Used Cadillac CTS Buying Guide

A more refined second generation was introduced in 2008, with a stylish wagon, larger exterior dimensions, another engine option, and more standard features. It comes standard with 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels and 18-inch wheels available as an option. Highlights include a standard Bose audio system with eight speakers and both USB and auxiliary MP3-player jacks. The standard engine is a four-cam, variable valve-timing 3.6-liter V6 generating 263 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. An optional direct-injection version of the 3.6-liter V6, with 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque is also available. Transmission choices include a new six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. A variable-torque full-time all-wheel drive system will be offered on the CTS for the first time. For 2010, the CTS Sport Wagon is new and in 2011, the CTS Coupe is new. The CTS Coupe seats four and includes the 3.6-liter engine as standard; the Sedan and Sport Wagon seat five.

For the 2013 model year, the CTS comes in five trim levels: Base, Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium. The Base trim level is only offered in the Coupe body style and the Standard trim level is only offered in the Wagon body style. The Base trim includes a 318-horsepower, V6 engine and the Standard trim includes a 270 hp V6 engine. The Luxury trim has the option for sedan or wagon body style and adds extra entertainment features and comfort. You have the choice of all three body styles with the Performance trim, with a 318 hp engine. The Premium gets even more amenities and the choice of three body styles and the high-output V6 engine.

For 2014 the CTS is redesigned for the sedan body style, and is a good contender in the midsize sedan class. It is longer, leaner, and taller and its grille is wider and embedded with LED lights. It received a refresh in 2015 with some added option packages and a simplified Cadillac emblem. The wagon body style is discontinued and a Wi-Fi hotspot is made standard. The 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission. There is an available 3.6-liter V6 with 321 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission or a hefty turbocharged version of the V6 with 420 hp and 430 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed transmission. The V6 comes only with rear-wheel drive. An updated CUE infotainment system comes in 2016, with added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rearview camera is now standard. A new V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission is available. The CTS-V coupe is discontinued and sedan reintroduced. In 2017, the CTS trims have been revised and added options include a rearview mirror and camera display, Carbon Black appearance package, and teen driver monitoring technology. Apple Watch can now be synced with my Cadillac Apple iOS app in 2018, and additional features include added USB ports, a heated steering wheel, and a new color: Satin Steel Metallic.

The Cadillac CTS is in the final year of production in 2019, being replaced by the 2020 CT5. The trims include base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, V-Sport, V-Sport Premium Luxury, and the high-performance CTS-V. The base comes highly equipped, but the Luxury trim will add more driver assistance features. The twin-turbo V6 only comes with the V-Sport models and the V8 only comes in the CTS-V. The Luxury or Premium Luxury models get the V6 engine.