DecodedCars2016 Cadillac ELR
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Coupe
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 31 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,070 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
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.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
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.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 ELR — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 ELR →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe | 185.8 in | 72.8 in | 55.9 in | 105.9 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 4,070 lb |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELR Plug-in Hybrid | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 33 / 32 | +35% | $2,550 | 91 |
| ELR Sport Plug-in Hybrid | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +27% | $2,750 | 104 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Cadillac ELR.
Similar 2016 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Cadillac ELR (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 315 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2016 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Cadillac ELR.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Cadillac ELR is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Cadillac ELR buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Seats — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Cadillac ELR. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ELR years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →