DecodedCars2017 Cadillac ATS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe 2.0l AWD, 2dr Coupe 2.0l RWD, 2dr Coupe 3.6l AWD, 2dr Coupe 3.6l RWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 183.1–184.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,373–3,693 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Cadillac ATS is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,572 lb (2dr Coupe 2.0l AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 3% worse than the 2017 compact car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 ATS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 ATS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe 2.0l AWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,572 lb | 51/49 |
| 2dr Coupe 2.0l RWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,417 lb | 51/49 |
| 2dr Coupe 3.6l AWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,693 lb | 51/49 |
| 2dr Coupe 3.6l RWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,530 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 AWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,543 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 RWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,373 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATS | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -3% | $2,600 | 347 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -7% | $3,300 | 349 |
| ATS AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -7% | $3,300 | 358 |
| ATS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | -11% | $2,800 | 376 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -14% | $3,550 | 379 |
| ATS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -18% | $3,050 | 399 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
| 2017 Cadillac ATS 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
Similar 2017 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Cadillac ATS (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2017 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 20, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V175000 · 934 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Feb 7, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V086000 · 26,772 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.
Not every 2017 Cadillac ATS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Cadillac ATS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 13 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Cadillac ATS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ATS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →