Overview & Reviews

A recent addition to the Cadillac lineup, the ATS boasts up-to-date styling, a well-equipped interior and an engaging driving feel that allow it to compete strongly with its rivals. Smaller and less expensive than Cadillac's CTS, the ATS aims right at the heart of German-engineered titans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series that dominate this market of sport sedans.

Historically, Cadillac has never really offered a true compact sport sedan (the old Cimarron is best forgotten). But the ATS effectively fills that gap. Sharp, agile and desirable, the ATS is helping to redefine Cadillac for a new generation.

Current Cadillac ATS
The Cadillac ATS is a compact luxury sport sedan that's offered in four trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Performance and Premium.

There are three engines to choose from, depending on the trim you select. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 202 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Next up is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four rated at 272 hp and 260 lb-ft. The top power plant is a 3.6-liter V6 that cranks out 321 hp and 274 lb-ft. All ATS trims come standard with rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. Most ATS models come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission; however, a six-speed manual gearbox for the turbocharged four-cylinder is available as an option.

Even the base ATS comes well equipped with 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, premium vinyl upholstery, OnStar and a seven-speaker Bose audio system with an iPod/USB interface. Stepping up to the Luxury trim adds parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, leather seats, driver memory functions, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and the CUE infotainment interface. Perks of the Performance trim include xenon headlights, automatic wipers, front sport seats, an upgraded audio system and various driver warning systems. The Premium trim features 18-inch wheels, a navigation system, a color head-up display and, on rear-drive versions, adaptive suspension dampers and a limited-slip rear differential.

Inside the ATS's cabin there's an abundance of tasteful styling and quality materials. Overall comfort is fine, although the rear seats will leave taller passengers feeling cramped. When it comes to holding the driver and front passenger securely in spirited driving, the standard front seats are up to the task; the optional sport seats don't really provide any advantage here. Similar to a smartphone's screen, the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment screen responds to swipes, taps or flicks, lighting up as you touch it. We like the familiarity of its design, but it's sometimes slow to react to commands and lacks easily accessible, intuitive controls like a volume knob. As it stands, the amount of attention required to operate CUE can be distracting.

In reviews of the Cadillac ATS, we've found that the 2.5-liter engine is merely adequate and lacks the power expected from a sport sedan. Considerably more stirring performance is provided by the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the V6. Where the ATS truly shines, however, is handling. Responsive steering and a buttoned-down attitude when pressed contribute to its competency for both daily driving and enthusiastic cornering.

While it falls marginally behind in areas like trunk space and power with the base engine, the Cadillac ATS otherwise compares very well to its rivals in terms of price, standard and optional features and handling. We feel it's a legitimate option for any entry-level luxury sport sedan shopper.

Used Cadillac ATS Models
Introduced for 2013, the Cadillac ATS has remained essentially unchanged apart from minor equipment shuffling.

User Reviews:

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  STUCK WITH A LEMON - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By rzuff77 - April 6 - 11:37 pm

  This car has been a lemon since about 5k miles and very disappointed with my purchase. Around 10k miles performance was awful 0-60 in about 15 seconds and I kept taking it back and finally they decided to replace the turbo at 15k miles. Still has the same problem but also shift rough and has a hesitation issue no one at the dealer can replicate. I currently own 5 GM vehicles but it maybe time to thin out my stable or at least dump GM. The dealership has been downright rude and awful and 800 Cadillac service is joke. Never calls you back and wastes your time.

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  BAD Steering and BAD Tires - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By tp013 - December 10 - 1:54 pm

  I bought my cadillac in March of 2013, 25,000 miles later I am now putting my third set of tires on. I have had nothing but problems with this care from the steering locking up, stalling up an hill I also on acceleration get a banging noise from under the hood. the glove compartment and trunk not closing to an annoying rattling sound coming from the steering wheel and speaker in back seat. This car is not worth buying and would not recommend it to anyone. Everytime it was brought back to the dealer nothing is wrong with it

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  Awesome Car - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By willj685 - August 28 - 6:39 pm

  Love this car. Bought it in March. Looks sharp and people notice it. It has serious pick up and speed and excellent handling. The CUE is a little cumbersome but overall not that difficult to use. Definitely a smaller car, youre not going to be able to fit a lot of people in it, but overall it gets the job done.

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  ATS on wheels...please read - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By caddi2 - August 26 - 11:46 am

  On 10618283 NTHSA,Called the dealership who sold us the run flat tires), tweeted GM. No one at this point has been the least bit interested in what I had I to say. After my crash, on August 11, 2014, I have found several other ATS owners that experience the same exact issue..I am the only one to suffer injuries, crash and totaled my car. What is GM or the tire manufacture or these Safety Org. waiting for someone to die. I almost lost my life my 16 daughter was in the car with me...my husband almost lost his wife and daughter, and my son almost lost his mother and sister. As I stated before please help me shed some light on this issue. If this were your loved o

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  Goodbye BMW - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By joeeeguy - August 13 - 12:22 pm

  After owning a 2010 BMW 3 lease was up and went with 2014 ATS AWD. If your looking for back seat room this is not your car . Just me and my lady and occasional family member for any short rides. I have already done some foolish things with this car that I would not even tried with the BMW. 3 modes of travel sport, touring , snow ,all three have there moments and all work great . Love this car in aspects of travel , Cue radio very touchy would rather have knobs. No problems over 9 months 10 k miles Turns heads

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  Come on GM - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By ctshadaflood - August 10 - 9:51 am

  I had Cadillacs my whole life. I had a skid with Infinti from 2011 to 13. Probably my best 3 years of driving, I went back to Cadi because i believed they were making a better car and the deal was also inviting. But the continuing problems surface every month. The quality is sub par to those imports. Craftmanshift is very poor. The look of the ATS performance is outstanding as the handling. I made a mistake of getting the 2.0. It has no punch from the gate. Aside all the fun this CAR has to offer. Its in the shop once a month for something. I lost the power steering once, not a good experiance. I even lost the dashboard lights,gauges.Going in now 4 mildew smell in AC, its killing me.

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  Shrinks - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By austinp4 - July 26 - 7:01 am

  I fell in love with the car during the test drive because of the technology and the styling of the interior. Unfortunately, that ended the first time I tried to have a friend ride in the back seat. If youre over 5-9", theres no way an adult can ride behind you. If they had added 4 inches of leg room, Id love this car. I dont know why they didnt just make this a 2-seater. I may end up trading it in for something larger.

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  First Birthday - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By topdeadcenter - July 22 - 3:16 pm

  Have had this car for a year now. This car is just plain fun to drive. My wife and I are very happy with or ATS

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  Fantastic Sport Sedan - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By jhatfie - July 12 - 2:10 am

  What a fantastic car Cadillac has made. I traded in my 2012 Audi A4 Prestige S-Line for my ATS and could not be happier. The A4 was a great car (with a few problems), but the ATS is just so much more willing to get thrown around and feels so much livelier and nimble. The 3.6L has plenty of grunt and thus far with about 3k miles, I am averaging almost 24mpg in mixed 50/50 driving, which is just under the what my Audi got but the ATS does not need premium fuel. The interior is top notch and CUE has been easy to figure out. So far I have had 0 issues. I was a little concerned giving Cadillac a try, but I am so glad I did!

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  Update after 5,000 miles - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By vroom2 - March 23 - 9:14 am

  I previously posted my initial impressions of the ATS and here are some thoughts after another 5K miles on the odometer: Now that the engine has some miles on it, the fuel economy has improved to meeting or exceeding EPA numbers. Expect 30-33 MPG on the highway and 20-22 in town. This car needs premium gas. Lower grades will dull performance and increase fuel consumption considerably. I still miss real buttons and knobs on the CUE system but its no reason not to buy the car. The small 10cu feet trunk is enough for a road trip for two but no more than that.