“The car is very fun to drive. It has great get up and go. I love the functions on the steering wheel and the remote start. I wish this model had cooling seats. Overall I love this car.”
2016 Cadillac ATS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Cadillac ATS is a broad powertrain update led by a new eight-speed automatic. V6 models also get a new 333-hp 3.6-liter engine with stop/start and cylinder deactivation, while CUE-equipped cars gain Apple CarPlay.
About the 2016 Cadillac ATS
1st generation ATS; fourth model year for the sedan, second model year for the coupe, and a post-2015 refresh year rather than a full redesign.
Cadillac pitched the ATS as its compact, driver-focused luxury sport sedan and coupe: a lighter, sharper-handling alternative to the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series formula with rear-wheel-drive balance, available AWD, and strong engine choices. The model's core appeal is simple: crisp handling first, luxury second, with enough Cadillac technology and design flair to feel upscale without losing the car's athletic character.
The 2016 ATS lineup covers several priorities: the 2.5L Standard is the straightforward sedan, while 2.0L Turbo models put more emphasis on performance. Luxury trims add leather and the larger touchscreen, and Performance and Premium versions pair navigation and Bose surround audio with additional driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new eight-speed automatic is used across all three engine families. Automatic 2.0L Turbo models add stop/start, while 3.6L Luxury, Performance, and Premium models move from the prior flexible-fuel V6 to a new gas-powered 333-hp 3.6-liter V6 with stop/start and cylinder deactivation.
Tech
Cars equipped with Cadillac's CUE touchscreen system gain Apple CarPlay. Navigation becomes standard on 2.0L Turbo Luxury and Performance, 2.5L Luxury, and 3.6L Luxury and Performance trims. The 2.0L Turbo Standard and 2.5L Standard also make their touchscreen and smartphone interface standard.
Safety
The standard driver-assistance equipment on 2.0L Turbo Performance and Premium and 3.6L Performance and Premium expands to include lane-change warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.
2016 Cadillac ATS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD / AWD | AWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD / RWD | RWD / AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 32 mpg | 30 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 202 hp | 335 hp | 335 hp | 202 hp | 335 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque | 191 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft | 191 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Cadillac ATS?
The biggest change is the new eight-speed automatic used across the ATS engine lineup. V6 versions also receive a new 333-hp 3.6-liter engine with stop/start and cylinder deactivation.
Does the 2016 Cadillac ATS have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, 2016 ATS models equipped with Cadillac's CUE touchscreen system have Apple CarPlay. The basic audio setup on some cars is different, so the installed infotainment system matters.
Was the 2016 Cadillac ATS redesigned?
No, the 2016 ATS was not redesigned. It keeps the prior year's basic sedan and coupe design but receives meaningful powertrain, technology, and driver-assistance updates.
Which 2016 Cadillac ATS trims gained more standard driver-assistance features?
The 2.0L Turbo Performance and Premium and the 3.6L Performance and Premium gained standard blind-spot warning for 2016. Their driver-assistance equipment also added lane-change warning and rear cross-traffic warning.
Is the 2016 Cadillac ATS meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Yes, the 2016 ATS has meaningful mechanical and technology updates rather than being a simple carryover. Its eight-speed automatic, updated V6, Apple CarPlay on CUE-equipped cars, and broader driver-assistance equipment are the main differences.
2016 Cadillac ATS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Cadillac ATS.
4.2
2016 Cadillac ATS
(324 reviews)
“ATS Cadillac is a suburb ride! It is so quiet, you have to remember to turn it off. It turns the corners on a dime. It's so easy to park! It's so comfortable to sit in! The styling is exquisite ! The back up camera is awesome! Everything on the dashboard is so bright and easy to see.”
“Completely garbage, would never buy another Cadillac again. Electrical issues, transmission issues, terrible interior quality.”