2022 Cadillac CT4

Cadillac might have been in a sort of limbo for the last decade, but a new era has dawned with a new entry point to the range in the form of the Cadillac CT4. It took Cadillac several years to rid itself of that stuffy old-school image, but it managed to do so via smarter styling, improved interior quality, and better packaging. GM's revised Alpha II platform deserves special mention, as it has arguably done the most to transform Caddy's sedan range from humdrum to amusing.

The CT4 is an odd size, and while it technically replaces the old ATS, it now fits in a bracket between vehicle classifications. Larger than subcompacts like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe but smaller than compact sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, the CT4 occupies an interesting space where its rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive drivetrains gives it a dynamic edge over smaller rivals, while its price acts as a distinct advantage over larger competition. Armed with a 237 horsepower turbocharged four-pot, or an available 310 hp from a larger 2.7L unit, the CT4 seems like it wants to target the German establishment on multiple fronts.

Cadillac's SUV design language translates exceptionally well to the sedan body style. The slim headlights and signature vertical daytime running lights mean you won't mistake it for anything else. The long, wide stance creates an expectation of sportiness, and the Sport trim adds even more aggressive design cues. The rear is equally handsome if a bit more outlandish. The integrated spoiler works well with the horizontal lines that run the length of the car.

All exterior lighting is LED and automatic headlights with auto high beams are equipped on all trims this year. 17-inch wheels are standard on the base Luxury, while the Premium Luxury and Sport models get 18-inch alloys in model-specific designs. The Sport is further differentiated by blacked-out rocker panels on the side sills, a body-color rear spoiler, black elements instead of chrome, and a bespoke front bumper with mesh grille inserts. The Diamond Sky Special Edition takes the Premium Luxury and adds model-specific 18-inch wheels, a special sports body kit, and blue brake calipers, among other items.

Somewhat awkwardly sized, the Cadillac CT4 fits between compact sedans and their smaller subcompact counterparts. The CT4's overall length is 187.2 inches, which makes it longer than a BMW 3 Series. When it comes to wheelbase length, things start going backward for the Caddy. Measuring in at 109.3 inches, the CT4 is a few inches shorter than the midsize luxury sedan trio. It is longer than the 2 Series Gran Coupe, however. The rest of its dimensions are more or less the same story. The overall width is 77.7 inches (71.4 without the side mirrors), and it stands 56 inches tall. Weight-wise, the Luxury RWD is the lightest at 3,422 pounds. The heaviest model in the standard non-V-Series range is the Premium Luxury AWD with the 2.7-liter engine at a curb weight of 3,732 lbs.

Summit White and Black Raven are the no-cost options on the Luxury trim - joined by Diamond Sky Metallic on the Premium Luxury trim. On the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, you can choose between four $625 metallic colors: Satin Steel, Shadow, Wave, and Garnet. All models can be ordered in Crystal White Tricoat or Infrared Tintcoat for an additional $1,225. The top Sport trim is the only trim that gets access to the new Blaze Orange Metallic. Evergreen, Velocity Red, and Dark Moon Blue are the three discontinued colors.

As standard, all CT4's come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine develops 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Giving the CT4 an advantage against subcompact rivals, rear-wheel drive is standard. However, all-wheel drive is available for $2,600 on the Luxury and Sport trims, while upgrading the Premium Luxury to AWD costs $3,200. The Premium Luxury model also offers a more powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as an option. The base RWD models complete the obligatory 0-60 mph sprint in just 6.2 seconds, while the 310-hp 2.7L model manages an even more impressive 4.8-second dash. AWD-equipped models may improve upon that further, but Cadillac has yet to publish figures for these derivatives, nor does it make any attempt to claim impressive top speed figures.

The standard 2.0-liter engine across the range is no slouch. With 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the latter produced from just 1,500 rpm, it has ample shove and is happy to rev out to 6,000 rpm. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission is a peach, too, snapping through the gears with nearly imperceptible changes. Getting up to highway speeds is easy, and overtaking is effortless. We'd be pretty happy if this were the only engine option, but since modern Caddy's are aimed at enthusiasts, it's not.

Available exclusively on the Premium Luxury, the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine packs a 310 hp/350 lb-ft punch, paired with a ten-speed automatic gearbox. Peak torque is also available from 1,500 rpm, making low- and high-speed overtaking maneuvers a joy. This engine makes the CT4 noticeably quicker from 0 to 60 mph. Thanks to the ten-speed's more extensive spread of gear ratios, it feels faster without having a drastic effect on fuel consumption. Unfortunately, with so many ratios available, it tends to get clumsy at times. It does an excellent job in Sport mode, however, holding on to gears for longer. But this mode is a tad too frantic to use daily.

There's both good and bad when it comes to the ride and handling of the CT4. Starting with the good, Cadillac did a marvelous job of tuning the suspension; it feels more sophisticated than previous Caddy sedans, offering an impeccable balance between a firm, communicative ride and the ability to iron out bumps. The RWD is a unique selling point in the segment, though not for the reasons you might think. Yes, it can do the oversteer thing, but we're more thankful for the drive being directed to the back because it allows the front axle to just get on with the business of steering. This, combined with the steering itself, makes for an entertaining ride. Unlike many of its rivals, the CT4 doesn't rely too heavily on a speed-based steering weight. It's consistently heavy and gives loads of feedback.

The only weak point is the lack of character, engine-wise. There are ways to give a turbocharged four-cylinder engine character, but Cadillac seems to have missed the memo. Both engines just sound strained when you push on, devoid of any aural pleasure. It's just… noise.

We understand the new engines are leagues ahead in terms of specific output compared to the older naturally-aspirated V6, but something has been lost in the process.

The more modern turbocharged engines do pay dividends when it comes to fuel economy. In 2016 the ATS with a 3.6-liter V6 received EPA estimates of 20/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined. Both turbocharged engines are more powerful across the board and easily beat these figures. The standard 2.0 turbo in RWD guise has EPA-estimated figures of 23/34/27 mpg, dropping down to 22/31/26 mpg in AWD format. The more powerful 2.7-liter RWD manages 21/31/25 mpg, while the AWD model drops figures to 21/29/24 mpg. We're mighty impressed with the generous 17-gallon tank, providing a 459-mile range in base guise with mixed driving conditions.

According to Cadillac, the CT4's interior is driver-oriented and big enough for five people. However, while the exterior dimensions suggest the Cadillac CT4 is bigger than a 3 Series, inside, the cabin is sized more in line with the subcompact 2 Series Gran Coupe, meaning rear space is severely compromised despite the substantial exterior footprint.

This aside, the design is a big step up for Cadillac. The most prominent internal feature is the eight-inch touchscreen on top of the center console. There are standard features aplenty, LED interior lighting with a stealth mode, and standard leatherette upholstery. In terms of design, the CT4's interior is very BMW-like. It's pretty apparent where Caddy's inspiration came from, and we don't think that's a bad thing.

The CT4 is a five-seater sedan, but while it may seem large on the outside, inside it's rather cramped. Front passengers are treated to 42.4 inches of legroom and 38.3 inches of headroom. Things are less rosy for the rear passengers, demonstrating the effects of the smaller wheelbase. While the Caddy is longer than the 3 Series in terms of length, the German easily beats the American when it comes to rear passenger space. Rear passengers get nearly 10 inches less legroom than front passengers. Measuring in at 33.4 inches, coupled to 36.5 inches of headroom, six-footers are going to have a problem getting comfortable. Still, the CT4 is on par with its smaller rivals. Merc's CLA offers 33.9 inches of leg space while the Audi A3 Sedan leads the pack with 35.1 inches.

Cadillac interiors used to be a prime example of cost-cutting. You could see and feel why they sold for so much cheaper than imported vehicles. While the interior is still somehow below Audi levels of quality, it is a massive improvement over the ATS sedan, not just in terms of materials but overall usability.

Synthetic leatherette seats are standard in the Luxury trim, available in Jet Black and Whisper Beige with Jet Black inserts. The Sport's only no-cost option is Jet Black leatherette, but two $1,500 leather options are available: Jet Black and Sangria with Jet Black inserts.

Premium Luxury derivatives come with genuine leather in four color options: Jet Black, Whisper Beige, Cinnamon, and Sky Cool Gray, the latter three all with Jet Black inserts. The last two options require adding additional equipment as well.

The standard metal dash trim looks sensational, and higher up in the range, you get magnesium paddles with which to take control of the gearbox. On the Diamond Sky Special Edition, Sky Cool Gray/Jet Black combination leather upholstery is standard with model-specific Diamond Fall perforations on the seat inserts. It also receives Centaurus aluminum trim on the center console and alloy pedal covers.

According to Cadillac, the CT4 has 10.7 cubes of cargo capacity, which is the bottom of the class. The Mercedes CLA boasts 11.6 cubic feet, while the Audi A3 Sedan offers 12.3 cubes. BMW's 2 Series Gran Coupe is the undisputed leader in this segment, offering 15.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. That's, unfortunately, the price you have to pay for using a rear-wheel drivetrain, as the mechanical elements result in less space for cargo. The Caddy's rear seats can fold flat in a 60/40 split, increasing storage capacity at the expense of passenger seating capacity.

Interior storage space is ample for front passengers, consisting of dual cupholders, storage space underneath the center armrest, and space for two phones in the center console. Rear passengers get dual cupholders housed in the fold-down seatback of the center seat.

Cadillac includes a lot of features as standard across the range. The entry-level Luxury trim comes standard with leatherette upholstery, keyless entry and start, remote start, cruise control, a digital compass, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, manual tilt-and-telescoping steering column, paddle shifters, a configurable dual-display driver-information system in the instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and a rearview camera.

The Sport model of the 2022 CT4 adds LED interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, four-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, rear park assist, magnesium paddle shifters, and a universal home remote. The Sport and Premium Luxury are nearly the same, but the Sport takes a sportier approach, naturally, while the Premium Luxury does what it says on the box with additional lumbar adjustment for front occupants and shinier decor.

All trims can be upgraded with items like a power moonroof and a heated steering wheel and seats. The two upper-tier models can be upgraded with additional packages and standalone options, including items like ventilated seats, digital instrumentation, adaptive cruise control, and a slew of driver assists like parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display.

The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system's centerpiece is an eight-inch touchscreen interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, HD Radio, and the ability to create a 4G hotspot. All models come with an eight-speaker sound system, but a 14-speaker Bose surround sound system is available. A wireless charging pad is standard on all models from this year. If you want a little more added functionality, an upgraded CUE system is available to all with added navigation, while exclusive to the Premium Luxury, a central rotary controller means you never have to put fingerprints on the touchscreen again. The infotainment system on 2.7-liter models no longer has physical volume and tuning buttons on the dashboard this year.

The Caddy CT4 hasn't been around for that long, but usually, any new car comes with several teething issues. There were two recalls for the 2020 model, two for the 2021 model, and one for the 2022 model. One recall affects all three these years and it's a roof-rail side airbag that may not deploy properly. Additionally, the 2020 model was recalled for contamination in the electronic brake booster that may lead to a loss of brake boost and 2021 models were recalled for a malfunctioning airbag light.

Cadillac sells the CT4 with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. One year/one scheduled maintenance visit is also provided gratis.

Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has a safety review of the new Cadillac CT4 yet. Looking at the standard safety specs, however, we have no doubt the CT4 will eventually receive good ratings.

The CT4 comes with both traditional and advanced driver assistance systems. It has eight airbags including dual front knee bags, ABS, traction and stability control, and an HD rearview camera on the conventional side. All models come with safety alert seats, forward-collision alert, front pedestrian braking, automatic emergency braking and, from this year, automatic headlights with auto high beam, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. From this year, but subject to late availability, two Super Cruise packages are available on the two top trims, both including the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology that performs Level 2 autonomous driving and can perform lane changes, bundled with various other features.

Cadillac managed to reinvent itself over the last decade. It went from being a bit of a joke to building some of the most engaging driver's cars with spectacular styling. The new generation of sedans builds on these existing positive attributes by adding high-quality interior materials and many standard features. We also like Caddy's strategy of fighting the Germans across two segments. The CT4 retails for more or less (usually less) the same money as the Audi A3 sedan, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz CLA, but compared to these models, you get a bigger car with more standard features. When you look at the overall body length, it's clear that the CT4 also battles with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, providing similar power and performance, but for $10,000 less. Admittedly, the cabin is also much smaller than these rivals.

This is the closest Cadillac has ever come to beating the Germans, and we reckon it's good enough for the decision to boil down to personal taste. We can finally say that you can now buy American without having to constantly justify the choice. The Caddy CT4 is a good car. End of discussion.

The most affordable CT4 is the base Luxury derivative with an MSRP of $33,695. From there, it's a significant leap to the Premium Luxury model with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which retails for $38,595. The more powerful 2.7-liter engine can only be ordered in Premium Luxury trim, taking the price of the Cadillac CT4 up to $42,495. Last in the trim ladder, the Sport model is only slightly more expensive than the Premium Luxury with the 2.0-liter engine, retailing for $39,795. All-wheel drive adds $2,600 to the Luxury and Sport trims, and $3,200 on the Premium Luxury, but adds the Climate and the Navigation and Bose Premium Audio packages as standard on the latter. These prices exclude Cadillac's destination charge of $1,195.

The 2022 Cadillac CT4 range comprises three trims, disregarding the V models that we assess in their own reviews. These three trims are Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. A 237-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission are common to all trims, but the Premium Luxury has the additional option of a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optionally available on all trims.

The range kicks off with the base Luxury trim but it is well-equipped with exterior features including 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights with auto high beams, and LED tail lights. Inside, it has leatherette upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and cruise control. The infotainment system has an eight-inch touchscreen and includes wireless smartphone integration, Bluetooth, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. Safety features include eight airbags, a backup camera, automatic headlights with auto high beams, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.

The Sport and Premium Luxury trims share a similar specification level and add to the base car's features 18-inch alloy wheels, LED interior lighting, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, memory settings for the front seats, and a universal remote. The Premium Luxury has more chrome on the outside and the Sport uses mostly blacked-out trim for a sporty vibe. Other Sport features include magnesium paddle shifters and its own seating adjustments. The top two trims are also the only ones eligible for either of the two new Super Cruise packages.

As is the case with any luxury vehicle, several options and packages can enhance the whole deal. On the base Luxury, these start with the Exterior Accent Package that adds dark 19-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler for $2,795. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel cost you $600 as part of the Cold Weather Package.

The Sport gets access to similar packages, but also a few more. These include the $1,350 Technology Package with a 12-inch digital driver display and a head-up display, or the $1,200 Climate Package with heated and ventilated massaging front seats and an automatically heated steering wheel. The Navigation and Bose Premium Audio package costs around $1,200 and includes a 14-speaker Bose audio system and in-dash navigation.

The Premium Luxury can be ordered with the Diamond Sky Special Edition Package, which retails for $2,400. This package includes several worthwhile upgrades at a reasonable price. It does however require the mandatory addition of other packages taking the overall additive price to $3,600. The exterior is painted Diamond Sky Metallic, while the interior gets Sky Cool Gray leather with Jet Black inserts and Diamond Fall seat perforations. The center console is also trimmed in Centaurus aluminum. Other additions include 18-inch alloy wheels, two metal accented key fobs, gray-tinted rear taillights, blue high-performance Brembo front brakes, and alloy pedals.

New for 2022 are the two Super Cruise packages, which are subject to late availability. Super Cruise 1 costs $3,276 and incorporates Cadillac's Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technologies, which includes Level 2 autonomous driving with lane change and active lane control. However, the package also includes a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, a surround-view camera, and a Super Cruise-specific leather-trimmed steering wheel. Super Cruise 2 costs $6,916 and includes all of the Super Cruise 1 features plus four bundled packages: the Climate, Technology, Lighting, and Navigation and Bose Premium Audio packages.

To us, the CT4 is a driver's car, which is why we'd want the high-output 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. If this engine were available in base trim, it would be a perfect match. Alas, it's only available in Premium Luxury trim, which takes the CT4 into BMW 330i territory. We also find it odd that the Sport trim, which comes with several sporty accessories, can't be ordered with the more powerful engine.

To keep it as fun as possible, we'd stick with rear-wheel-drive. If you live in a cold-weather state, though, the all-wheel drive system is a must. The Diamond Sky Special Edition seems like a worthwhile investment considering how much you get in return, and we'd seriously consider at least the Super Cruise 1 package and a set of 19-inch Gloss Black alloys. All of this brings the total to nearly $50,000. That's deep into 3 Series territory, but a BMW will still cost more if you had to add similar options to it.

Since the Cadillac CT4 sits in between the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the 3 Series in terms of size and price, it's worth comparing it to both. First, the Cadillac looks like a bargain compared to Bimmer's pricing structure. The Cadillac also has more power with the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter producing 237 hp, and the optional 2.7-liter unit pushing 310 hp. In comparison, the 228i produces 228 hp, while the M235i packs a 301 hp punch. The Caddy is heavier, which makes the BMW quicker off the mark. In terms of drivetrain layout, the BMW comes with front-wheel-drive or a FWD-based AWD system, lifeless steering, and a powerful but utterly soulless turbocharged four-pot engine. This is where Cadillac has the upper hand, featuring a more traditional and superior front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout.

Even though the Caddy has a larger body, the BMW is more practical. Its 15.2-cube trunk easily trumps the Caddy's ten cubes. There's more space in the rear of the BMW as well. As we like a more engaging vehicle, we'll take the Cadillac over the BMW. Add the 2.7-liter engine, and spend the rest of the cash left over on gas.

The BMW 3 Series has been the gold standard in this segment for many years, especially from a ride and handling perspective. In terms of performance, even base models can sprint to 60 mph in less than six seconds, easily beating Cadillac's base engine performance. BMW's current 3 Series is geared more toward comfort, but it still has that inherent BMW feel. Like the Cadillac, this particular BMW has a front-engine RWD layout. The 3 Series is also bigger in every direction, most notably when it comes to interior space. An inch or two makes a big difference. The BMW is pricier, but you do get the option of a 382 hp turbocharged six-cylinder.

While the 3 Series remains the segment's default choice, we wouldn't advise against buying a CT4. If nothing else, it's an exciting alternative that you won't have to constantly justify to naysayers. Either one of these would be a great car to own.