Acceleration

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
4	7	7	8	7

The 2.8 V6 feels weak and inappropriate for this class. Smooth, lively 3.6 V6 a much better choice with automatic transmission, providing good low-speed punch and fine 45-70-mph acceleration. Smooth-shifting manual gearbox enhances CTS's sporting character. CTS-V delivers tire-spinning takeoffs, swift passing.

Fuel Economy

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
5	5	5	4	4.6

No opportunity to measure with 2.8 V6 or 3.6 V6 with manual transmission. Test automatic 3.6 averaged 18.6 mpg. Test CTS-V averaged 17.0 mpg. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for the V8, regular grade for the V6s.

Ride Quality

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
7	7	7	6	6.6

Solid structure works with compliant base suspension for good absorbency, though high-speed dips induce some unwanted bounce. Wheel Performance Package with 18-inch tires feels harsher over small bumps, but doesn't seriously degrade comfort. CTS-V very taut, but not harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
7	7	7	8	7.2

Steering precise, but feels a tad light and artificial. Base suspension provides handling on par with most entry-level European rivals, but allows more body lean in fast cornering. Wheel Performance Package improves grip. Some testers say V6 models' brake performance is top-notch, but others complain of excessive pedal travel. CTS-V steers, stops, corners with athletic poise.

Quietness

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
6	7	6	5	6.9

Moderate wind rush at highway speeds, plus coarse-pavement tire rumble with low-profile Wheel Performance Package's 18-inch tires and CTS-V's 18-inch run-flats. The 2.8 V6 sounds coarse under throttle; 3.6 rarely intrudes, makes pleasing sounds. CTS-V accelerates with V8 rumble, prominent exhaust note.

Controls

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

Tech-styled dashboard has clear gauges, simple automatic climate controls, but no automatic-transmission indicator. Steering wheel thumbwheel serves as alternate audio-volume knob, but is too easy to hit by accident. Other steering wheel buttons control varied functions depending on driver settings--a bit confusing. Navigation system absorbs some audio functions but isn't daunting, though its response to voice commands is inconsistent. Cabin materials good, but well short of Acura, Audi, BMW, and Lexus.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
7	7	7	8	7.4

Roomy, but feels less so due to high cowl, lowish seats. Seats are firm, have good lateral bolstering, but adjustable lumbar support not standard on V6 models. CTS-V sport seats furnish useful extra side support for quick maneuvers. Thick-rim steering wheel feels good, tilts manually, but should telescope, too. Fine outward visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.4

Adults under 5-ft-11 ride without scrunching. Knee clearance compares favorably to others in class, toe space better than most, but seat comfort unexceptional.

Cargo Room

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
3	3	3	3	4.2

Long, broad trunk, but aperture not that large, though lid lifts high on nonintruding strut hinges. Split folding rear seatbacks standard on CTS-V, available on V6 models. Good interior storage.

Value within Class

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
4	8	8	7	6.1

Solid, rewarding to drive, and competitively priced, the CTS earns our Recommended nod. We'd pass on the low-calorie 2.8 base model, but the 3.6 offers great dollar value, plus the response and refinement expected in this class. The CTS-V is pricey, yet costs less than most V8 imports of similar performance.

Total Score

2.8, man.	3.6, auto.	3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man.	CTS-V	Class Average
55	63	62	61	62.2

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		62
High Score		75