2012 Cadillac CTS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Cadillac CTS gets a light refresh rather than a full redesign. The headline change is a stronger 318-hp 3.6-liter V6, accompanied by a revised grille on regular CTS models.
About the 2012 Cadillac CTS
2nd generation CTS. For sedan and wagon, 2012 sits in the late phase of the 2008-2013 generation after a light 2012 update. For coupe, it is the second year of the 2011-2014 coupe version built from the same generation.
Cadillac positioned the CTS as its sharp-edged, rear-drive-based midsize luxury car for buyers who wanted American style with a firmer, more athletic feel than traditional Cadillacs. In 2012 it still served as the broadest Cadillac car line, spanning sedan, coupe, wagon, and the supercharged V models. Its big differentiators were bold styling, a driver-focused chassis, and unusual body-style variety in a segment where many rivals were sedan-only.
The regular CTS range spans a straightforward 3.0-liter V6 sedan, stronger 3.6-liter models, and practical Sport Wagons. At the performance end, the CTS-V sedan, coupe, and CTS-V Sport wagon use a 556-hp supercharged V8, adaptive suspension, and Brembo brakes; the V models retain their more focused character while adding automatic wipers for 2012.
What changed, by category
2012 Cadillac CTS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, DI, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 6.2 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter | V6, DI, 3.6 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | AWD / RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 12 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 12 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 18 mpg |
| Horsepower | 318 hp | 270 hp | 556 hp | 270 hp | 318 hp | 556 hp |
| Torque | 275 lb-ft | 223 lb-ft | 551 lb-ft | 223 lb-ft | 275 lb-ft | 551 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.5–13.6 cu-ft | 13.6 cu-ft | 10.5–13.6 cu-ft | 58 cu-ft | 58 cu-ft | 58 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35–36.1 in | 36.1 in | 35–36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
The biggest change is the stronger 3.6-liter V6. It rises from 304 to 318 horsepower, while regular CTS models also receive a revised front grille.
How is the 2012 Cadillac CTS different from the 2011 model?
The 2012 CTS is a modest update over the 2011 model, not a redesign. Its main differences are the 318-hp 3.6-liter V6, a revised grille on regular models, standard Bluetooth-capable steering-wheel controls, active front head restraints on regular models, and automatic wipers on CTS-V models.
Is Bluetooth standard in the 2012 Cadillac CTS?
Yes. Bluetooth-capable steering-wheel controls are standard across the 2012 CTS range.
What changed on the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V?
The regular CTS-V changes very little for 2012, with standard automatic wipers as its main equipment update. The CTS-V Sport wagon also joins the range with the same 556-hp supercharged V8 used by the other V models.
Is the 2012 Cadillac CTS a new generation?
No. The 2012 CTS remains part of the second generation and receives a light mid-cycle update rather than a full redesign.