Why Buy? | 2018 Cadillac ATS Review

Motor1 Senior Editor Jake Holmes takes the 2018 Cadillac ATS 2.0T for a spin to see if the sedan’s small footprint and sporty handling make it the enthusiasts choice for entry-level luxury.
As-tested price: $47,255

Cadillac’s entry in the sports-sedan class is the ATS, a stylish sedan (or coupe) with a 464-horsepower V model at the top, and a thriftier 2.0-liter turbo version on the lower end. Regular Why Buy? viewers will know I thoroughly enjoyed the stick-shift ATS-V – but that doesn’t mean I don’t have time for the regular version.

With sharp, angular looks on the outside, a punchy turbo engine underhood, and a tidy interior with modern features like wireless phone charging inside, the Cadillac ATS sedan makes a strong first impression. It’s always fun to drive, with direct steering, a nimble chassis, and remarkably feelsome Brembo brakes. But when stacked up against its most popular German competitors, the Cadillac falls short in terms of back-seat and cargo space.

Still, if you’re only going to be sitting in the driver’s seat, the Cadillac ATS impresses in many ways. For a closer look at what makes us like this sports sedan so much, watch our latest Why Buy? video review above.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-Liter I4
Output: 272 Horsepower / 295 Pound-Feet
Transmission:8-Speed Automatic
Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive
Weight: 3,373 Pounds
Fuel Economy: 22 City / 31 Highway / 25 MPG Combined
Seating Capacity: 5
Cargo Capacity: 10.4 Cubic Feet
Base Price: $35,496

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CREDITS
Host: Jake Holmes
Video Producer: James Bradbury

[Rubarb-Vasileno]

I own the ATS AWD 3.6 sedan, and its like driving and little rocket.

[MrNemo]

Wow looks like the CUE has been improved so much in look feel and speed compared to the 2012 version I tested. That was one of the biggest deal breakers for me.

[thetxkidd]

In terms of reliability how is this car?

[RobertRobertsonRebos]

It could just be my imagination, but from the side view of this version of the ats, the rear wheels appears to be much larger than the one on the v version of the ats.

[tonyabre]

Drives great and I’m the only guy on the planet that enjoyed the entertainment system go out. What a distraction. Now I just enjoy driving again!

[michaelbustos]

Cadillac please change the piano black material to something else

[piersandromannino]

It still in production? 😂 I saw them only in parking lot of rental cars companies. I rather take a Giulia or an A4.

[swanblake]

When when this come out? Seems like a decade ago and it looks it. Not even close to competing with an Audi A4 let alone the 3 series. Obviously I disagree with Jake's intro. So much potential in that chassis but let down by being GM. So much ugly plastics and GM pleather....eww. Buick offers a nicer interior. Then there is the price, yikes.