressive interface.
2017 Cadillac CTS models
The 2017 Cadillac CTS midsize sedan is offered in five trim levels: CTS (base trim), Luxury, Premium Luxury, V-Sport and V-Sport Luxury. The high-performance 2017 CTS-V is reviewed separately.