DecodedCars2018 Cadillac CTS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 2.0l AWD, 4dr Sedan 2.0l RWD, 4dr Sedan 3.6l AWD, 4dr Sedan 3.6l RWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,620–3,887 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 37 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Cadillac CTS is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,777 lb (4dr Sedan 2.0l AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), 8% worse than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 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 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2018
- Engine dropped: 6.2L 8-cyl
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 CTS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 2.0l AWD | 195.7 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,777 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr Sedan 2.0l RWD | 195.7 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,620 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr Sedan 3.6l AWD | 195.7 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,887 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr Sedan 3.6l RWD | 195.7 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,755 lb | 50/50 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -8% | $3,300 | 360 |
| CTS AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -12% | $3,400 | 368 |
| CTS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | -12% | $2,800 | 376 |
| CTS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -19% | $3,050 | 398 |
| CTS | 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -30% | $4,350 | 488 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Cadillac CTS 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
| 2018 Cadillac CTS 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Cadillac CTS (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
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 2018 Cadillac CTS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Cadillac CTS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 12,300 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 2018 Cadillac CTS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CTS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2017 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2016 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 31 |
| 2015 CTS | 24 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 49 |
| 2014 CTS | 23 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 138 |
| 2013 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 48 |
| 2012 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2011 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 60 |
| 2010 CTS | 22 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 38 |
| 2009 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 4 | 104 |
| 2008 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 2 | 87 |
| 2007 CTS | 19 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 96 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →