2009 Cadillac CTS: Road Test
2009 Cadillac CTS ▼
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- MSRP: $36,560 - $58,575
- Invoice: $34,366 - $54,475
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Our road test for the 2009 Cadillac CTS includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Cadillac CTS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Cadillac CTS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Cadillac CTS help you decide if a 2009 Cadillac CTS is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 7.2 |
With automatic transmission, both V6 engines have good low-speed punch and plenty of passing power, with the Direct Injection model providing more muscle at all times. The automatic transmission provides seamless and timely shifts. No manual-transmission V6 CTS models have been made available for testing. CTS-V accelerates ferociously, yet smoothly--GM claims 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds with either manual or automatic transmission, which feels about right to us. Manual CTS-V's shifter works smoothly, with a precise but meaty feel. CTS-V's alert automatic provides crisp, smooth shifts. It includes a sport mode for sharper shifts, and may also be shifted manually via the console shifter or steering-wheel buttons.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a base sedan with automatic transmission averaged 19.1 mpg. A Direct Injection sedan with the automatic averaged just 16.9 mpg in mostly city driving and 22.2 mpg with more highway miles. A CTS-V with the automatic averaged 16.7 mpg. V6 CTS models use regular-grade gas, CTS-Vs require premium.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6.4 |
With any CTS, most road imperfections are more heard than actually felt. With the base suspension and tires, CTS can't match the overall sophistication of a BMW or Infiniti. The available Summer Tire Performance Package is a huge detriment to ride quality, adding undue stiffness with little appreciable gain in handling. CTS-V is impressively comfortable for a high-performance car, never harsh but always taut. There is a mild difference in bump absorption in the Magnetic Ride Control's "Tour" and "Sport" modes.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 7.2 |
With the standard suspension, CTS approaches, but can't quite reach, the high standards set by the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37. Steering feel is precise, and lean in corners is well checked, though CTS doesn't feel quite as agile in quick transitions as its rivals. Brake feel and performance are impressive on all models. The available Summer Tire Performance Package does little to enhance CTS's sporting character, but it takes a huge toll on ride quality. CTS-V has super-sharp moves all-around, but slightly trails top European rivals in overall composure.
QUIETNESS
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 |
The cabin is impressively hushed overall. Coarse pavement tire roar can intrude at speed, but it's only noticeable because the rest of the car is quiet. The base engine is generally well behaved but can sound unrefined during acceleration. The Direct Injection engine is more polished, especially when pushed. Road noise levels increase with the available summer tires. Engine and tire noise are more pronounced in the CTS-V. Its V8 emits a baritone burble in cruising and a growl accompanied by moderate supercharger whine in fast acceleration.
CONTROLS
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Major gauges are large and easy to read. CTS puts form over function when it comes to the use of major controls, the v-shape center console stack puts most buttons into a small area of the dashboard. The buttons are high set and easily seen, though. The navigation screen is large, legible, and quickly powers up or down.
DETAILS
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Luxury-grade trim rivals the best in this highly competitive class, though one test model suffered from an intermittent dashboard creak. CTS-V's unique trim pieces and available suede-like upholstery inserts impart a racier ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Seats are roomy and supportive, complemented by a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Rakish roof line hurts visibility, however, with thick rear pillars being a particular hindrance to the outward view. Note that some testers found that one of the central-dash vents blew directly onto the driver's hand, and could not be adjusted away--a major annoyance with the air conditioning running. CTS-V's sport seats have more-pronounced bolstering with no major comfort penalty. CTS-V's optional Recaro-brand seats have handy power-adjustable bolsters to tailor ideal comfort/support ratio, but our testers question their value given their high price.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Adequate rear-seat space, though larger adults will feel crowded. Marginal headroom is further reduced by the available sunroof.
CARGO ROOM
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Usefulness of the boxy trunk is compromised by a small opening. The optional split folding rear seatbacks fold completely flat to accommodate longer parcels. Interior storage includes a center console and glovebox that aren't that large.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 6.5 |
Cadillac's smallest sedan is a Best Buy alternative to cars from Audi, BMW, and Infiniti. We especially like the Direct Injection model for its refinement and performance. Competitive pricing is icing on the cake for this premium midsize sedan. The enthusiast-oriented CTS-V is an iron fist barely contained by its velvet glove, and costs far less than most vehicles of similar performance potential.
Total Score
| Base, automatic | Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | CTS-V, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 65 | 73 | 71 | 69.2 |
Total Score: 69
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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