2014 Cadillac XTS Review
2014 Cadillac XTS Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious interior with quality materials
- impressive number of high-tech features
- available all-wheel drive
- new twin-turbo V6 brings serious speed.
Cons
- Underwhelming acceleration from standard V6
- narrow trunk
- tech overload could turn off traditional buyers.
What’s new
The 2014 Cadillac XTS muscles up with an optional 410-horsepower turbocharged V6. It also switches to electric power steering and offers a self-parking system and a new DVD/Blu-ray rear entertainment system with dual screens.
Edmunds says
The 2014 Cadillac XTS's roomy, up-to-date cabin and newly available turbocharged V6 make it a compelling full-size luxury sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2014 Cadillac XTS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A) 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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$177/mo for XTS Base
XTS Base
vs
$205/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Last year, the big news was simply that Cadillac had finally introduced a modern full-size luxury sedan. This year, though, it's all about what's under the 2014 Cadillac XTS's hood. Although we generally praised the XTS in its first year of production, we were underwhelmed by the standard 304-hp V6 engine, panning its relatively modest output given the size of the car. But the 2014 XTS has 410 reasons why power won't be an issue going forward.
That's because the new CTS sport sedan's optional turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 is available on the XTS, too. Rated at a whopping 410 hp and paired exclusively with all-wheel drive, the turbo V6 gives this dignified cruiser the authoritative acceleration it deserves. Sure, you can stick with the base V6 and still enjoy a great all-around luxury experience. But if you're with us in believing that a proper Caddy should haul the mail, the new XTS turbo, or Vsport, as Cadillac calls it, is just what the doctor ordered.
Otherwise, the 2014 Cadillac XTS is familiar from last year, and that's good news as well. This is a traditional luxury ride with a gleaming modern edge, offering age-old Cadillac virtues like comfort and space, but adding daring style outside and a festival of technology inside. Indeed, the XTS's spaceship-like cockpit and touch-sensitive control panel could be a turnoff for those who yearn for the days of simple knobs and buttons. But if you're looking for a new twist on this classic formula, few cars can compare.
Actually, few cars even compete in this segment anymore. One alternative that comes to mind is the Chrysler 300C, a fancy version of a lower-priced model; another is the Hyundai Genesis, an aging but competent rival. Then there's the Lincoln MKS, a technically similar luxury sedan that has always left us cold. On the higher end, you could look at models like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but they're really midsize cars and don't come close to matching the Cadillac's interior room. See what we mean? There's not much else in this price range if you want a true full-size sedan. And with the new turbo V6 in the mix, the XTS's case is only getting stronger.
Performance & mpg
The 2014 Cadillac XTS starts with front-wheel drive and a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 304 hp and 264 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. All-wheel drive is available and can be identified by the moniker "XTS4." In Edmunds testing, an XTS4 Platinum went from zero to 60 in 7.3 seconds -- a second or so behind similarly priced and powered luxury sedans. Fuel economy stands at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city/28 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel-drive models are rated at 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city/26 mpg highway).
If you want more pep, the Premium and Platinum Vsport trims come with a turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter V6 that produces 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard with the turbo V6, as is a six-speed automatic. The EPA rates the XTS Vsport at 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city/24 mpg highway).
Safety
The 2014 Cadillac XTS comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control, front and rear seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation. Adaptive cruise control with low-speed automatic braking is standard on Platinum and optional on Premium.
In Edmunds brake testing, an XTS4 came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is average for a car in this class wearing all-season tires.
Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts and a vibrating driver seat that alerts the driver to an impending collision on either side of the vehicle.
In government crash tests the 2014 Cadillac XTS earned an overall rating of five stars, with five stars in overall, frontal crash and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. In IIHS tests, the 2014 Cadillac XTS earned the highest rating of "Good."
Driving
As imposing as the 2014 Cadillac XTS seems at the curb, it's a distinctly smaller car from behind the wheel. Thanks to the standard adaptive suspension, trusty steering and responsive engines, the XTS manages to shrink its big body around the driver.
Yet this full-size luxury sedan's capable handling is more of a pleasant surprise than anything else. Comfort is king for a big Cadillac, and the XTS doesn't disappoint. The same adaptive suspension that keeps the body composed in corners provides a firm yet buttery-smooth ride on most surfaces. It's far from the floaty Cadillac land yachts of yore, but when you're rolling down the highway in an XTS, there's no doubt you're in the lap of luxury.
As for the new XTS turbo V6, it really transforms the driving experience. Not that there's anything terribly wrong with the base engine, but the standard XTS lacks the confident oomph of traditional Cadillacs. The muscular Vsport, on the other hand, feels more like an old Caddy V8 off the line. Springing for the upgraded V6 is a no-brainer if power is a priority.
Interior
The Cadillac XTS gives you the kind of passenger volume you expect from a nearly 17-foot-long luxury sedan. Rear riders in particular will appreciate their ample accommodations. With 18 cubic feet of capacity, the XTS's trunk is one of the biggest on the market, but it's unusually narrow, so golf clubs will likely need to be creatively positioned alongside other luggage.
Of course, we're used to Cadillacs that give us room to stretch out. The XTS's futuristic dashboard, though, is something else altogether. The optional gauge cluster display is beautiful, first of all, with all manner of driver-configurable options. Then there's the CUE ("Cadillac User Experience") interface, which integrates audio, phone, optional navigation and OnStar functionality into an 8-inch touchscreen display. Those familiar with smartphone and tablet interfaces will feel at home with CUE's touchscreen, as it uses similar touch, swipe and pinch commands.
There are also auxiliary touch-sensitive buttons beneath the touchscreen, however, and they're a mixed bag. These buttons help control the stereo and climate systems, and they can be a challenge to use if you're trying to drive at the same time. For efficient operation, you may need to look down at the panel for a bit to see what you're pressing, which of course requires you to take your eyes off the road. As slick as this control panel looks, we're not convinced that it's practical enough for prime time.
2014 Cadillac XTS models
The 2014 Cadillac XTS is a five-passenger luxury sedan. There are four trim levels: base, Luxury Collection, Premium Collection and Platinum Collection. Note that the Premium and Platinum Vsport versions come with the optional twin-turbo V6.
Standard equipment for the base XTS includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, xenon headlamps, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats (with power lumbar control), a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and leather/faux-suede upholstery. Standard technology features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an 8-inch center touchscreen with Cadillac's CUE interface, OnStar, voice controls and an eight-speaker Bose sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, iPod/USB connectivity and an auxiliary input.
The XTS Luxury Collection adds LED lighting accents, visible dual-exhaust outlets in the rear fascia, illuminated door handles, rain-sensing wipers, adjustable thigh support for front passengers, extended wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel, driver and front-passenger memory functions, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, interior ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, an automated parallel-parking system and rain-sensing wipers.
The Premium Collection builds on those offerings with adaptive headlamps; automatic high beams; a head-up display; an upgraded driver-configurable gauge cluster display; tri-zone automatic climate control; a 110-volt power outlet; a navigation system; voice controls; a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system; rear seat audio controls; and a suite of safety features that include blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alerts and front collision alerts. The Premium Vsport adds 20-inch wheels and a sportier-looking grille.
Finally, the Platinum Collection boasts 20-inch wheels with chrome accents, unique exterior styling, adaptive cruise control with low-speed automatic braking, a panoramic sunroof, a power rear sunshade, a faux suede headliner and additional cabin leather trim with upgraded upholstery for the seats. The Platinum Vsport shares the Premium Vsport's grille, but gets the same chrome-accented wheels as the regular Platinum.
Some of the extra standard features from the higher trim levels can be added to the lower trim levels via various packages. Optional for the XTS Premium and Platinum is a rear-seat Blu-ray/DVD entertainment system with dual fold-out displays.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2014 Cadillac XTS.
5 star(47%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(14%)
74 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Big Caddy with Styling
bigwes3, 10/01/2012
2013 Cadillac XTS Premium 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Purchased a White Diamond exterior with Carmel/Black interior Premium FWD XTS in July after considering a BMW or Mercedes.
After 3,300 miles in it, the more I drive it the more I love it. Outstanding ride quality and interior finish is top notch.
So glad Cadillac did not abandon the smooth ride to chase the BMW/Mercedes performance (extremely hard ride) model.
This car provides a perfect … blend of cushion & performance handling.
Big car ride with midsize handling.
The spirited V6 provides excellent power while returning great gas mileage.
CUE system definitely requires a dedicated learning period to familiarize yourself with the many features.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Excellent Machine
alexblackhawke, 01/09/2014
2013 Cadillac XTS Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Purchased new in Ohio while on vacation and drove back to Las Vegas.
Averaged 28 MPG for the entire trip and was impressed with the long range comfort and handling.
It won't burn off the 20" tires but lots more available acceleration than what was needed.
All of the interior appointments are top quality and once you get used to the electronics, easy to adjust through the CUE … system.
After three months, had glove box closure issue and the dealer just replaced the entire mechanical and electronic component to repair.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Platinum FWD--A Real Delight
rgj21, 05/23/2013
2013 Cadillac XTS Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
I took delivery of my XTS Platinum FWD in Sapphire Blue Metallic on May 11.
I must say that I become more pleased with the vehicle everyday.
I have owned a Lexus LS, a Jaguar XJ and a Mercedes CLS and the XTS compares very favorably with each of those luxury vehicles.
GM has finally met the challenge of the German and Japanese luxury vehicles with interior materials, fit and finish and … technology second to none.
I seriously evaluated 11 other cars and SUVs before this purchase and could not escape from the fact that dollar for dollar the XTS was the best value in its class.
It is a pleasure to drive, performs beautifully and has that head-turning quotient.
1 out of 5 stars
what does caddy spend it's engineering budget on?
paul d, 04/27/2017
2014 Cadillac XTS Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Worst new car I've ever bought, and I've had at least 25. Where to start. Cue system impossible, I wonder how many drivers have died trying to turn on radio. Voice recognition non existant my lg cell phone never misses a beat but caddy has never caught on, I don't even try anymore. At 500 miles had to buy a new tire that ruptured, i must have ran over something no warranyy. At 14000 … miles original tires wouldn't pass inspection, worn out, no warranty because they are performance tires. So had to pay for set of tires. I bought nokian and after 15000 more miles the nokian still look like new. Glove compartment door froze shut, dealer had to tear glove door off and replace. Side detection radar stuck on and kept side marker lights on even with car off and locked, had to replace system. Head light burnt out and informed they have to take front bumper off to replace headlight. If not under warranty that's 225.00 to just remove and replace bumper for a headlight, doesn't include parts. Latest is brakes squeal so loud people on sidewalk stop and look. Had to replace all the pads and rear rotors. Rotors were "delaminating". Like the tires, pads aren't part of bumper to bumper warranty, 75.00 dollars for pads. Honestly, i'm not hard on vehicles, this car just sucks. Oh, depreciation is insane, i'm losing value at the rate of 1000.00 a month. Am I down on gm, no, I have a gmc truck that's tops. So if your thinking about this caddy run like hell....
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Cadillac XTS, so we've included reviews for other years of the XTS since its last redesign.
2014 XTS Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $44,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $177/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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