“Great car to drive, and also fun to be able to look forward to a new car every three years. My experience with the Cadillac line of cars has been always superior and without problems.”
2018 Cadillac ATS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Cadillac ATS is a light-update model, led by refinements that make its CUE touchscreen system easier to use. Its engines, trims, body styles, and chassis carry over from 2017.
About the 2018 Cadillac ATS
First and only ATS generation; 2018 is the final year for the sedan and the second-to-last year for the coupe.
Cadillac marketed the ATS as its compact, driver-first luxury car: smaller, lighter, and more athletic than the brand’s larger sedans, with sharp steering, quick responses, and bold styling at the center of the pitch. The draw is not rear-seat room or plush isolation; it is the feeling of a sport sedan or coupe that still brings Cadillac technology, upscale materials, and available V6 power to everyday driving.
The 2018 ATS remains a driver-focused compact luxury sedan or coupe. The base and Luxury trims use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with Luxury adding leather, heated front seats, navigation, and parking sensors; Premium Luxury brings a V6 and more driver-assistance features. Premium Performance pairs the V6 with an adjustable performance suspension, a limited-slip differential, and a head-up display.
What changed, by category
Tech
Cadillac fine-tunes the CUE touchscreen interface to make it easier to operate.
Safety
A rear seat reminder becomes standard across the ATS lineup.
2018 Cadillac ATS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD / AWD | RWD / AWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 272 hp | 272 hp | 335 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft | 285 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 Emergency Braking | ||||
| 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
What changed on the 2018 Cadillac ATS compared with the 2017 model?
The 2018 ATS gets a more user-friendly version of Cadillac's CUE touchscreen interface and a standard rear seat reminder. Its engines, trim structure, body styles, and chassis are otherwise unchanged.
Did the 2018 Cadillac ATS get different engines?
No, the core engine lineup carries over for 2018. The base and Luxury trims have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while Premium Luxury and Premium Performance use a 3.6-liter V6.
Is the 2018 Cadillac ATS a redesign?
No, the 2018 ATS is not a redesign. It keeps the previous year's body, chassis, engines, and trims, with only small technology and safety updates.
Was 2018 the final year for the Cadillac ATS?
The answer depends on the body style: 2018 is the final model year for the ATS sedan, but the ATS coupe continues for 2019.
Which 2018 Cadillac ATS trims have the V6?
The 2018 ATS Premium Luxury and Premium Performance trims have the 3.6-liter V6. The base and Luxury trims use the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
2018 Cadillac ATS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Cadillac ATS.
4.0
2018 Cadillac ATS
(158 reviews)
“It has all the comforts, styling, performance and security of a vehicle you would want.”
“The 8-speed transmission used in Chevy and Cadillac have known problems. Be careful unless warranty is provided.”