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2017 Cadillac CTS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Cadillac CTS received refreshed front and rear styling, its most important change for the year. Cadillac also simplified the trim lineup and updated the CUE touchscreen software, while the engines and chassis carried over.
About the 2017 Cadillac CTS
3rd generation (2014-2019), mid-cycle styling and trim-structure update year.
Cadillac positioned the CTS as a midsize luxury sedan for shoppers who want sharper handling and stronger driver engagement than many comfort-first rivals. In this era, the CTS sat between the smaller ATS and larger CT6, offering a roomy cabin, bold styling, rear- or all-wheel drive, and a choice from efficient turbo-four to strong V6 and twin-turbo performance power. Its core appeal was blending American luxury cues with a more athletic feel.
The base CTS pairs a 268-hp turbo four-cylinder engine with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Luxury trims emphasize comfort with leather, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof, while Premium Luxury adds features such as a head-up display and expanded camera views. The rear-wheel-drive V-Sport is the performance-focused version, using a 420-hp twin-turbo V6, stronger brakes, and a sport-tuned adaptive suspension.
What changed, by category
Styling
Cadillac revised the front grille and rear styling across the lineup. The rear received a new vertical exhaust-outlet treatment.
Trim lineup
The lineup was simplified. Base and 3.6 Premium Luxury joined the range, while the 2.0 Performance Collection, 2.0 Premium Collection, 2.0 Standard, 3.6 Performance Collection, and 3.6 Premium Collection were dropped. The 2.0 and 3.6 Luxury Collection trims became Luxury, and V-Sport Premium became V-Sport Premium Luxury.
Tech
Cadillac updated the CUE touchscreen system with newer software features.
Safety
Teen Driver was added through the updated infotainment system.
2017 Cadillac CTS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp | 335 hp | 420 hp | 335 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 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 |
| 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 | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| 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 change to the 2017 Cadillac CTS?
The biggest change is refreshed exterior styling. Cadillac revised the grille and rear end, including a new vertical exhaust-outlet treatment, and also simplified the trim lineup.
Was the 2017 Cadillac CTS fully redesigned?
No, the 2017 CTS was not fully redesigned. It received a mid-cycle update, while its basic body structure, chassis, and engine choices carried over from 2016.
Did the 2017 Cadillac CTS get new engines?
No, the main engine choices carried over for 2017. The lineup retained the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, 3.6-liter V6, and the V-Sport’s twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6.
What technology changed in the 2017 Cadillac CTS?
The 2017 CTS received updated CUE touchscreen software and added Teen Driver. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are among the notable smartphone-integration features offered across the trim range.
Is the 2017 Cadillac CTS meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
Yes, but the differences are modest rather than mechanical. The 2017 model has refreshed styling, a reorganized trim lineup, newer CUE software, and Teen Driver, while the engines and chassis are largely unchanged.
2017 Cadillac CTS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Cadillac CTS.
4.1
2017 Cadillac CTS
(167 reviews)
“My 2017 CTS looks great, rides great, handles great and my wife and I feel like a million dollars. The interior surrounds you, the car anticipates your needs driving, and makes you feel special and every time the car is driven. The car knows everything you want to do before you do it.”
“This car impressed me. The manufacturer has come a long way. They created a car that is fun to drive, looks amazing, quiet interior and very comfortable.”