Overview & Reviews

Large Cadillac sedans have developed a reputation over the years for putting comfort above all else. Though they floated and glided along the road like a cloud, they were also quite bland to drive and behind the times in terms of design. With the Cadillac XTS, however, that reputation has been put to rest. The XTS is sharper and more responsive to drive, yet it still maintains plenty of amenities and seating comfort.

Built on the same platform as the current Buick LaCrosse, the Cadillac XTS is powered by a detuned version of the V6 sourced from the current CTS. The XTS doesn't feel asleep or lethargic from behind the wheel, giving it the sensation that it is much smaller than its 17-foot-long and 6-foot-wide dimensions would seem to indicate. Overall, we like how the XTS separates itself from those lethargic Cadillac behemoths of the past. It's a savvy choice for a modern American large luxury sedan.

Current Cadillac XTS Specs
The Cadillac XTS is a large luxury sedan that's available in six trim levels: Base, Luxury, Premium, Premium Vsport, Platinum and Platinum Vsport.

All trim levels other than the Vsport have a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional on all but the Base trim. The Vsport variants feature a turbocharged version of that engine that packs 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard with the turbo V6, as is a six-speed automatic.

The Base XTS comes equipped with an adaptive suspension, keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker Bose sound system and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Upgrading to the Luxury version adds heated rear seats, front parking sensors, a rearview camera and an automated parallel-parking system. The Premium's highlights include tri-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose audio system and electronic driver aids. With the Platinum version, you also get 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof and some changes to interior and exterior styling. The sport versions include 20-inch wheels and the more powerful engine.

Although it looks pretty slick, the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment touchscreen interface can be slightly distracting and unresponsive at times. While this technology greatly reduces button clutter, someone accustomed to Cadillacs of yesteryear will have a slight adjustment to make. You won't have to make any adjustments in terms of being comfortable, however, as the cabin is expansive and provides headroom and legroom to spare. The trunk has an impressive 18 cubic feet of capacity.

In reviews, we noted that the base Cadillac XTS accelerates respectably, but the potent Vsport provides sports car-like acceleration. The XTS is large, yet doesn't feel big and lumbering from behind the wheel. There is some noticeable body roll when it's pushed harder, but the XTS doesn't wallow under its mass. At speed on the highway, the XTS is composed and impressively quiet. While there are several upsides to this relatively new Cadillac, the most notable is the value it provides compared to its full-size European rivals. The Caddy offers you refinement and relaxation without a hefty price tag, and for that alone it's worth your time.

Used Cadillac XTS Models
The XTS was introduced for 2013 when it effectively replaced the DTS and STS sedans in Cadillac's lineup. The Vsport version didn't arrive until 2014.

User Reviews:

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  Follow up to my September 2014 review - 2013 Cadillac XTS
  By gjohn1964 - May 22 - 2:47 pm

  Please see my email below. While I will never argue this is not a beautiful car, I must give it poor marks for reliability. For the third time, the rear suspension has collapsed. While my local service department is helpful and sympathetic, this is a defective car. Im hoping Cadillac does the right thing and relieves me of the remaining months on my lease and takes the 2013 XTS Luxury edition back. Cadillac, please do the right thing.

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  Great Car! - 2013 Cadillac XTS
  By terryauto - February 13 - 12:32 pm

  Gosh I love this car! This is one of the best cars I have owned and I have owned everything from a Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Mercedes, Volvo, BMW and so on. The overall style and ergonomics really fit what I was looking for and I looked at many cars to compare for this purchase from Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Lincoln. I read all the reviews and while some I agree with and some i disagree with, that is why they make so many brands and models. As far as the CUE system, it took a little time to get the hang of it, but when you do it works great! Some critics say the car is under powered and they need to get a life, you want that much power, buy a sports car, this is luxury!

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  2013 XTS Luxury Edition - 2013 Cadillac XTS
  By gjohn1964 - September 25 - 9:42 am

  This car has a beautiful design inside and out. I have had problems. The car came without wheel locks which led to my rims being stolen 3 months into my lease. On two occasions the rear suspension has dropped, literally bottomed out. The local dealer was kind but not equipped with the training to deal this problem. Third time, they replaced rear compressor which seems to have done the trick. At 24,000 miles, one of the battery cables became completely corroded. Is technology taxing the battery too much? Great car on the road, but leaving someone stranded three times in less than 18 months wont win reliability points. I hope the kinks are out in 2014. Nothing rides like a Cadillac.

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  Gas nozzle clicks off continuously - 2013 Cadillac XTS
  By hampstead - June 26 - 9:47 am

  I have two Cadillacs a 2010 SRX cap gas tank and a 2013 XTS a cap less design and yet I cant fill them both up at the same gas station because the nozzle repeatedly clicks off. After I contacted the dealer, and GM TAC I was told that its operating as designed. Dealer and GM smart guys say its the station pump pressure and the vapor bellows on the nozzle and go to other gas stations .. real nice solution!

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  One year review - 2013 Cadillac XTS
  By tommyycar - January 10 - 3:11 pm

  I love to drive this car. It is just the right size to give comfort while being small enough to be able to maneuver. The vehicle is great. The CUE electronics are horrible, however. Why is it that some engineer decided that a sleek touch pad appearance trumped function? I have learned, after difficulty with the touch, that the system (like an Ipad) does not respond well to fingertip touch but instead needed a finger pad touch. Okay on an Ipad, but awkward at best while driving. Certain things, like climate control and radio controls, just are easier with knobs. Also, voice recognition is terrible. I was told the noise canceling system interferes.

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  Excellent Machine - 2013 Cadillac XTS
  By alexblackhawke - January 9 - 9:13 am

  Purchased new in Ohio while on vacation and drove back to Las Vegas. Averaged 28 MPG for the entire trip and was impressed with the long range comfort and handling. It wont burn off the 20" tires but lots more available acceleration than what was needed. All of the interior appointments are top quality and once you get used to the electronics, easy to adjust through the CUE system. After three months, had glove box closure issue and the dealer just replaced the entire mechanical and electronic component to repair.

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  My 2014 Cadillac XTS - 2014 Cadillac XTS
  By hmarron - December 29 - 10:54 am

  My 2014 Red Cadillac XTS was delievered in Sept 2013 and I now have 1500 trouble free miles on my car. I have purchased over a dozen new cars over the last 40 years and only my Porches were this reliable out of the gate. It is so quiet I accidentaly left the motor running when my wife and I went to lunch - it was still running when we returned - there is no key. It is a better value for your money than the Mercedes E Class, BMW 5 or the new 2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan.

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  xts first ride review - 2013 Cadillac XTS
  By ofcc63 - September 12 - 8:32 pm

  purchased 2013 xts premium 500 miles ago, so far so good. inside all materials are of premium quality. cue system was a little tough, now very user friendly, very quiet and stable ride, and i feel it has plenty of power, i dont see where you would need more performance. it really gets up and goes, and am getting 28-30 mpg highway. have had many new vehicles in past 5 years, and this is as good or better than any hi line import vehicle including mercedes or audi. technology is far better than any, and the price for what it is, is a real bargain hands down. if you are looking for a great deal best car in the segment, drove all competitors.

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  XTS Review - 2013 Cadillac XTS
  By frothacker - July 10 - 1:56 pm

  This is the most uncomfortable full size Cadillac I have ever owned. The ride is stiff and hard and the seats are not comfortable. I owned four large Cadillacs previously which I really enjoyed. This new XTS is terrible. I will ever buy another Cadillac. Ergonomics need much improvement. The CUE system is cumbersome and you must take your eyes off the road too frequently.

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  wont start - 2013 Cadillac XTS
  By cappy12 - May 30 - 5:18 am

  after sitting for 4-6 days the battery goes completely dead. dealer says nothing wrong . after returning from a 7 day vacation the battery goes completely dead. I have no faith in this car and am afraid to park for a few days . the dealer charges the battery, I could do that. gm is still the leader in unreliability ,dont buy this car until they come up with a fix for the cue. I believe this is a lemon