“I like the vehicle overall. the touch screen takes some adjusting but once you learn it, it is okay. Comfortable vehicle, classy look and smooth ride.”
2016 Cadillac XTS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Cadillac XTS is updated cabin tech: Apple CarPlay joined the CUE touchscreen system, and wireless phone charging was added across the lineup. This was not a redesign, and the rest of the car largely carried over.
About the 2016 Cadillac XTS
1st generation (2013-2019), fourth model year, just before the light 2017 update.
Cadillac positioned the XTS as a roomy, comfort-first luxury sedan with a long list of technology features and a softer, quieter driving character than sport-focused rivals. The XTS’s core appeal was space, easy highway comfort, and a big feature count, especially for shoppers who wanted a traditional American luxury sedan feel. The V-Sport versions added serious power, but the model as a whole was marketed more as an upscale long-distance cruiser than a sharp-handling sport sedan.
The 2016 XTS remained a roomy, comfort-focused luxury sedan, with the Luxury trim emphasizing heated and ventilated seating and the Premium trim adding features such as a digital gauge display, head-up display, and surround-view cameras. Platinum models brought massage front seats and richer cabin materials, while the V-Sport versions paired a twin-turbo V6 with standard AWD for stronger acceleration.
What changed, by category
Tech
Apple CarPlay was added to the CUE touchscreen system, and wireless phone charging was added across the lineup.
Safety
The Surround Vision camera system was folded into the Driver Awareness package and became part of the Premium trim’s standard driver-awareness equipment.
Styling
Platinum models received a distinct new grille.
2016 Cadillac XTS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.6 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 304 hp | 304 hp | 304 hp | 304 hp | 410 hp | 410 hp |
| Torque | 264 lb-ft | 264 lb-ft | 264 lb-ft | 264 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18 cu-ft | 18 cu-ft | 18 cu-ft | 18 cu-ft | 18 cu-ft | 18 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40 in | 40 in | 40 in | 40 in | 40 in | 40 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 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 | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Video Input | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Cadillac XTS?
The biggest change is improved phone connectivity. Every 2016 XTS gained Apple CarPlay through the CUE touchscreen system and wireless phone charging.
Was the 2016 Cadillac XTS redesigned?
No, the 2016 Cadillac XTS was not redesigned. It kept the same basic platform, engines, and overall design while receiving technology, camera-equipment, and minor styling updates.
How did the 2016 XTS lineup change from 2015?
The Standard trim joined the 2016 lineup, while the previous Base trim was dropped. Luxury, Premium, Platinum, V-Sport Premium, and V-Sport Platinum continued.
Did the 2016 Cadillac XTS receive new safety equipment?
Yes, its safety-equipment packaging changed. The Surround Vision camera system became part of the Driver Awareness package and was included with the Premium trim’s standard driver-awareness features.
Which 2016 Cadillac XTS trims have the twin-turbo V6?
The V-Sport Premium and V-Sport Platinum trims have the twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6. Both also have standard AWD and an electronic limited-slip differential to help put the added power to the road.
2016 Cadillac XTS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Cadillac XTS.
4.2
2016 Cadillac XTS
(284 reviews)
“The XTS is primarily targeted for older drivers wanting a plush ride and a full suite of convenience packages/options. The Premium model is the required version that has the full complement of packages and options. The NAV system in this and other GM vehicles is lacking in function and esthetic design.”
“My biggest problem is the de- valuation of the vehicle in a short period of time.”