DecodedCarsCadillac ELR
3 model years from 2014 to 2016, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2014–2016
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Latest engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Best MPG
- 32–33 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2014 (15)
- Fewest problems
- 2015
- Interest
- 1,996 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2016 ELR in brief
The 2016 Cadillac ELR is a subcompact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,070 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (31 city / 33 highway), 35% better than the 2016 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
The Cadillac ELR has 3 model years in our data, from 2014 to 2016.
Its most efficient year was 2015 at 33 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 32 to 33 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system (6), unknown or other (6), air bags (5).
Buying used? 2015 has the fewest problems in our data.
2014 has the most recalls (2); all years together count 2 campaigns and 19 owner complaints.
How the 2014 ELR compares
The 2014 Cadillac ELR is a subcompact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,050 lb.
About the Cadillac ELR
The Cadillac ELR is a two-door, four-passenger luxury plug-in hybrid compact coupé manufactured and marketed by Cadillac for model years (MY) 2014 and 2016 – with a hiatus for MY 2015. Using a retuned version of the Chevrolet Volt's Voltec EREV drivetrain, the ELR's lithium-ion battery pack delivered an all-electric range of 37–39 miles (60–63 km) and a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h).
From the Wikipedia article "Cadillac ELR", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2016 ELR pros & cons
Full 2016 details →What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2016 subcompact car (23.7 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2015 ELR
0 owner complaints · 0 recalls
None of the 2 model years we compared stands out for complaints or recalls.
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 2 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Show all 3 model years side by side
Alternatives to the 2016 ELR
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 315 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2016 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →