“You can trust the safety features of this vehicle. I know from first hand experience. The ride and performance are very exceptional.”
2016 Cadillac CTS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Cadillac CTS is its updated mainstream powertrains, led by a new 335-hp V6 and wider use of an 8-speed automatic. This is not a redesign, but it is a meaningful mechanical and technology update.
About the 2016 Cadillac CTS
3rd generation CTS sedan (2014-2019), third model year, pre-refresh.
Cadillac positioned the CTS as a true driver-focused luxury sport sedan rather than a soft traditional luxury car. The brochure centers on control, power, and a cockpit aimed at the person behind the wheel, while Cadillac’s legacy description says the CTS changed expectations for what a sport sedan could be with performance-inspired design, precise craftsmanship, and intuitive technology. In plain terms, the CTS is Cadillac’s rear-drive-based midsize sedan for shoppers who want sharp handling, strong engines, and upscale features in the same car.
The 2016 CTS ranges from a 268-hp turbo-four luxury sedan to the rear-wheel-drive V-Sport with a 420-hp twin-turbo V6, adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip differential for better traction during hard acceleration. Luxury trims emphasize navigation, leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof, while Premium versions add features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, a digital gauge display, and a head-up display.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The previous non-turbo 3.6-liter V6 is replaced by a newer version, raising output from 321 hp and 275 lb-ft to 335 hp and 285 lb-ft. It adds a system that can shut down some cylinders during light driving, plus automatic engine shutoff at stops. The 2.0-liter turbo also gains automatic stop/start, and both mainstream engines use an 8-speed automatic. The former CTS-V entry leaves the regular CTS trim ladder, while V-Sport retains its 420-hp twin-turbo V6.
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard across the CTS sedan range. The surround-view camera system also reaches more upper trims.
Tech
The 8-inch touchscreen system is updated with Apple CarPlay, followed later by Android Auto compatibility. On the 2.0 Luxury Collection, navigation and the panoramic sunroof move from optional to standard.
2016 Cadillac CTS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 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 | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 31 mpg | 24 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 420 hp | 268 hp | 420 hp | 268 hp | 335 hp | 268 hp | 335 hp | 268 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 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 | |||||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2016 and 2015 Cadillac CTS?
The biggest difference is the 2016 CTS's updated mainstream powertrains. The non-turbo V6 is newer and stronger, while the 2.0-liter turbo and non-turbo V6 are paired with an 8-speed automatic and automatic engine shutoff at stops.
Does the 2016 Cadillac CTS have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The 2016 CTS's updated touchscreen system supports Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto compatibility added later.
Did the Cadillac CTS V6 change for 2016?
Yes. The regular 3.6-liter V6 changes from 321 hp and 275 lb-ft in 2015 to 335 hp and 285 lb-ft in 2016. It also gains an 8-speed automatic, automatic engine shutoff at stops, and the ability to shut down some cylinders during light driving.
Is a rearview camera standard on every 2016 Cadillac CTS sedan?
Yes. A rearview camera is standard across the 2016 CTS sedan range, including the base 2.0 Standard trim.
Was the CTS-V still part of the regular 2016 CTS trim lineup?
No. The CTS-V was no longer included in the regular CTS trim ladder for 2016. V-Sport remained the performance model in this lineup, using a 420-hp twin-turbo V6.
2016 Cadillac CTS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Cadillac CTS.
4.3
2016 Cadillac CTS
(221 reviews)
“It is a beautiful, smooth, fast, luxury vehicle. I love the look and feel. I especially like driving at night, I can see more of my surroundings with the excellent lights that swivel and the side mirrors tell me when someone is in my blindside, which these days, too many people like to drive in your blindside. I find that dangerous, but I feel safe with my car.”
“Rare model. Folks get it confused with the full fledged v series and never heard of the v sport. Love the lightning acceleration”