“The CTS-V is the most track ready daily drive-able four door luxury sedan available today. There are more powerful (hopefully not for long), quicker, more luxurious, more tech advanced cars out there, but they aren't as fun on track and I'm pretty sure they aren't capable of hitting 200mph.”
Cadillac CTS: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Cadillac CTS is a midsize luxury performance car centered on a driver-focused sport sedan, with coupe and wagon versions also appearing in its history. It is known for sharp handling, strong engines, and upscale comfort with a more athletic feel than softer luxury rivals.
The CTS consistently put driving feel at the center of Cadillac’s midsize luxury formula. Its second generation grew into a family of sedans, coupes, and Sport Wagons, while the third generation returned the focus to a lighter, stiffer sedan. Performance remained a defining theme through the CTS-V and the less extreme V-Sport. CTS production ended after 2019, with the CT5 taking its place for 2020.
Strengths
- The CTS feels sharper and more athletic than many luxury sedans built mainly around a soft ride.
- Its engine range offered meaningful steps in performance, with the 2019 lineup spanning from 268 to 420 horsepower.
- It blends its driver-focused character with upscale comfort, modern cabin technology, and premium touches.
- Older CTS models include uncommon coupe and Sport Wagon versions for buyers who want something beyond a conventional luxury sedan.
- Later third-generation cars gained useful modern technology, including Apple CarPlay starting in 2016.
Who it's for
The CTS suits a used-car shopper who wants luxury and everyday comfort but does not want a soft, detached driving experience. It is especially appealing to someone considering a European-style sport sedan, while older coupes and wagons offer the same basic character in less common shapes.
Cadillac CTS lineup
In the final 2017-2019 trim structure, the Base model was the straightforward entry point, while the 2.0 Luxury added a more upscale trim identity around the turbo four-cylinder engine. The 3.6 Luxury was the pick for buyers who preferred V6 power, and the 3.6 Premium Luxury moved the emphasis further toward comfort and luxury. The 3.6 V-Sport stood apart with its 420-hp twin-turbo V6 and sharper performance focus, while V-Sport Premium Luxury paired that performance identity with the lineup’s more upscale trim level. The separate CTS-V sat beyond V-Sport as the full high-performance flagship in years when it was offered.
Cadillac CTS generations
From 2009 to 2019, the CTS spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2014, following the 2nd Generation (2008–2013).
3rd Generation (2014–2019)
The CTS sedan was redesigned for 2014 on a lighter, stiffer rear-wheel-drive foundation. It grew longer and added a turbo four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic on rear-wheel-drive V6 models, and the twin-turbo V-Sport. The older coupe, wagon, and some CTS-V versions briefly overlapped with this sedan generation.
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2019
The sedan carried over for its final year before the CT5 replaced it.
2018
Two rear USB ports were added, along with automatic operation for the heated steering wheel on trims that already had it.
2017Mid-cycle update
Cadillac revised the front grille and rear styling, simplified the trim lineup, and updated the touchscreen system.
2016Trim changes
A newer 3.6-liter V6 arrived, the eight-speed automatic spread to both mainstream engines, and Apple CarPlay and a standard rearview camera were added.
2015Trim changes
The sedan gained updated connectivity and touchscreen features. The older-generation CTS-V coupe continued for one final year.
2014New generation
The sedan was fully redesigned on a lighter, stiffer platform, while the coupe, wagon, and older CTS-V models carried over.
2nd Generation (2008–2013)
This generation began as a sedan and grew into a broader family. The CTS-V sedan arrived for 2009, the Sport Wagon followed for 2010, and the Coupe joined for 2011. Some coupe, wagon, and CTS-V versions continued after the third-generation sedan arrived.
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2013Trim changes
Cadillac reorganized the regular CTS lineup and made the six-speed automatic standard. It was the final year for this generation's sedan.
2012Trim changes
Regular CTS models received a revised grille, standard Bluetooth, and a stronger 3.6-liter V6.
2011
The CTS Coupe joined the range, and high-performance CTS-V versions expanded to the coupe and wagon.
2010Trim changes
The Sport Wagon body style joined the range, and a 3.0-liter V6 became the sedan's entry engine.
2009Trim changes
The second-generation CTS-V sedan joined with a supercharged V8; the regular CTS received only small equipment updates.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Cadillac CTS.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Cadillac CTS?
The Cadillac CTS is a midsize luxury car with a stronger focus on responsive handling and engine performance than on a soft, relaxed ride. The third-generation CTS was a four-door sedan built around rear-wheel-drive proportions.
Was the Cadillac CTS only sold as a sedan?
No. The second-generation CTS family included a sedan, coupe, and Sport Wagon. The redesigned third-generation CTS was a sedan, while older-body coupes, wagons, and V models briefly overlapped with it.
Does the Cadillac CTS come as a hybrid?
No. The CTS models covered here use gasoline engines. The lineup ranged from four-cylinder and V6 engines to twin-turbo V6 and supercharged V8 performance versions, but it did not include a hybrid.
What engines does the Cadillac CTS have?
Engine choices depend on the era. The final-generation sedan used a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, a regular 3.6-liter V6, or a 420-hp twin-turbo V6 in V-Sport models. Older CTS-V versions used a 556-hp supercharged V8.
What is the Cadillac CTS known for?
The CTS is known for blending luxury-car comfort with sharper handling and strong engines. Depending on trim, it also brings features such as Bose audio, advanced safety aids, adaptive suspension, and upgraded performance brakes.
Who is the Cadillac CTS a good fit for?
The CTS suits someone who wants a comfortable luxury car that still feels responsive and athletic. Sedan models work well for daily driving, while older coupes and wagons serve shoppers who favor style or extra cargo flexibility.
How do the main Cadillac CTS generations differ?
The second-generation CTS expanded into sedan, coupe, and Sport Wagon forms, including high-performance CTS-V versions. The third-generation sedan ran from 2014 through 2019 on a lighter, stiffer platform. Cadillac then ended CTS production and replaced it with the CT5 for 2020.
Cadillac CTS Reviews
What owners are saying about the Cadillac CTS.
4.2
Cadillac CTS
(900 reviews)
“The CTS performance model has been enjoyable and a pleasure to drive. love the safety features and handling on the highway and city driving. The CUE entertainment features have not been easily learned. This is the only negative that I have since my 3 month driving period. I do love the display and Bose sound system.”
“The 2015 Cadillac CTS is competitive with other high-end brands in its class but is an overall better value. I love the styling, and I still consider Cadillac to be the standard for quality. I love the quality, overall performance and styling, as well as the confidence one has with owning a Cadillac.”
“It's a solid, smooth riding vehicle. Overall, a great purchase. The backseat has little leg room and is not the most comfortable for adult riders. Running flats are a great feature and have saved me twice with potholes on the freeway. The maintenance is a little more than vehicles not considered luxury. This is my second CTS purchase and I'd purchase another Cadillac vehicle.”
“Do not purchase the 2017 CTS! The info train is horrible and the CUE system rarely works. Apple CarPlay does not have good connectivity. I usually end up just using my phone and am very disappointed since I paid a lot of money for this car. The ride is rough due to the tires and the brakes seems to need adjusting. Wish I had my 2013 back.”
“This is my 3rd CTS and I have loved each of them! Love the styling, comfort, and reliability of Cadillac. This car says "Cadillac" when others see it!”