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:

• 

  XTS - 2016 Cadillac XTS
  By Anthony Lupino - August 6 - 2:26 pm

  This car is the best car that I have owned. The car rides quietly, runs great and looks great. Did I say that it produced in North America not Asia. Service just down the road with plenty of GM dealers to take care of every need. The quality of the car for the cost is excellent you will not be disappointed with the xts take a look. Ive had the car for one year and it had proven to be excellent on the road in upstate New Yorks winter wonderland. With snows on all four wheels it will go through almost any snowy conditions.

• 

  I love this car - 2016 Cadillac XTS
  By DAN NEINAS - May 4 - 3:58 am

  A steep learning curve is needed to understand all the functions and capability this car offers. Once mastered it is a beautiful car that has a lot to please.

• 

  Unreliable vehicle - 2016 Cadillac XTS
  By silver - July 28 - 1:16 am

  I bought this gorgeous, classy, luxurious and very expensive 2016 Cadillac Platinum top of the line Caddy. After five months and 6000 miles it is sitting in my garage unused waiting to be traded in at a major loss. Serious maintenance problems include a complete loss of power overnight while sitting in the garage. Roadside service had problems starting it with his power pack and finally had to jump start it with an old personal truck that he used. The dealer service department could not find a fault after keeping the car overnight to trace the battery drain. A few days later while on a local drive, the transmission failed! It would not move forward or reverse. The beautiful car sat on the side of the road until road service showed up to tow it to the dealership. The dealer determined parts were needed to repair it and it took almost a week to get it repaired. The transmission is now shifting rough but dealer test shows no fault. Being an elderly owner, I have lost all confidence in the vehicle and do not dare drive it on long trips. I am now using my wifes reliable Honda CRV for long trips. Very embarrassing to tell friends, family and neighbors why this beautiful vehicle sits in the garage unused. Buyers must heed the below average consumer reliability ratings for Cadillac. Beware.

• 

  Luv...Luv.... Luv - 2017 Cadillac XTS
  By R. Harrell - March 15 - 8:51 am

  I bought the XTS Premium model and luv it. I have had Mercedes, BMW and Jaguer and have fallen in luv with Cadillac. The ride, amenities and over all experience has been exceptional. I bough the car after I had bought the XT5 the week prior to replace my Mercedes GL350 and when I was looking at the SUV I decided to test drive the XTS as well. I could not get it out of my mind so went back a week later and bought it as well. I looked at the CTS6 as well but really liked the esthetics and the performance of the XTS much better. I had a CTS- V for a number of years but I can honestly say this XTS is the bomb diggity, Luxury , ride and amenities can not be beat. Years ago you could not get me to buy an American car but I am completely sold.

• 

  Finally Splurged - 2016 Cadillac XTS
  By David Coleman - June 27 - 5:22 pm

  There were limited sources for the Premium model when I was ready to buy, there were lots of Luxurys available however the bells and whistles of the Premium kept it my choice to buy.

• 

  XTS Lost in translation - 2016 Cadillac XTS
  By Go pro Million Miler - May 18 - 6:11 am

  So, rented this Caddy over thanksgiving weekend (no other cars available on elite aisle). Car rental treated like it was a Bentley, its not. Ok, good looks, nice interior. It ends there. This unit had 416 miles upon pickup, I put 2000 additional miles on it. Fuel mpg 23 or better, engine performance, not. The engine was disconnected as was transmission,when forced to work it would, multiple times non responsive at worst times, stutter, no response dangerous. CUE IS A NIGHTMARE! All technology in this car is a nightmare. even power seats are stupid, memory settings require you to hold the button until preferences are restored. Example, you have a seat exit programed, it runs, now you want the seat and etall back to your programmed settings, hold the #1 button for 30 seconds. HORRID. Interior nice finishes, no storage, no outlets, stupid powered dash panel to hide a 90s flip phone with an inaccessible USB jack. WOW. Im gonna stop here this car sucks.

• 

  Slightly used XTS Platium, but new to me. - 2016 Cadillac XTS
  By Wade Anderson - March 5 - 6:45 am

  There is more headroom than the new CT6, especially in the rear. This car should be one foot longer for more rear seat leg room, bigger rear doors and more trunk storage. Also add 5 gallons to the gas tank for fewer fill-ups.

• 

  A geezers delight! - 2017 Cadillac XTS
  By Chuck W - February 24 - 2:04 pm

  GM apparently sells a large number of Luxury optioned XTSs to fleets. They dont have all the goodies of the Premium or Platinum Luxury editions, but they come back on the market as one year old cars dirt cheap. I considered many of them but decided we needed the extras that come with the Premium Luxury model. We were able to buy a dealer demo with only 3400 miles on it with a $20K discount. We have driven Cadillacs for 30 years but always bought used ones. This is our first new Cadillac and it is stunning. The fact that SUVs, pickup trucks, and "sport" sedans are so popular make this traditional luxury sedan a great buy. Ours is a 2017 model and I note there is heavy dealer discounting on 2018 models. If you want a luxury sedan at a bargain price compare the XTS with what you get can get for the same price.

• 

  Did not think I would like it - 2017 Cadillac XTS
  By Howard Clark - April 1 - 8:04 pm

  Originally I wanted a CT-6, having a 2011 DTS. I wanted my wife to sit in many sedans to find the one she preferred. We had not considered an XTS, but owning Cadillacs since 1971 we decided to look at all models again. Previous brands tried were BMW 7 Series, Mercedes E and S, and Lexus LS 460. I realize there is no comparison between the imports and the XTS, however, the price point on the XTS, its finish and hi-tech components made me look closer. Since my wife uttered the fatal words, "I like that one", and Edmonds had already provided me the quote we purchased the XTS. It is a great car, reads almost as smoothly as my previous DTSs and DeVilles. I gave road noise a poor grade on the survey, however the noise and harsh ride was totally the fault of the tires. The original equipment tires provided great stability and drive characteristics, but I care nothing about that. From similar complaints from other Cadillac owners about tires I requested the dealer to replace them with a different brand/non performance tires. This was done at no charge to me, my ride is restored and we truly like the car. The warranty and free service is equal or better than the imports. The engine and drive train is well proven. Nice Cadillac, Nice Pricing.

• 

  Cadillac xts..old skool cool! - 2017 Cadillac XTS
  By James - March 16 - 1:47 pm

  This is by far the nicest vehicle ive ever owned! Simply put, its DA BOMB!!! Huge...Sleek...powerful...refined...super comfortable..roomy...eye catching....just beautiful! We first drove the new CT5 and really liked it, but the ride was nothing compared to the xts which we drove afterwards. Got the base model in black with black interior and dark tinted windows, it looks like the top of the line model but for much less. She drives like a dream, like floating on a magic carpet...but also handles surprisingly well for such a large car. It has tons of high tech stuff that I could care less about, but it does look nice. The other thing is very few peeps have one where I live, so its something different and special as well. Ginormous interior, but drives like a smaller car....silky smooth and I get compliments everywhere I go. And since most peeps are buying suv/cuvs now, sedans have much larger rebates...the xts is no different, with the gm card...giant gm rebates and dealer discounts, I bought this beauty for less then you could buy a new bmw 320i for...the xts is much nicer, larger, more powerful...getting 30mpg on the highway as well...only downside is slightly restricted side and rear view, put a couple of those stick on convex mirrors and your good to go! I feel like a rock star driving it and Highly recommended!