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Cadillac ATS: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Cadillac ATS is a compact luxury car sold as a sedan and coupe, known for sharp handling, quick responses, and strong turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines. It puts the driving experience ahead of rear-seat room.
The ATS arrived for 2013 as a compact, rear-wheel-drive-based sport sedan, with the coupe joining for 2015. Across its single generation, it stayed focused on balanced handling, responsive steering, and a lighter feel rather than maximum cabin space. Powertrain and touchscreen updates kept it current before the sedan ended after 2018 and the coupe closed out the ATS line in 2019.
Strengths
- The rear-wheel-drive-based platform gives the ATS balanced, responsive road manners that remain its defining strength.
- Its turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines provide strong power without changing the car’s compact, driver-focused character.
- Cadillac balances the sporty feel with upscale materials, Bose audio, and touchscreen technology.
- Later cars are easier to live with because the updated touchscreen system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- The sedan and coupe share the same basic driving character while serving buyers with different style and practicality priorities.
Who it's for
The ATS fits someone who wants a used luxury car that feels lively and responsive on everyday roads. It makes the most sense for solo drivers, couples, or buyers who carry rear passengers only occasionally, especially in the tighter coupe.
Cadillac ATS lineup
Since 2017, the trim ladder has consisted of Base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Premium Performance. Base and Luxury models use the turbocharged four-cylinder, so they suit buyers who want the core ATS driving character without moving to the V6. Premium Luxury is the V6-powered step for someone leaning toward the luxury side of the car’s personality. Premium Performance also uses the V6 and sits at the top as the most performance-focused version.
Cadillac ATS generations
From 2013 to 2019, the ATS spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2013.
1st Generation (2013–2019)
The ATS debuted as a compact luxury sedan on Cadillac’s rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform, with an emphasis on sharp steering and balanced handling. A coupe joined for 2015, the sedan ended after 2018, and the coupe carried the ATS through its final year in 2019.
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2019
The coupe carries over with the same engines and four-trim lineup. This is the final year for the ATS.
2018
Minor touchscreen updates and a standard rear-seat reminder. This is the sedan’s final year.
2017Trim changes
The lineup is simplified to base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Premium Performance. The turbo four becomes the standard engine, and the updated touchscreen gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2016
A new eight-speed automatic arrives, while V6 models get a newer, more powerful 3.6-liter engine. Apple CarPlay is added to cars with the Cadillac touchscreen system.
2015Mid-cycle update
The new ATS Coupe joins the lineup, and the sedan gets updated front styling. Turbo models gain more torque, along with connectivity and driver-assistance updates.
2014
The sedan carries over with small equipment updates, including automatic high beams in certain safety packages.
2013New generation
The all-new ATS sedan debuts on Cadillac’s rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform with three engine choices.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Cadillac ATS.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac ATS a sedan or a coupe?
It was sold as both. The ATS launched as a compact luxury sedan for 2013, and the coupe joined for 2015. The sedan ended after 2018, while the coupe continued through the ATS line’s final model year in 2019.
What is the Cadillac ATS known for?
The ATS is known for sharp steering, balanced handling and strong turbo-four or V6 power. It puts the driving experience ahead of rear-seat room, while still offering Cadillac touches such as Bose audio, upscale materials and touchscreen infotainment.
Is the Cadillac ATS a hybrid?
No. The ATS is a gas-powered car. Depending on the year and trim, regular models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V6.
Does the Cadillac ATS have all-wheel drive?
Yes, some ATS examples have all-wheel drive. The car is built around a rear-wheel-drive layout, so drivetrain varies by the particular year, engine and trim. Check the individual vehicle rather than assuming every ATS has the same setup.
Is the Cadillac ATS practical for a family?
It works better for singles, couples or small families than for frequent adult rear-seat use. The ATS emphasizes compact size and driver-focused handling. The late coupe seats four, with 33.5 inches of rear legroom and a 10.4-cubic-foot trunk.
How many generations of the Cadillac ATS were made?
There was one ATS generation. The sedan ran from 2013 through 2018, and the coupe ran from 2015 through 2019. Cadillac updated engines, technology and trim names during that span, but never fully redesigned the ATS.
Cadillac ATS Reviews
What owners are saying about the Cadillac ATS.
4.2
Cadillac ATS
(989 reviews)
“Great car just needs more refinement on the CUE, knobs would help. Really like the way it handles and the gas mileage only thing I am really not 100% about is the CUE it is sometimes slow and you have to take your eyes off the road to use it. All in all I am very pleased with the car.”
“I like the car but wish it had more head room. I a, 6'1" and my hair touches the roof.”
“The ATS coupe has so much bang for the buck. It's unfortunate that Cadillac no longer makes 2-door cars, because the styling is breathtaking.”
“The ATS is by far the most fun I've had driving in years. 5 minutes behind the wheel and I was sold.”
“It's sporty with great interior finishes. It does have occasional issues with the touchscreen for the infotainment system, so watch out for that issue. Its pickup and driving in sport mode is superb. Its back seat could be roomier. It is a pleasure to drive. It could be more fuel efficient, and for best performance it requires premium gasoline.”