Many auto experts praised the Cadillac CTS when it was first unveiled in 2002. And since that time, I've remained a fan of this attractive midsize luxury sport sedan.
The latest edition of the CTS comes with changes, thanks to a major redesign that's resulted in an improvement over its predecessor.
To summarize – the 2014 Cadillac CTS is more stylish, sporty and luxurious – but it's also more expensive. The price starts at around $46,000 for the base model and can climb into the $69,000 range.
2014 Cadillac CTS
- Performance: 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, 272 horsepower; 3.6-liter, V6, 321 horsepower; 3.6-liter, turbocharged V6, 420 horsepower
- Mileage estimate range: 18-30 mpg
- Estimated price: $46,025 to $69,070
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain 6 years/70,000 miles; roadside assistance 6 years/70,000; corrosion 6 years/unlimited
Cadillac is on a mission to compete on the same level with a couple of German powerhouses in BMW and Mercedes-Benz. This year's remodeled CTS will definitely gain some ground on the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And don't forget about the Lexus GS; it's a big-time player in this competitive class as well.
Historically an attractive vehicle, the CTS features a high-tech interior combined with a bold, attractive exterior. Shop wisely, because there's quite a bit to choose from in the CTS lineup. It has six primary trim levels: standard, luxury, performance, premium, Vsport and Vsport premium.
Here's a quick glance at the new changes to the CTS:
- Has a longer, lower and wider stance and is 1.2-inches longer in the wheelbase, 4.2 inches longer overall, plus sits 0.8 inches lower
- Grille is more slender and aggressive
- Stylish LED running lights
- Base model now the turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that was first introduced in the Cadillac ATS sedan
- The interior features rich leather and trim elements, high-tech gauge display, multi-colored touchscreen display that operates infotainment system
Like many luxury vehicles, the CTS delivers quite a bit of standard equipment, including heated mirrors; rear parking sensors; remote ignition; dual-zone automatic climate control; manual tilt-and-telescoping, leather-wrapped steering wheel; eight-way power front seats; driver memory settings; and trunk pass-through.
The standard features also include OnStar telematics; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen display, voice commands; 11-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with three USB ports; an auxiliary audio jack; and satellite and HD radio.
Test driven here was the CTS with the 3.6-liter, V6 engine that produced 321 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This model is plenty quick and swift, and provides very good acceleration in any situation.
The new engine is the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that has 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. While the engine sounds impressive, note that some car reviewers have labeled it just "adequate" in performance.
The other engine option is the super-powerful Vsport-specific turbocharged 3.6-liter, V6 that proudly elicits 420 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This model is quite fun, and was clocked at 4.9 seconds going 0-60 mph.
If mileage is a consideration, note that any version of the CTS is not great on gas. The mileage varies, depending on the engine, ranging from 18-30 mpg overall.
As mentioned previously, the CTS interior has some high-level materials in a sophisticated cockpit that is rich and luxurious. There's leather, wood and no hard-surface materials.
For car-buyers who like techie instrumentation, the CTS delivers plenty. For those who don't grasp high-tech easily, the CTS will require a learning curve to adequately operate.
Overall, the 2014 Cadillac CTS has definitely raised its game in many areas.
This stylish sedan should be on the take-a-look list of everyone shopping for a midsize luxury sport sedan.