Cadillac STS: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Cadillac STS is a midsize luxury sport sedan sold from 2005 through 2011. It is known for blending a driver-focused, rear-wheel-drive-based layout with a quiet, comfort-focused cabin.
The STS was Cadillac’s more athletic alternative to the comfort-led DTS. Its lasting theme was balance: sharp styling and strong power paired with traditional luxury and a calmer cabin than many European rivals. A 2008 update refreshed the design and technology, but the basic character stayed consistent through its final year.
Strengths
- Its rear-wheel-drive-based layout gives it a more athletic feel than Cadillac’s comfort-focused DTS.
- The cabin emphasizes quietness and comfort without losing the STS’s driver-focused character.
- The 302-horsepower V6 used in 2011 provides strong power even after the V8 was dropped.
- The back seat can accommodate adults, with 38.3 inches of rear legroom in 2011.
- Its sharp exterior styling gives traditional Cadillac luxury a sportier look.
Who it's for
The STS fits someone shopping for a used luxury sedan who wants a more engaging drive without giving up a quiet, comfortable cabin. It also suits buyers who prefer understated traditional luxury over a more overtly sporty European feel.
Cadillac STS lineup
The standard STS is the sensible pick for its blend of comfort and responsive performance, with V6 and V8 versions appearing in the later years covered here. Some earlier regular STS models also had all-wheel drive, while the final 2011 lineup was reduced to a rear-wheel-drive Base model with the V6. The STS-V is the one to seek for a more serious performance focus, since it served as the supercharged flagship rather than simply a more luxurious trim.
Cadillac STS generations
From 2009 to 2011, the STS spans 1 generation. The current STS Generation arrived for 2005.
STS Generation (2005–2011)
This was the only generation sold under the STS name. These late-production cars use the styling and technology introduced in the 2008 refresh, with V6 or V8 power until the lineup became V6-only for its final year.
0 In Stock
2011
The V8 was dropped, leaving every STS with the 302-hp 3.6-liter V6. This was the final U.S. model year.
2010Trim changes
Existing option packages were reorganized into named trim levels. Styling, engines, transmissions, and safety equipment otherwise carried over.
2009
Bluetooth phone support expanded to cars without navigation. The rest of the lineup largely carried over after the 2008 refresh.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Cadillac STS.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac STS a sedan or a coupe?
The Cadillac STS is a four-door luxury sport sedan. It seats five and combines a comfort-focused cabin with a layout designed to feel more athletic than Cadillac’s larger DTS sedan.
Is the Cadillac STS more about comfort or sporty driving?
The STS blends both, but it leans toward luxury. Its cabin is quiet and comfort-focused, while its rear-wheel-drive-based layout gives it a more athletic character than a traditional large Cadillac sedan.
Who is the Cadillac STS a good fit for?
The STS fits someone who wants traditional Cadillac comfort without giving up a driver-focused feel. It offers strong gasoline engines, leather-lined luxury and useful technology in a midsize four-door sedan.
How many generations of the Cadillac STS were made?
The STS had one generation, covering the 2005 through 2011 model years. Cadillac refreshed it for 2008 and discontinued it after its final U.S. model year in 2011.
Does the Cadillac STS come as a hybrid?
No. The 2005–2011 Cadillac STS uses gasoline engines. Depending on the era and version, those engines include a V6, a regular V8 and the STS-V’s supercharged V8.
Was the Cadillac STS sold with all-wheel drive?
Yes, some regular STS models were sold with all-wheel drive, while rear-wheel drive was also offered. The high-performance STS-V used rear-wheel drive, and the final-year lineup was rear-wheel-drive V6 only.
Is the Cadillac STS practical for passengers and luggage?
It is reasonably practical for a luxury sport sedan. The STS seats five, and final-year models have 38.3 inches of rear legroom and a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk.