The 2019 Cadillac CTS is identical to its predecessor.
Massive Size
Build QualityÂÂ
Best in class handling
Overview
The 2019 Cadillac CTS is the brand’s most luxurious vehicle and it brings finnes and quality and combines it with quintessential American styling and proportions. Launched back in 2003, the CTS has been the pinnacle of luxury and this 3rd generation model marks the end of the road for the CTS badge which is set to be replaced by a new flagship. Cadillac has been facing tough competition from its European rivals like BMW and Mercedes, let's see if the 2019 CTS has what it takes to take on the Germans.
Buying Advice
The CTS in the luxury variant hits the sweet spot and adds numerous features compared to the base trim. There is an ample amount of horsepower from its 3.6 -liter V6 engine. According to the sources, it may be the last year of production for the CTS, you can also opt for CTS V-Sport with twin-turbo V6 and upgraded suspension. It is almost like the top of the line CTS-V super sedan with an economical price tag.
The Cadillac CTS is the biggest and the most luxurious sedan in the American luxury Automarque Cadillac’s lineup. This vehicle is beautiful inside out with its iconic Cadillac design philosophy and ensures high quality and reliability. Dynamics is another area where the CTS has gained a lot of praise as it is one of the best handling luxury saloon cars in the market.
Pricing and Features
9.0/10
The 2019 Cadillac CTS is directly aimed at European luxury sedans, like the BMW 5 series, Mercedes E Class, and the Audi A6. The 2019 Cadillac CTS comes in five trim levels: base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, V-Sport, and V-Sport Premium Luxury. The CTS-V is a high-performance model. The standard engine differs between trim levels, and all models come with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional for $2,000.
Trim
Base
Luxury
Premium Luxury
V-Sport
V-Sport Premium Luxury
MSRP(RWD)
$46,995
$51,695
$59,195
$60,695
$70,795
MSRP (AWD)
-
$55,695
$61,195
-
-
Key Features
2.0L Turbo with 268 hp
Available 3.6L V6 with 335 hp
3.6L V6 with 335 hp
3.6L Direct-Injection, DOHC, VVT V6 Twin Turbo With 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque with performance modes including cornering control
3.6L V6 Twin Turbo with 420 hp
Brembo front brakes
Automatic heated and ventilated front seats
Magnetic Ride Control
Fast off and brake assist
Adaptive Cruise Control – Advanced
Cadillac cue user experience
Cadillac user experience
Rear Camera Mirror
Door Handles Illuminating
17-inch painted alloy wheels
Centerpoint Surround Sound system
Automatic Parking Assist
Multi-Color Head-Up Display
17-inch machined alloy wheels
18-inch, 15- spoke painted alloy wheels
18-inch V-Sport alloy wheels with Pirelli summer-only, low profile tires
Driver Awareness Package
Driver Assist Package
20-way power adjustable, full-leather seats
Automatic Braking
Automatic Safety Belt Tightening
We Recommend
The CTS in the luxury variant hits the sweet spot and adds numerous features compared to the base trim. There is an ample amount of horsepower from its 3.6 -liter V6 engine. According to the sources, it may be the last year of production for the CTS, you can also opt for CTS V-Sport with twin-turbo V6 and upgraded suspension. It is almost like the top of the line CTS-V super sedan with an economical price tag.
Engine and Performance
8.7/10
The 2019 Cadillac CTS comes with a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine which produces 268 hp and 295-pound feet of torque. It is an ample amount of horsepower for a performance-oriented luxury car and quietly cruises on the highway. Fun factor comes with an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 335 hp and also a twin-turbocharged V6 that generates 420 hp.
2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan Engine Bay
Both of the V6 provides some serious performance and provides seamless power for rapid acceleration. All engines are mated to a refined eight-speed transmission that shifts seamlessly, though it can hesitate to downshift in manual mode. Every CTS comes available with all-wheel drive minus but the V sport transfers power to the rear wheels.
Models
2019 Cadillac CTS Luxury
2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
2019 Jaguar XF Sedan
2019 Maserati Ghibli
2019 BMW 530i sedan
2019 Lexus GS 350 sedan
2019 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
2019 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
MSRP
$55,690
$59,895
$50,960
$74,980
$54,395
$52,020
$42,745
$49,095
$53,945
Engine
3.6L V6 Turbocharged Gas
3.0L V6
2.0L i4
3.0L V6
2.0L i4
3.5L V6
3.8L V6
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
Transmission
8 Speed automatic
7 Speed DCT automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
9 Speed automatic
Horsepower
335 hp@ 6800rpm
335 hp@ 5000rpm
247 hp@ 5500rpm
345 hp@ 5250 rpm
248 hp@ 5200rpm
311 hp@ 6400rpm
311 hp@ 6000rpm
250 hp@ 5500rpm
241 hp@ 5550rpm
Torque
285 ft-lbs@ 5300rpm
369 ft-lbs@ 1370 rpm
269 ft-lbs@ 1200rpm
369 ft-lbs@ 1750 rpm
258 ft-lbs@ 1450 rpm
280 ft-lbs@ 4800rpm
293 ft-lbs@ 5000rpm
258 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm
273 ft-lbs@ 1300rpm
Like the Cadillac CTS, BMW 530i and Jaguar XF feature an 8-speed automatic transmission mode. Audi A6, on the other hand, comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission mode. The Jaguar and Audi put out similar horsepower. Cadillac CTS and BMW 5 series put out similar output.
Acceleration
The CTS with its turbocharged engine provides ample oomph for hard acceleration. With its 335 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque, this caddy can take you to 60 mph from standstill in just 4.4 seconds. There is enough power in the whole rev range and acceleration is fast yet undramatic.
2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan takes 4.4 sec to reach 60 MPH speed
Models
2019 Cadillac CTS Luxury
2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
2019 Jaguar XF Sedan
2019 Maserati Ghibli
2019 BMW 530i sedan
2019 Lexus GS 350 sedan
2019 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
2019 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
0-60 MPH
4.4 sec
4.4 sec
5.2
5 sec
4.9
N/A
6.4 sec
6.5 sec
6.2 sec
Quarter mile
12.9 sec
13.0 sec
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.7 sec
15.3 sec
14.3 sec
Engine
3.6L V6 Turbocharged Gas
3.0L V6
2.0L i4
3.0L V6
2.0L i4
3.5L V6
3.8L V6
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
7.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
6.5
7.1
The Cadillac CTS is the fastest among all stays neck to neck with the Audi A6 premium. The BMW 5 series sedan takes the second spot followed by the Jaguar XF sedan which is the slowest among all.
Ride and Handling
Tested at the infamous Nurburgring track Cadillac CTS offers excellent driving dynamics balanced with a luxurious and refined cabin. The base 2.0-liter engine is OK on power but V6 with its 335 horsepower provides strong acceleration on freeways. The steering feel is heavy initially and it lightens up gradually when you pick up the pace. The handling is precise with an ample amount of grip because of which the CTS feels planted at a higher speed.
2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan Front View
The suspension and chassis complement the turbocharged engine and provide the racing capability. CTS-V features a multilink MacPherson in the front and five-link independent suspension in the rear which achieves track performance but feels bumpy as an everyday driver. During aggressive cornering, the electronic Limited-Slip Differential automatically sends power to the rear wheels for optimum traction and faster exit speed.
2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan Front View
The 2019 CTS is based on GM's Alpha platform which underpins the ATS and the Camaro. Third-generation Magnetic ride control reads the road thousand times per second and independently controls all the four dampers for maximum stability.
Braking
The Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with massive Brembo brakes carved out from lightweight aluminum alloy. The pedal travel is small with an immediate response. It delivers consistent performance and due to its low curb weight, there is minimal body roll on corners.
2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan Wheel
Models
2019 Cadillac CTS Luxury
2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
2019 Jaguar XF Sedan
2019 Maserati Ghibli
2019 BMW 530i sedan
2019 Lexus GS 350 sedan
2019 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
2019 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
Brake Front (in.)
12.6
13.6
13.8
N/A
13.2
N/A
13.6
13.6
12.7
Brake Rear (in.)
12.4
13
13.2
N/A
12.8
N/A
12.4
12.6
11.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3757
4266
3590
3990
3790
3726
4195
3870
3792
60-0 MPH (ft.)
115
117
108
N/A
106
N/A
109
120
106
During emergency braking scenarios, 2019 CTS can come to a full halt at a distance of 115 feet. The Jaguar and BMW are the best when it comes to braking and takes only 106 and 108 feet to stop respectively. Audi stands at last here.
Fuel Economy
5.0/10
The Cadillac CTS with its standard four-cylinder engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are below average for the segment. Opting all-wheel drive drops each figure by 1 mpg. The midrange V6 engine returns 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, and the twin-turbo V6 gets 16 mg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Various technologies like direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) helps to achieve the best fuel efficiency.
Models
2019 Cadillac CTS Luxury
2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
2019 Jaguar XF Sedan
2019 Maserati Ghibli
2019 BMW 530i sedan
2019 Lexus GS 350 sedan
2019 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
2019 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
MPG (city)
19
21
25
17
24
20
19
25
22
MPG (highway)
29
30
34
24
34
28
27
34
30
MPG (combined)
23
24
28
19
27
23
22
27
25
The BMW 530i and Jaguar XF offer a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg. Audi A6 offers the best in league mileage of 28 mpg. Cadillac stands at last in this rivalry with 23 mpg combined
Interior
7.5/10
The CTS -V features exquisite material such as real wood trim and semi-aniline leather seats in its cabin. A giant 12.3-inch screen replaces the traditional gauges making the dashboard look futuristic on this model. The inside is much like the ATS with lots of interior space.
2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan Dashboard Shown
The 20-way power-adjustable seats are exceptionally comfortable with an ample amount of bolstering. They are wide, deep but not too soft which makes them perfect for long hours in the cabin. The rear seats are also comfortable with snug toe room but wide knee room. The sloping roofline and thick pillars make limited headroom for taller individuals. An available suede microfiber steering wheel and shift knob complement the seating.
Models
2019 Cadillac CTS Luxury
2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
2019 Jaguar XF Sedan
2019 Maserati Ghibli
2019 BMW 530i sedan
2019 Lexus GS 350 sedan
2019 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
2019 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
40.4/56.9/45.7
38.0/57.8/41.3
37.8/57.5/42.2
N/A
38.8/58.7/41.4
38.0/57.3/42.3
41.1/58.3/45.7
37.8/57.5/42.2
41.4/57.8/41.7
The second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
37.5/54.8/35.4
38.1/56.5/37.4
38.2/57.1/36.3
N/A
37.5/55.9/36.5
37.8/55.7/36.8
38.2/57.1/35.0
37.8/55.4/40.4
38.2/57.1/36.3
The Cadillac CTS has the most spacious front seats when contrasted with the rivals also the rear seats have a maple amount of headroom.
Interior Features
Handcrafted cut-and-sewn interior
20-way adjustable power front seats, automatic heated and ventilated
Semi-Aniline leather seating with suede microfiber inserts
Automatic heated steering wheel
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power rear window shade
Teen driver function
Wireless charging
Heads-up Display
Infotainment System
The CTS-V comes with Cadillac's Cue infotainment screen that controls all the tech and features. The eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, integrated into the top of the central instrument panel which is intuitive to use. Volume and climate are adjusted through a touch-sensitive button instead of traditional knobs.
2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan Infotainment System
Android Auto and Apple Carplay
Wi-Fi-hotspot
Bluetooth
USB ports
Satellite radio
11 speaker Bose audio system
Cargo Capacity
The Cadillac CTS-V has 13.7 cubic feet of space which is below average for this segment. The trunk opening is wide and load height is good for all your belongings. The cargo capacity can be increased via 60/40 rear folding seats. The narrow ending of the rear gives it an oblong shape which can't carry much of your luggage.
2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan Luggage Space
Models
2019 Cadillac CTS Luxury
2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
2019 Jaguar XF Sedan
2019 Maserati Ghibli
2019 BMW 530i sedan
2019 Lexus GS 350 sedan
2019 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
2019 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
13.7
17.8
17.7
N/A
14.3
15.3
13.5
13.1
Exterior
8.0/10
Cadillac CTS-V looks terrific from every angle with powerful lines and curves. CTV's iconic V-Performance mesh grille is cleverly engineered to provide maximum airflow to the engine. Hundreds of vertical crystalline LED lights to move from bumper to the fender accentuate the exterior design with (HID) headlamps featuring Adaptive Forward Lighting.
2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan Front View Driving
The large air ducts in the front fascia to feed more air to the turbocharger and aggressive trapezoidal exhaust ports are some of its unique elements. Hidden behind the grille, the Active Grille shutters automatically open and close for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Wide fenders are meant to accommodate stunning 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot sport tires. The rear end is narrower with beefy c pillars and a sweptback shape.
Models
2019 Cadillac CTS Luxury
2019 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
2019 Jaguar XF Sedan
2019 Maserati Ghibli
2019 BMW 530i sedan
2019 Lexus GS 350 sedan
2019 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
2019 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
Curb weight (lbs.)
3757
4266
3590
3990
3790
3726
4195
3870
3792
Length(in)
195.5
194.4
195.0
195.7
194.6
192.1
196.5
200.1
193.8
Width(in)
72.2
74.3
78.2
76.6
73.5
72.4
74.4
74.0
72.9
Height(in)
57.2
57.4
57.4
57.7
58.2
57.3
58.3
57.1
57.8
Ground clearance (in)
4.2
4.1
N/A
5.7
5.1
5.3
6.0
5.5
N/A
Wheelbase (in)
114.6
115.1
116.5
118
117.1
112.2
118.5
120.5
115.7
Track width (in) F/R
61.4/61.7
N/A
61.4/61.8
64.4/65.1
63/63.9
N/A
64.1/65.3
63.7/63.7
63.6/63
Most of the rivals are similar in terms of dimensions and there is not much of a difference however the Audi is the heaviest among all which affects its agility.
Exterior Features
V Grille
Carbon-Fiber hood
Functional aero design: Includes front splitter, rocker panels, and rear spoiler
19-inch premium painted forged alloy wheels
Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
Safety
9.2/10
What's the point of having a sports sedan if the car isn't safe enough? That is why Cadillac has put some really impressive safety features like Head-up Display, front-collision assist, and lane-keep assist. IIHS has not rated the Cadillac CTS Sedan yet.
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Electronic traction control
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
Airbag system
Rear Vision Camera
Following Distance Indicator
Forward Collision Alert
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Safety belts, 3-point, driver and right-front passenger
Safety belts, 3-point, rear, all seating positions
Automatic Safety Belt Tightening
Child seat restraint system
Door locks, rear child security
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Competition
9.0/10
Audi A6
The Audi A6 is one of the competent luxury sedans for the family. The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides plenty of grunts, but the optional supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 takes the thing to another level. The interior is far better in terms of quality if compared to the CTS and the overall performance of Audi A6 has an edge over CTS.
2019 Audi A6 Front Angle View
BMW 5 series
The 5 series is the most popular sports sedan in this segment because of its dynamic performance and high-quality interior. Between the CTS and 5 series, the Bimmer has better engine options and pinpoint handling. The 5 series is also ahead in terms of passenger space and cargo capacity. The 5 Series is a better car overall, but it costs thousands of dollars more than the CTS. If you can afford it, it's worth the splurge.
2019 BMW 5 Series Front Angle View
Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF is available in a wide variety of engine options ranging from 180 hp 4 cylinders to 380 hp turbocharged 6 cylinders. It is not as enthusiastic as most of the rivals. There's even a wagon version for drivers seeking maximum cargo flexibility. Germans still dominate the luxury sedan territory but if you want a midsize sedan that's a bit different than the norm, the 2019 XF will certainly satisfy.
2019 Jaguar XF Front Angle View
Final Verdict
The 2019 Cadillac CTS comes with an attractive design and sports large vertical LED headlights, aggressive trapezoidal exhaust ports, and handsome curves. It has a long list of standard features with a comfortable ride despite the sophisticated suspension. Its cabin is well put together like some of its rivals. The Cadillac CTS-V is a good alternative to some of its German competitors.
What are the Prices of a used Cadillac CTS based on trim and mileage?