2017 CADILLAC CTS
"Standard of the World"
Cadillac used to be known as the “Standard of the World,” but lost that title with decades of ill-received products. Cadillac worked hard to come back from that dip, and the 2017 Cadillac CTS goes a long way toward restoring Cadillac’s standard-bearing status with a stylish exterior and impressive performance, combined with the comfortable interior and laid-back manner that made the greatest Cadillacs what they were.
Changes for 2017 CTS are mostly limited to small cosmetic tweaks, including a new grille and rear fascia, new wheel designs, and an available Carbon Black appearance package. The CTS also gets streamlined trim levels and a new optional streaming video rearview mirror.
Performance
The name “Cadillac” may invoke images of massive land yachts, but the 2017 CTS is a lean and mean sports sedan as good as anything from Germany. It can do quiet and comfortable cruising, but it really wants to be let off its leash. The CTS is available with three engines, each with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which Cadillac says makes it one of the most power-dense engines in the industry. It’s also the most fuel efficient CTS engine option, getting an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).* Fuel economy ratings for the all-wheel drive 2017 model are 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway).*
Cadillac also offers a 3.6-liter V6 with 335 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac claims this engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in its segment, and it also includes cylinder deactivation for added fuel efficiency. The V6 gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive, and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive.
The CTS V-Sport model features a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter V6. It produces 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque and is part of a performance-oriented package that includes sport-tuned suspension, Brembo® brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential. Available only with rear-wheel drive, the V-Sport achieves an EPA-rated 17 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 21 mpg highway).*
Features
The 2017 Cadillac CTS is a four-door, five-seat midsize luxury sedan. It’s available in five trim levels, priced starting from $45,560.**
Standard equipment on the CTS base model includes Cadillac’s next-generation infotainment system, memory system for the driver’s seat and external mirrors, remote start, wireless phone charging, OnStar® 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (separate data plan required), 17-inch wheels, air filtration system, ambient interior LED lighting, Bose® 11-speaker audio system, and more.
The CTS Luxury model builds on the base model, incorporating its standard features and adding HID headlights, Bose® 13-speaker Centerpoint surround-sound system, navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt/telescoping steering column, and other niceties.
The CTS Premium Luxury incorporates the applicable standard equipment from the base and Luxury models, with added features like a streaming video rearview mirror, tri-zone automatic climate control, head-up display, heated rear seats, illuminated front sill plates, and rear sunshades.
The CTS V-Sport adds the twin-turbocharged V6 engine and the aforementioned performance upgrades, as well as some model-specific styling features. The V-Sport Premium Luxury combines the features of the V-Sport and Premium Luxury models, making it the ultimate combination of performance and luxury in the CTS lineup.
Design
The Cadillac CTS is still one of the best-looking sedans in its class. It combines American swagger with a level of sophistication to match the German benchmarks. It’s hard to believe the CTS is made by the same brand that used to be known for the frumpy DTS.
For 2017, the CTS gets a number of subtle upgrades, including a new grille that incorporates Cadillac’s updated wreathless-crest logo, and a new rear fascia with vertically-oriented exhaust outlets. A new available Carbon Black appearance package gives the CTS a sportier look.
The interior is just as evocative as the exterior. A one-piece wrapped upper instrument panel flows into the center stack, which is covered by the same “brow” that forms the instrument cluster hood. Cadillac made extensive use of haptic switches on the center console for a cleaner look. Copious wood and leather trim creates the kind of atmosphere Cadillac buyers expect.
The CTS is also packed with technology, including the new Cadillac infotainment system, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration to ensure you’ll never have to pick up that phone, and OnStar® 4G LTE with a built-in WiFi hotspot.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Cadillac CTS includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, a rearview camera, and 10 airbags. Optional features include a vibrating safety alert seat, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front and rear automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system.
Verdict
The 2017 Cadillac CTS is a modern sports sedan that’s still a true Cadillac.
Be sure to contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.