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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 55.00-
Best in Class - 2013 Cadillac ATS
By pghgator - January 5 - 7:37 pmFINALLY! Cadillac and GM have made a car that not only competes with the Europeans but beats them hands down. First let me say that I currently own a MB C300sport, and have owned a BMW 5 series and Lexus IS. I looked at the BMW 1 and 3 Series, the Audi A4, and the MB C300 and nothing compare to the value you get with this car. I was looking for an entry level luxury sedan for my wife and found this car to be superior than anything else in the marketplace. I really wanted to buy the baby bummer, but just couldnt justify against what Cadillac was offering. In years past I wouldnt even consider a Cadillac, but loved the new design so much I thought Id give it a test drive...I was sold!
-
Nice car - 2013 Cadillac ATS
By carlover58 - October 3 - 9:59 pmI love the technology and style of car. It does pretty good on gas. Cons if you need a kick for speed 2.0 and higher are best.
-
At long last, a worthy entry. - 2013 Cadillac ATS
By ngamoth - September 22 - 1:10 pmAfter successive failures, it appears Cadillac has finally made a small car worth buying. The level of effort involved in the design, creation, and testing of this car are evident upon first driving it - it feels surprisingly well built. Were it not for the plush American cabin, youd swear the VIN began with a telltale W. Performance-wise, the car shines. The adjustable Magnetic Ride Control is brilliantly implemented, and one could wax poetic about the powertrain, braking...but lets face it. This isnt going to the track - its going to make a break in traffic much more enjoyable. Spaciousness wasnt the intended result, so make your buddies drive separately!
-
The nod goes to Cadillac - 2016 Cadillac ATS
By Walt - October 11 - 8:51 pmI traded in a BMW 320 for the Cadillac ATS all wheel drive. The BMW is the segment leader and has been for many years for a good reason BUT, the Cadillac is better. It is more comfortable, much quieter, quicker and a pure joy to drive. It doesnt sound as sporty or feel as sporty, but it is overall an excellent car. It is, after all, a Cadillac. After 22,000 miles I still feel the same about the ATS, it’s a great car.
-
Transmission transition twitchy! - 2016 Cadillac ATS
By Alfred McMullen - September 1 - 6:23 amWhen I got the got a few months ago, I was more excited about the electronics than the feel of the car. A few weeks into driving I discovered how erratic the transmission shifting was--you can actually feel the car going into gear and ,in some instances, the engine downshifts, which I consider unsafe. Even with disabling the "stop engine" mode, you can feel the noticeable changes in shifting. It is an unsatisfactory ride and I have owned or leased over 40 GM cars.
-
Best handling, best balanced, most agile sedan - 2016 Cadillac ATS
By Dave HACKETT - June 6 - 11:08 amThis 4 door sedan handles better than any comparable sedan Ive driven in years. It is nimble, well balanced, has precise, accurate steering; it is a joy to drive.
-
Makes you grin every time you drive it. - 2016 Cadillac ATS
By Bill Morgan - July 21 - 2:15 pmThis car in my opinion is a drivers car. The 3.6 liter V6 is very responsive, it makes nice noises. The chassis corners flat, the transmission bangs shifts off with authority, the steering is great and with the V Sport brake option I can keep out of trouble.. When you want to be sedate and laid back the ATS accommodates so nicely. Drove the car out west for vacation. Interstate highways were gobbled up with 32 mpg. Twisty mountain roads are where this little sedan shines baby! In sport mode I was hitting apexes at twice the limit and asking for more.
-
Had a CTS and now driving an ATS - 2016 Cadillac ATS
By Matt Spencer - January 8 - 8:04 amBiggest downside, car is its a large compact. After that watch out it is a fun drive. Great cornering and excellent acceleration provide an excellent feel behind the wheel. The car is 5 star safety in every category making the overall experience that much better. Had previous experience with 2.0 turbo and it was problem free although I only drove it for 50k miles. If you are not looking for a large sedan this could be your car. Drive it and you will like it.
-
New ATS Coupe - 2016 Cadillac ATS
By Bob II - June 17 - 4:24 pmThe car is beautiful with its volicity red exterior and black interior. New the car had a loose connector in the driverside door. Within twentyfour hours the cruise control quite working and the dealer cant get the correct part. After a couple weeks it started working. The SSR run flat tires are noisy and Cadallic refuses to replace them. If you use Apple Carplay with the iPhone navigation or OnStar navigation the radio wont play. Heater dont seem to provide heat consistantly. Controls are difficult to use and drive.
-
An overlooked gem of a car - 2016 Cadillac ATS
By Clark - October 17 - 4:41 pm2016 Cadillac ATS 2.0 turbo luxury AWD trim is a great handling car. As many others have mentioned already, the vehicle is slick, drives extremely well, handles confidently, and overall a great driving car. When the sport mode is selected, the wheel and suspension gets noticeably tightened and gear changes at higher RPMs to allow for a quicker acceleration, which all makes it a very nice sporty experience. One feature I do not like is that the luxury trim does not have the HID lights (higher trims do have it). Halogen lights does the job, but it is nowhere near the brightness of HID. Backseat is cramped, but for small to normal sized people, it isnt uncomfortable. If ATS makes HID standard and add a couple more inches to the backseat legroom, in my mind, it would clearly beat BMW 3 series. Until then, it is so close, yet so far from the 3 series benchmark. At the same time, when Im in the car by myself driving in sport mode on the highway, these couple of minor inconveniences are an afterthought. At 272 hp and 295 lb-sqft, the 2.0 turbo is the real steal among the trim offerings in my opinion. If you are looking for an entry level luxury sport sedan, I highly recommend you test drive the ATS 2.0 turbo and test out the acceleration and handling. You wont be disappointed.
