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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  Flat out best value in this segment - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By tomfoolery2 - March 5 - 1:51 pm

  I was hesitant to check out the American manufacturers and disappointed in Lincoln for sure (Chrystler doesnt even compete here). However, this car stood out as a giant slayer. I did exhaustive research and the ATS gives much more value per dollar than anything else out there. The equivalent German or Japanese cars cost significantly more. Were talking 20-30% more! At first I wanted to use my new gem sparingly but the more I drive it the more I find myself making excuses to go for a spin. Dont buy this car without the full CUE. Pony up and you wont regret it. Dont believe anyone who says CUE is unusable. I have had zero trouble.

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  exceeds my expectation - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By aries_driver60 - February 24 - 9:19 pm

  I have had the a t s Luxury 4wheel drive 3.6 for nearly 3 weeks now, it is amazingly fast. Very tight and sporty, the steering wheel is a little small compared to the 2006 Lexus 330 i traded for it and a totally different ride, but a great ride just the same a lot of fun to drive. i like the safety of Onstar, assistance systems for parking and backing. The Cue system does not work 100% well with my iPod..but it does work most of the time, by plugging into the usb port which tucked into the storage area in the dash board, which opens by gently swiping your finger on the bottom of the compartment. the downside of the C U E system is of course finger prints.

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  Two ATSs Since Memorial day 2013 - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By unsatisfied27 - February 21 - 4:22 pm

  I purchased a new 2013 ats on memorial day 2013 , i am on my second one now. the first one i had put 5509 miles on it the first 10 days i owned it. i took it back to the dealership in N.C and had a complaint that the steering wheel would get stuck while driving on the highway, they had the car for two weeks . could not find problem, did some computer updates as recommended from cadillac tech support. it continued to happen after they gave it back to me .finally had it towed back for the same problem. they gave me a new one, put 8700 miles on that one and i have an electrical problem center dash goes black. turns out there is a short in the radio and the ecm unit .

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  Perfect balance of sport and comfort - 2014 Cadillac ATS
  By vroom2 - December 22 - 12:22 pm

  After owning four consecutive 3 series BMWs I found myself unhappy with the latest model. The new 3 seemed not as well posed or as much fun to drive as the past models and had grown to nearly the size of the old 5 series. This where the Cadillac ATS is the perfect fit. It wonderfully direct steering, a stiff chassis and the perfect balance of sporty handling and comfort. There has been much talk about the CUE system and, while not as easy to use as other, it is perfectly usable once you get used to it. Fuel economy is not meeting its EPA estimate but that may have something to do with the way I drive it.

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  2013 ATS Base - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By joeyfernando26 - November 24 - 12:15 pm

  I leased the 2013 ATS back in August 2013. After looking at the BMW 320i, Mercedes CLA, and Lexus IS250, I had fallen in love with the ATS when I test drove it. No, its not the 2.0T or 3.6, but this little engine really is peppy once you step on the accelerator. The only complaint is that I never achieve the marketed MPG, I only get around 18 driving to and from work and school. Other than that, I LOVE this car!

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  remarkable car - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By ls8 - October 20 - 12:30 pm

  Have the 2.0T with CUE, etc. Have been driving it in the city and have been very impressed, but drove it for first time in N Ga mtns this weekend and was amazed. Rather than fighting tight curves, it dives into them. Scary fast acceleration to pass with no lag or hesitation. Easy to pass someone on a two lane and look down and see that you are doing 100 all within a couple of seconds. CUE took about one day to get used to and now I wouldnt want to go back. Interior makes my previous BMW interior look like the 80s. Functionality and sound quality on the CUE stereo is outstanding.

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  Excellent First Effort by Cadillac!!! - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By oshkosh49 - August 13 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had this car for a few weeks. And its everything I was hoping it would be, and more. Ive been reading for the past 30 years in Car & Driver and Motor Trend about how great the driving experience of the BMW 3-Series was. During all of that time I was hoping like crazy that either Cadillac or Lincoln would develop and produce a direct competitor to the German entry level sport sedans. Lincoln hasnt yet, Cadillac finally did. Kudos to GM for not dropping the development of this model during their bankruptcy. The ATSs handling and steering feedback is just amazing. The ride is what you SHOULD expect from a compact sport sedan. Hey, its not your Grandpas land yacht!!!

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  Cadillac ATS 2.5 troubles with rough idle - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By dior97 - August 12 - 6:33 pm

  I have Cadillac ATS 2.5 4 cyl. that shakes, trembles during a routine stop lights during a stop. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer for software fix/updates but the problem is still there. . I"m very disappointed in this vehicle , in Cadillac and in GM. So much technology in the Cue, the radio but a vehicle that trembles and shakes is extremely annoying and gives The Cadillac ATS a sour tastes. so far, NO fix yet, NO response from Cadillac or GM. i will re post if update.

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  Just dont believe the MPG on the sticker.. - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By glenroebuck - August 4 - 5:28 pm

  The car pretty much sells itself after on test drive. I got the 2.0L Turbo AWD Luxury model with cold climate package (heated seats and steering wheel). Its quick it handles great, it looks awesome an even the base model impresses. It is, quite simply, an amazing fun car to drive and it breaks out of the cookie cutter beemer world and lets me spend some of my money on a good ole usa car. I am 6 feet 260 and love the seats. my Salesman was 62" 250 and road in back and he was fine. I would not want to drive to florida back there but then given the mph on this thing I would not drive to florida with it..see improvements.

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  Trembling at Idle flaw - 2013 Cadillac ATS
  By dior97 - July 28 - 9:02 pm

  I have 2013 Cadillac with 800 miles. It trembles in idle during a red light for example .My dealer tried to fix with a software bulletin however it still has a minor trembling problem that is annoying and makes me wonder do i have a Cadillac or some cheap clunker. I cant believe that Cadillac is not aware or able to fix this flaw with the rough idle .This Cadillac Ats will not compete with Bmw , Audi with this problem. I think vehicle has awesome styling and does have a quiet ride but the trembling on idle give the whole car a bitter taste.