Large Cadillacs have developed a reputation over the years for putting comfort above all else. Though they floated and glided along the road like a cloud, they were also quite bland to drive and behind the times in terms of design. With the XTS, however, that reputation has been put to rest. The XTS is sharper and more responsive to drive, yet it still maintains plenty of amenities and seating comfort.
Built on the same platform as the current Buick LaCrosse, the XTS is powered by a detuned version of the V6 sourced from the current CTS. The XTS doesn't feel sluggish from behind the wheel, giving it the sensation that it is much smaller than its 17-foot-long and 6-foot-wide dimensions would seem to indicate. Overall, we like how the XTS separates itself from those lethargic Cadillac behemoths of the past. It's a savvy choice for a modern American large luxury car.
Current Cadillac XTS
The XTS is a large luxury sedan that's available in five trim levels: Base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, Platinum and Platinum V-Sport.
All trim levels other than the V-Sport have a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional on all but the Base trim. The V-Sport variants feature a twin-turbocharged version of that engine that packs 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard with the turbo V6, as is a six-speed automatic.
The Base XTS comes equipped with alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, leather seats, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Upgrading to the Cadillac XTS Luxury trim adds heated rear seats, front parking sensors, a rearview camera and an automated parallel parking system. The Premium's highlights include tri-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. This trim level also gets active-safety features and electronic driver aids. With the Platinum version, you also get 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and some changes to interior and exterior styling. The sport versions include 20-inch wheels and the more powerful engine.
Although it looks pretty slick, the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment touchscreen interface can be slightly distracting and unresponsive at times. While this technology greatly reduces button clutter and adds modern features such as in-car Wi-Fi, someone accustomed to Cadillacs of yesteryear will have an adjustment to make. You won't have to make any adjustments in terms of being comfortable, however, since the cabin is expansive and provides headroom and legroom to spare. The trunk has an impressive 18 cubic feet of capacity.
In reviews, we noted that the base, front-wheel-drive XTS accelerates a bit slowly, but the potent twin-turbo V-Sport provides sports-carlike acceleration. The XTS is large, yet it doesn't feel big and lumbering from behind the wheel. There is some noticeable body roll when it's pushed harder, but the XTS doesn't wallow under its mass. At speed on the highway, the XTS is composed and impressively quiet. While there are several upsides to this relatively new Cadillac, the most notable is the value it provides compared to its full-size European rivals. The Caddy offers you refinement and relaxation without a hefty price tag, and for that alone it's worth your time.
Used Cadillac XTS Models
The XTS was introduced for 2013 when it effectively replaced the DTS and the STS sedans in Cadillac's lineup. The Vsport version didn't arrive until 2014 (and was later renamed V-Sport). Since then, Cadillac has made minor changes to the XTS but the car's fundamentals remain the same.
Read the most recent 2019 Cadillac XTS review.
If you are looking for older years, visit our used Cadillac XTS page.
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