“I would advise them that the Cadillac ATS is a fun sporty vehicle to drive, but since I'm an old "geezer" I prefer the ride of the XTS as far as driving experience is concerned. The ATS is more for someone that wants to drive a sporty car where as the XTS is a true "luxury" ride in every sense. But I do love Cadillacs!”
2017 Cadillac ATS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Cadillac ATS is a simplified four-trim lineup: base, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Premium Performance. This is not a redesign, but it also brings a new standard engine and an updated touchscreen system across the range.
About the 2017 Cadillac ATS
1st generation ATS (sedan 2013-2018, coupe 2015-2019), late-cycle update year with a revised trim ladder rather than a redesign.
Cadillac positions the ATS as its compact driver’s car: a smaller luxury sedan/coupe built around quick steering, balanced rear-drive handling and strong turbo or V6 power. The brochure’s theme is “Embrace the spirit of performance,” and that fits the ATS well. Compared with rivals, the ATS leans more toward sharp road feel and athletic responses than plush isolation, while still giving shoppers the expected luxury basics such as a touchscreen interface, premium audio, keyless access and upscale cabin materials.
The base ATS combines a 2.0-liter turbo engine with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bose audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Luxury adds leather, heated front seats and parking sensors, while the V6-powered Premium Luxury emphasizes comfort and navigation. Premium Performance is the sharper-handling version, with an adaptive suspension, limited-slip differential and head-up display.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Cadillac dropped the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, making the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder the ATS's starting engine.
Styling
A new Carbon Black appearance package joined the options list.
Safety
Premium Luxury and Premium Performance gained a following-distance indicator as part of their standard driver-assistance equipment.
Tech
The updated Cadillac CUE touchscreen became standard, adding Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Teen Driver and Collection apps. Instrument-cluster graphics were also revised.
2017 Cadillac ATS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD / AWD | AWD / RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 20–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30–32 mpg | 30–32 mpg | 30–31 mpg | 30–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 202–272 hp | 202–335 hp | 272–335 hp | 272–335 hp |
| Torque | 191–295 lb-ft | 191–295 lb-ft | 285–295 lb-ft | 285–295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 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 | ||||
| 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
Was the 2017 Cadillac ATS redesigned?
No. The 2017 Cadillac ATS remains part of the first generation and receives a late-cycle lineup and equipment update rather than a full redesign.
What engine does the base 2017 Cadillac ATS have?
The base 2017 Cadillac ATS has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Cadillac dropped the previous 2.5-liter entry engine for this model year.
Does the 2017 Cadillac ATS have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2017 Cadillac ATS has the updated Cadillac CUE touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
How did the Cadillac ATS trim lineup change for 2017?
The 2017 ATS uses a simplified four-trim ladder consisting of base, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Premium Performance. Luxury continues the former 2.0L Turbo Luxury trim under a shorter name, while the previous engine-based trim structure was replaced.
What is the difference between the 2017 ATS Premium Luxury and Premium Performance?
Premium Luxury is the comfort-and-technology-focused V6 trim, with navigation, a sunroof and driver-assistance features. Premium Performance uses the same V6 but adds sharper-handling hardware, including an adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential, plus a head-up display.
2017 Cadillac ATS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Cadillac ATS.
4.3
2017 Cadillac ATS
(220 reviews)
“It's sporty and has great pickup and a great stereo sound system. I love the pearly white color of it as well.”
“I get compliments on the car all the time. People stop me and tell me it is beautiful!”