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2018 Cadillac CTS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Cadillac CTS is a light-update year, led by two new rear USB ports. Trims with a heated steering wheel also gained automatic cold-weather operation, while the rest of the car largely carried over.
About the 2018 Cadillac CTS
3rd generation (2014-2019), one year after the 2017 styling and tech update.
Cadillac positioned the CTS as a true driver's luxury sedan, not a soft traditional luxury car. The brochure leans on performance, calling the cabin a cockpit and highlighting sharp handling, multiple engine choices, and precise craftsmanship. For most buyers, the 2018 CTS is a midsize sport sedan with rear-drive balance, bold styling, strong cabin tech, and a wide spread of personalities from turbo-four daily driver to twin-turbo V-Sport performance sedan.
The 2018 CTS ranges from a straightforward 268-hp turbo-four sport sedan to Luxury models with leather, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. Premium Luxury emphasizes comfort and technology, while the V-Sport models add a 420-hp twin-turbo V6, sharper handling hardware, and a Track driving mode.
What changed, by category
Tech
Two USB ports were added for rear-seat passengers. On trims already equipped with a heated steering wheel, it now turns on automatically in cold weather.
2018 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 changed on the 2018 Cadillac CTS compared with the 2017 model?
The 2018 CTS added two rear USB ports, and trims with a heated steering wheel gained automatic cold-weather operation. There were no major changes to its engines, styling, safety equipment, or underlying structure.
Was the 2018 Cadillac CTS redesigned?
No, the 2018 Cadillac CTS was not redesigned. It remained part of the third generation introduced for 2014 and carried over the basic design updated for 2017.
Did the 2018 Cadillac CTS get a new engine?
No, the 2018 CTS did not receive a new engine. The lineup continued with a 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a 335-hp V6, and a 420-hp twin-turbo V6 in the V-Sport models.
Is the 2018 Cadillac CTS meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
No, the 2018 CTS is only slightly different from the 2017 model. Its main updates are rear-seat USB charging and automatic cold-weather operation for equipped heated steering wheels, so the two years are otherwise very similar.
2018 Cadillac CTS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Cadillac CTS.
4.2
2018 Cadillac CTS
(136 reviews)