2014 Cadillac CTS 2.0T Review and Road Test
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- Опубликовано: 23 дек 2013
- It's been decades since Cadillac produced the "Cadillac" of anything. However, when car buffs dismiss the only American luxury brand left, they fail to see Cadillac's march forward. 2002 brought the first RWD Cadillac since the Fleetwoood. A year later the XLR roadster hit, followed in 2004 by Cadillac's first 5-Series fighter, the STS. Not everything was rosy. The original CTS drove like a BMW but lacked charm and luxury fittings. The XLR was based on a Corvette, which made for excellent road manners, but the Northstar engine didn't have the oomph. The STS sounded like a good idea, but the half-step CTS wasn't much smaller and ultimately shoppers weren't interested in a bargain option. That brings us to the new ATS and CTS. Ditching the "more car for less money" mantra, the ATS has been created to fight the C/3/IS leaving the CTS free to battle the E/5/GS head-on. Can Caddy's sensible new strategy deliver the one-two punch fans have hoped for? I snagged a CTS 2.0T for a week to find out.
I found the outgoing CTS a little discordant, but 2014 brings an elegant more aggressive refresh. GM's Art and Science theme has matured from "cubism gone wrong" to shapes that flow and jibe with a larger grille and softer creases. The 5-Series continues to go for elegant and restrained, I find the XF and A6′s design a mixture of plain-Jane and snazzy headlamps while the Infiniti Q5o and Lexus GS are going for flowing elegance.
The demur side profile continues with a simple character line to draw your eye from front to rear. One thing you'll notice during that eye-movement is the distinct RWD proportions that separate the CTS, E, 5, GS, XF and Q50 from the long-nosed Audi A6 and near-luxury FWD options. Out back the CTS' rump is a bit less exciting but employs all the latest luxury cues from hidden exhaust tops to light piped tail lamps. I was hoping Caddy's fins would be further resurrected, but the "proto fins" on the XTS are absent. Pity. Obvious from every angle is an attention to build quality absent from earlier generations with perfect panel gaps and seams.
Unfortunately, the first thing you'll notice out on the road is the coarse sound from under the hood. GM's 2.0L engine is no less refined than BMW or Mercedes' four-bangers, but the difference is you can hear the engine in the CTS. In fact, based on the overall quietness of the cabin (a competitive 67 dB at 50 MPH), I can only conclude that Cadillac designed the engine to be heard. I don't mind hearing the 3.6L V6, but most luxury shoppers would prefer not to be reminded they chose the rational engine every time they get on the freeway. On the bright side, because GM does not offer start/stop tech, shoppers are spared the inelegant starts and stops that characterize 528i city driving.
While I'm picking nits, the 6-speed found in the 2.0T and most 3.6 models lacks the ratio spread and shift smoothness of the ZF 8-speed automatic found in most of the competition.
The reason I label those flaws as mere nits is because of how the CTS accomplishes every other task on the road. Acceleration to 60 happens a 4/10ths faster than an E350, a half-second faster than the 528i, a full second faster than a GS350, and practically years ahead of the A6 2.0T. Part of this has to do with the engine's superior torque curve and higher horsepower numbers, but plenty has to do with curb weight. At 3,616 lbs, the CTS 2.oT is 200lbs lighter than the BMW or Lexus, 400lbs lighter than an E350. The comparable Audi A6 would be the front-wheel-drive 2.0T model with the CVT at 3,726. If you think that's an unfair comparison, the 2.0T with Quattro is 3,900lbs and does little to correct the A6′s front-heavy weight balance.
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your knowledge, and the ability to commuincate it, is unparalleled.
Hands down the best review I've seen of any car.
Very articulate, and not slow where I would give up on the video.
And, you are not biased which is the most important thing when comparing autos.
What an awesome video. I am currently in the for a 2014 CTS. Your video has taught way more than the dealer ever mentioned.Thanks!
The best review ever on a car...lots of details as you are inside the car! Thanks Alex...regards from dubai
The finest automotive reviews on the internet or television bar none.
Cadillac is finally rounding up from its sharp angles of say five years ago. I'm starting to take a bit of a liking now. Another fine review Alex. and Happy Holidays.
Alex knows his stuff! Another great job!
This is a great review. Helps tjose who want to know more about design and Cadillac.
Finally a detailed review, thank you!
Bought a 2016 model a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. Handles fantastically and has a ton of cool features.
Ok ty
How reliable was it? I am just curious because i am looking for one.
Do it had a hud system like the ats?
Great Review, Best Ive Ever Heard. Thanks So Much!!
your review is really good and of benefit. thank you so much
My everyday Cadillac sedan! Nice job bro.
When I watch Alex now... but look at him then! I'm glad to have a review of an old toy we're thinking of buying.
great job on this review!
this dudes review is fire
this car reminds me very much of the pre-facelifted mercedes e class w212 (2009-2013): front end - grille and headlights, as well as the side of the car - side lines, position of door handles, rear passengers window finishes just as on that merc
AMAZING REVIEW!
Best looking generation of the CTS
Thanks for the great review Alex! I was about to get a Lexus ES 350, your comprehensive review convinced me to finance CTS 2014 AWD Turbo 2L. luxury. bold, elegant and remarkable American craftsmanship. honestly it looks way better than German/Japanese cars. It's such a macho car.
How did the car work out for you after all these years ?
How’s it holding up ?
This comment is extremely cringe
Really enjoyed this review...
Great Video! Thank you, greeting from Germany
Very nice and detailed 👏🏻👏🏻
Would I love your JOB! I'm not sayings it's a piece of cake. I'm saying you get to have al these cars for a while then tell it like you see it and I love your journalism Alex. Very informative. Detailed and makes me understand all the details. I know you said your cheap. That's a good thing or you'd be BROKE. Merry Christmas
Subscribed. Great detailed review. Waiting for the v-sport though :)
Please review 2015 CTS. Great review. Thanks
Review skills are unmatched.
Well done, excellent review.
Thanks for the detailed review. I also personally like the styling and it's nice to see Cadillac really try to compete with the foreign brands - with some top notch engineering.
I'm sure, with your experience, that the 2.0, 4 cylinder engine is the way to go, but I drove it and the 3.6 V6 and just like the sound and feel of the V6 better. Personal preference I guess.
I have to have AWD otherwise would have loved the TT V6 I'm sure. Trading in my 330xi that I've had for 7 years for this car. Ordered it last week!
Great review Alex! Keep up the good work. When r u going to review the corvette?
Even as a BMW owner I am very happy Cadillac is now competitive. I love the American flavor of the caddy.
Great review.
Hoping to buy this as my first car within the next 3 months👍🏼
Did u buy it? If so how do you like it?
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!! Its weird to see no snow
I'm glad there's no snow, people in California has no idea how to drive in it!
Great Review! Great Car!
that is a beautiful interior.
I have a 2014 Cadillac CTS and it's totally redesigned and lighter.The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) works fine. Mine is Black Raven with the Cashmere/wood and suede interior. Not my first CTS but it is the most expensive $$$$.
Sheila LaShay how have it been so far do you feel like it a reliable car so far or would you rather go for the competition
I'm thinking about a 2014 this weekend.. Anything i should look for? How was the reliability.. I like this and the Lincoln MKZ with the turbo but the CTS is RWD...
I have a 2014 2.0 turbo, it is a really nice car not to mention I get a lot of compliments on it too
Love this car !
I don’t get how people drive with the seat behind the B pillar 😂😂
I think this CTS is a great start to a competitive Cadillac brand. While the CTS will most likely only be offered in a sedan variant, an ATS Wagon and Convertible are imminent (and obviously the Coupe). Quality is right up there with the Germans, but the Cadillac brand fails to deliver the "success" image that a BMW might. This is because we had such crappy products in the 80's-00's, but things are starting to change and perception takes awhile to achieve. While I love the CUE Infotainment, it definitely needs to be faster. Also, this CTS needs to deliver better performance and efficiency to thoroughly compete. Here's what I'm thinking:
Variable Valve Timing, Spark Ignited Direct Injection, and Intake Variable Valve Lift are standard on all DOHC EcotecS engines. Variable Valve Timing, Spark Ignited Direct Injection, and Active Fuel Management are standard on all OHV EcotecL engines. Variable Torque Management is standard on all boosted engines.
Variable Torque Management increases boost under heavy acceleration for better get-up-and-go and decreases boost for better efficiency during cruising. Active Grille Shutters and Stop/Start are both standard.
Standard- 1.8t I4 with 260HP/270-285LB-FT
Hybrid- 1.8t eAssist I4 with 265HP/275-290LB-FT
Diesel- 2.8tdi I4 with 240HP/350-365LB-FT
Standard Luxury- 1.8t I4
Optional Luxury- 2.8t V6 with 325HP/340-355LB-FT
Standard Performance- 3.0t V6 with 360HP/370-380LB-FT
Standard Premium- 1.8t I4
Optional Premium- 2.8t V6
V Sport- 3.6tt V6 with 430HP/450-470LB-FT
V- 6.2sc V8 with 620HP/635-650LB-FT
To simplify that, the two main or "core" engines will be either a standard 1.8L Turbo I4 or an optional 2.8L Turbo V6. The speciality choices are an eAssist 1.8L Turbo I4, 2.8L Diesel I4, or a 3.0L Turbo V6. Last but not least, the high performance variants will get a 3.6L TwinTurbo V6 or 6.2L SuperCharged V8.
Evan Ganske I like the way you think. Would love to hear your take on the 2020 Cadillac CT5 configurations.
Alex good stuff
I wanted to know if it was more comfortable or less comfortable than the competitors and I did not get an answer .-.
Hey Alex, that ZF 8 speed transmission, does that behave same way in every car that uses it or does auto makers tweak and program it to their own preference? In other words, would 8 speed in this behave and shift same as 8 speed in 528i? Thanks and great review as always.
It seems that the software is tweaked for every application, but in general the ZF 8-speed operates very very similarly in every vehicle that it is in from the RAM pickups to the Audi, BMW, Maserati, Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls Royce sedans to the Land Rover SUVs and high performance sports cars.
ya i love the interior too and the materials used. So this CTS has the same platform as ATS or XTS??
It is related to the ATS. The XTS is a front wheel drive vehicle based on the Chevy Impala and the Buick LaCrosse.
I like what CADILLAC IS DOING (LINCOLN take notice PLZ) but the ATS should have offered a convertible turbo with beautiful COLORS the CT4 still has 2 grow on me & u can have the CT5
I want this car sooooooo bad. I had a 2007 Cts. Ended up wrecking it.😩😩😩
The xts is jus a gap car, it was cheap and easy to put on the market for cadillac until the lts flagship comes out. Spy shots on the net of lts flagship cadillac under development now. The ats platform is stretched for the cts platform and stretched further for the lts platform too. The elmiraj concept is a stretched version of the ats platform as well. The ats platform was designed with this stretching in mind to save money, thats why gm put so much time and money and engineering is the ats.
what car is better to drive? this or the ATS 3.6 RWD?
@14:00 the GMC Acadia has a more quieter and refined engine and a unique exhaust sound than the srx, the last generation ones.. that specific insulation is in the firewall I think, Cadillac thing.
And when you complimented the stitching quality, your finger slid over two panels that meet and were 1/8 inch off center.
it's a very good review.
Very underrated car; basically a unique styled sedan that handles like BMW
What is the red seat package called if there is a name for it
Since the impala is built on the epsilon 2 platform as well, and has more room in the trunk and back seat, I wish they would have just given the impala some of these bells and whistles
Unfortunately the impala isnt cool. Is more of a grandma car
Oh how I wish I could afford this vehicle.
When you say Lexus ES, you mean GS right? I know ES is FWD and GS is RWD, but the price difference is pretty big.
I first heard of the butt vibrating thing in the Citroen C6.
I always love your reviews, keep up the good work.
If you like the idea of spending 1400 dollars to change the water pump when your 528i hits 40000 miles, then I would definitely recommend it over the CTS as well.
😂😂😂
Alex, i'm thinking of either getting CTS or GS 350. I like the look of the CTS (exterior and interior), however i heard so much about reliability on this car in the past. What do you think about this?? Also heard that Lexus would keep value better right?
Lexus has better resale value, and better reliability, however Cadillac was actually number three in reliability in 2014.
Alex on Autos Thank you. I guess i'll do a test drive on both first
Are these reliable or expensive to maintain
Alex, another incredible review, just incredible. I was incredibly impressed. If your reviews were any more incredible, they'd verge on credible.
No offense meant, buddy. Your reviews are excellent. Just try to be aware of the repeated use of superlatives. It tends to cheapen their meaning. I wouldn't comment except for the fact that your reviews are among the best I see on the net. A bit more care in areas like this would make them even better.
I dont have the magnetic ride control, but my 2016 still hugs corners like a 3 series bmw...and i got the 8 speed auto...
He has a different package
Very nice , but I like my '13 CTS coupe better. It has real analogue gauges plus it has a CD player!
You mention the steering wheel being full-grain leather rather than half grain. I'm very interested to know how to spot the difference, which you've mentioned in more than one of your videos, and why it full grain would last longer/be less comfortable.
Full grain leather has not been sanded, buffed or split to remove surface imperfections. It is generally identifiable by having that typical leather pattern to the surface. Top grain leather, also called split grain of half grain leather has had the underside removed so that the leather is thinner and more supple and the surface has been sanded so that it is smooth and is typically treated with a finish coat. Full grain leather feels rougher but is more durable because there is more leather there to begin with, it tends to "patina" with age and because there is no coating ontop of the leather when it does wear at seams it tends to be less visible. The trade off is that slipt grain leather, while feeling better on the hands is less durable (and actually less expensive as well).
Alex on Autos Your answer was just as comprehensive as your videos. I'm a car salesman, so i'll quoting you often.
As for horsepower of the Cadillac 2.0 turbo engine vs the BMW 2.0 turbo engine, several automotive publications have dyno tested the 328i (same engine as in the 528i) and have results that are between 240bhp - 245bhp at the wheels. BMW's published bhp rating on this engine is 245bhp, which is probably the reason why you keep saying that the Cadillac's 2.0 turbo is more powerful. Even if Cadillac put an 8 speed transmission in CTS 2.0T, I doubt it perform much better than a 528i in a straight line.
BHP stands for Brake horsepower. Dyno's test for whp. Whp stands for wheel horsepower
how much will this cost right now ?
Is the car in the video luxury Cts 2.0t?
Because in my country only the cts 3.6L comes with electronic gauges
The luxury cts 2.0t doesn't has electronic gauges
Like your vids but this is more of a comparison video you talked about bmw and audio more than the actual CTS
Didn't know that audio sold front drive A6 here. Could u tell me the sales numbers
Audi doesn't split the sales numbers but they do say that the majority of US sales are the FWD model.
can't get awd with the Vsport trim
I rate the Mk3 CTS higher than the BMW 5, Lexus GS & Infiniti M. It matches the Audi A6 (not in chassis/engine, but equally good build quality) and slightly under the redesigned/refreshed Mercedes E.
I see 2 major weaknesses in this otherwise great car.
1. Engines. Other than the Vsport 3.6 V6TT, the NA 3.6 V6 & 2.0T is meh at best. It doesn't match the German big 3 nor Lexus in that regard. If GM has better drivetrains, this CTS would be quite good.
2. CUE. I personally think this newest generation MyFordTouch is BETTER than the CUE, and MFT isn't exactly class standard in terms of infotainment systems. The touch screen is nice, but immensely confusing & responds slower than a 1999 PC. Get rid of CUE and use the Buick system; buttons are more old fashioned, but why try to reinvent the wheel when it already works?
A solid pick, and much greater car than the mk1 & mk2 CTS. It's also the 2nd Cadillac which I think look beautiful; they're nailing the Art & Science theme nicely now.
Love the car but hate the four-cylinder, buy the V6 model instead, the four-cylinder is very noisy and sounds cheap and unrefined but however it does make good performance for what it is
When I need real info, I look for Alex.
nice talk on the new CTS...nice power output..... nice design.... BUT there is no car like Mercedes Benz, I would buy the E class over the CTS any day. There are cars... and then there is MERCEDES BENZ. .....BOLD !!
I love the looks but the back seems a little bulky and heavy.
i think most people are wondering why he is trying to compare this to the 5 series when it was designed to compete with the 3 series...
Because its not......That is what the ATS does
you should think before posting man
Don't be fooled by social stigmas - "German engineering" may produce good sound equipment, but their cars are pathetic. Most people you see rolling in BMWs, and Volkswagens got them only for the "German engineering," and they are so clue less that even when they are having to replace parts at 30 thousand miles they will keep telling themselves that German cars are the best. Note, these people usually also use iphones and macs.
To me the money isn't an issue, it just seems stupid to buy sub par products just to impress others, they are slaves to peer perception. I hate GM, but as of right now, Cadillac is the king at this price range. you get the most quality for the money you spend from Cadillac.
agree 100 percent
TheRoshan89 I'd either go with Cadillac or even Lexus over Mercedes / BMW
"Note, these people usually also use iphones and macs" - Note, the two products you mentioned there are American (like the Cadillac), not German.
Folq it's an apt comparison because they're also products bought primarily on brand and a hard to quantify premium ownership experience.
@@FolqiuhS iPhones & macs are assembled in china..... not America
Does this car feel sporty like the ats?
It doesn't quite feel like the ats but if you are a fan of getting road dome it's better than the ATS by far
I consider to buy a used 2014 Cadillac CTS.
3.6 v6 for me. I'm not interested in small turbo 4's.
having a hard choice between the new 2014 ME/BE E350 and the new CTS...ugh tough choice!!
Even 2 years ago I would have had troubles with this as well, but today without hesitation I would say: get the CTS V-Sport. Dollar for dollar the CTS is the better buy and because the E350 is a bit more expensive than a CTS 3.6, the V-Sport is a fairly small jump over the E350. I doubt you'll look back.
The dts will always be the big dog for Cadillac flagship.
That nigga really got into the trunk?? Lol
I have the v-sport
lets see a video of it Netanel!!!
Why would u want to
I don't understand GM' s aversion to 8 cylinders in the Caddys.
Lack of that option precludes me from ever buying one.
Like the last generation there will be a V8 powered CTS-V. If you look at theit competition the name of the game is engine downsizing with Mercedes replacing their twin-turbo V8 with a twin-turbo V6 (E550 becomes E400) leaving only their AMG model in that segment with a V8.
They get the dynamics right then it's let down by styling. It's not quite right.
So is the Cadillac Cue with all of the new Cadillac vehicles? I heard it's not so good, it's buggy, very poor controls and horrible touch sensitivity from what I've heard.
Dude it WON!! car of the year 2013 & 2014 out did in performance, more fun to drive then BMW, Mercedes, Audi are all "want to be's" when it comes to the Cadillac... Americans would not know there head from a hole in the ground!! When it comes to a nice car they would rather pay for a name and get a bag of hammers, especially girls...When they think of American cars they think of Muscle cars! The CTS V6 Has 420HP WOW!!
READ YOU CAR MAGAZINE's if you don't know you car's you should not make a comment!!
Jack Ferrell The 3.6tt V6 has 420HP (the 3.6v only has 321HP), but who gives a shit! Torque is what it's all about!
beautiful exterior, but the interior center dash is really ugly in my opinion. the glossy finish also made it look really cheap for some reason.
BS on the sound, when I 1st got in and started it, my 1st impression was the way it sounded. My family grew up with Cadillac's for 50 years.
So funny over 20 years of HID technology and the car makers are still not using it in all models and variations.
22 grand for a twin turbo in 2020
So those of you who own this. Can you confirm it's reliable?
is Audi A6 really that nose heavy?
The current generation A6 in 2.0L FWD trim, which is the direct competitor to the RWD 528 and CTS 2.0T is somewhere around 57/45 (rough numbers), Audi doesn't release detailed numbers. The Quattro system adds weight but improves the balance to 55/45 (rough numbers) but adds around 250lbs of weight. The weight balance and overall weight difference is noticeable when driving the car hard, but in daily driving you'll never know.
The 3.6 has serious reliability issues and will require a timing chain and other major engime repairs within 100 k miles.
Really?😩
Not! It’s a different engine manufactured by Honda, and the timing chain is not an issue anymore.
Your comparing apples to oranges, audi A6 atleast newer ones 2014 and up don't have most of the engine in front of the axle, that was the older gen which accounted for nose dive when going over a hill in any of the A series. Get your facts straight.
All longitudinal Audis have the *entire* engine in front of the front axle. It’s not possible to have the front axle integrated into the transmission and have it any other way.
Front seat adjusted for a 6'5" passenger and you complain about rear seat room behind it? That should be edited out, as it is obviously way out of the norm.
This is compared to the competition. The CTS has less rear leg room than the BMW and Audi competitors.
I think this generation of CTS looks bloated. It's like the car got fat. I prefer the chiseled good looks of the 2nd generation (2008-2013) CTS.
The 1st generation CTS (2003-2007) looked too much like a tarted up Chevy, and I will say that this 3rd generation CTS does look better than that. I'd give the 3rd generation CTS a B on looks whereas the 2nd gen gets an A.
May 28, 2018 2:59 am
If this guy says, "Cadillac would like you to think that the XTS is an S-Class/BMW 7 series competitor", just one more time I'm going to scream..!! Cadillac has stated from Jump street that that they have no flagship at this time and that the XTS was to be a combination and take the place of the DTS (which was NEVER EVER meant to be a 7/S competitor) and the now defunct STS sports sedan.. This car has always been and meant to be a Middle to Middle top car in the lineup.. See 2016 LTS/ETS for S-Class/BMW 7 competitor.. (planned since the inception of the ATS and now Stretched 2014 CTS).. Do your damn Homework man..!! www.autofrenzy.net/home/31
I wish that were the case, however at the XTS launch event which I attended, Don Butler the VP of Marketing at Cadillac stood in-front of the assembled press and said "the XTS will allow us to compete head-on with the full-sized German competition". I'm not the only journalist that was there and reported about the statement being at seeming odds with the car it was referring to.
Alex on Autos
Wrong Alex.. I was also there at the launch, In Detroit, LA, NY and the Atlanta Motor Speedway where I had a chance to drive the new XTS, press car and the ATS when it came.. What you did was take the words of the spokesperson who WAS STANDING THERE for REPRESENTATION of the Vehicle (NOT THE WORDS FROM CADILLAC MARKETING.) Don embellishes too, but he has stated more than once (since 2011 that I know of) that the XTS was a short term car for the Cadillac Purist (55yrs and older) since they were doing away with the DTS and STS until the Flagship cometh.. You took those words and added your own bias opinion and ran with it.. (Even my grandma knows that those cars are not in the same class.) Your reviews are great but you seem to always add a few word into your verbalization just for a little controversy.. You're a car guy and I know u know what you are doing.. (Good for your numbers but not so great for people who eat sleep and drink cars or for people who are looking to buy and need an honest opinion without negative or positive embellishment). Anyway man.. thanks for your quick response.. this is Dre'.. Deuces..!!
I never said the XTS wasn't a place holder, it is and Cadillac has been clear about that. Unless you are a member of the press you would not have been at the XTS media launch event, that is where Don Butler made the statement that the XTS will, and again I quote "allow us to compete head-on with the full-sized German competition." I like Cadillac, don't misunderstand me, I have no agenda where the brand is concerned, but Cadillac's head of marketing is the one who set the XTS's bar at the 7-Series and S-Class. Yes Cadillac has walked back from that but even when asked point blank they don't deny that they said it.
infiniti m is more reliable with better tech and looks
Screw hybrids.
That's a pretty silly statement. This car was released not that long ago, so there's hardly any reliability data to even make a comparison. Also, looks are subjective, and personally I don't think the overweight looking M looks better than this.
because of all the gadgets and what not, and because this guy talk so much ...all you people fail to see some very painfull truth in all this Lexus Es and Cadi Cts comparison ...#
in short these good engines will last around 150k - 200k miles , maybe 250k if you are really often gentle with them and very often oil changes and plugs
Now if a piece of shit of Toyota Camry can last around 500k miles , even in a morons hand ... exactly... then really be afraid of what the Lex ES is capable + GS, LS to...transmision change at 400-500k ...and proceed to 1000k ... crazy but true
anyway , over all, still a nice alternative together with Caprice V8 2008-2014 [but less reliable at times] to Lex LS/GS