Cadillac DTS: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan built from 2006 through 2011. It is known for its roomy cabin, smooth ride, V8 power, and traditional American luxury-car feel.
The DTS carried Cadillac’s comfort-first big-sedan formula through its only generation. It favored quiet cruising, generous passenger space, and an easygoing highway ride over sporty handling. Front-wheel drive and V8 power remained central to its character until the DTS gave way to the XTS.
Strengths
- Its soft ride and quiet, easygoing character make it well suited to long highway trips.
- The cabin has generous passenger room, including 41.6 inches of rear legroom in 2011.
- The trunk is genuinely large, with 18.8 cubic feet of space in 2011.
- Its V8 delivers smooth, unhurried power that matches the car’s relaxed personality.
- Some versions seat six, an uncommon feature among luxury sedans.
Who it's for
The DTS fits used-car shoppers who want a spacious, traditional luxury sedan for relaxed commuting or highway travel. It especially suits buyers who value a soft ride, a roomy rear seat, and a large trunk more than agile handling or strong fuel economy.
Cadillac DTS lineup
The Base trim is the straightforward pick for the core DTS experience: V8 power, a roomy cabin, and comfort-focused road manners. Higher trims add more luxury features rather than changing the car’s basic personality. Platinum sits at the top of the lineup for shoppers seeking the richest version, while the Performance trim found on earlier cars was dropped before the final two model years.
Cadillac DTS generations
From 2009 to 2011, the DTS spans 1 generation. The current Only Generation arrived for 2006.
Only Generation (2006–2011)
The DTS was a large, front-wheel-drive luxury sedan with a Northstar V8, a roomy cabin, and a soft ride. Its focus stayed on traditional comfort through its final model year before Cadillac moved to the XTS.
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2011
Final DTS model year. It carried over the same V8, front-wheel-drive layout, trims, and comfort-focused character.
2010
The Performance trim left the lineup. Otherwise, the DTS was largely unchanged.
2009
The V8 powertrain, front-wheel-drive layout, and comfort-focused design carried over.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Cadillac DTS.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac DTS a sedan or another type of vehicle?
The Cadillac DTS is a four-door, full-size luxury sedan. The model line did not include a coupe, wagon, or SUV body style.
Is the Cadillac DTS a hybrid?
No. The Cadillac DTS is gasoline-powered. Late models use a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 rather than a hybrid system.
Does the Cadillac DTS have AWD?
No. The Cadillac DTS uses front-wheel drive. AWD was not part of the model’s drivetrain lineup.
What is the Cadillac DTS known for?
The DTS is known for a quiet cabin, a smooth ride, generous rear-seat room, a large trunk, and relaxed V8 power. Its focus is traditional Cadillac comfort rather than sporty handling.
Who is the Cadillac DTS a good fit for?
The DTS suits drivers who value space, easygoing highway comfort, and an old-school American luxury-car feel. It also makes sense when a roomy rear seat matters more than sharp cornering.
How many generations of the Cadillac DTS were made?
The DTS had one generation, spanning 2006 through 2011. Its run ended after 2011, before Cadillac moved to the XTS.
How roomy is the Cadillac DTS?
The DTS is a large sedan with substantial passenger and cargo room. The 2011 model has seating for up to six, 41.6 inches of rear legroom, and an 18.8-cubic-foot trunk.
What fuel economy does the Cadillac DTS get?
The 2011 Cadillac DTS returns 15 mpg in the city and 22 to 23 mpg on the highway. Its V8 power and full-size body favor smoothness and space over low fuel use.