The Cadillac CT4 was introduced in 2020 as a replacement for the ATS, which was produced from the 2013 through 2019 model years. Like the ATS, the CT4 was the entry-level sedan from the premium American automaker and competed with smaller European cars such as the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, and Mercedes-Benz CLA (and, when it was in production, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class). It also gets consideration alongside other luxury compacts like the Acura Integra, Genesis G70, and Lexus IS.
With its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, available all-wheel drive, and stiff chassis, the Cadillac CT4 offers a true sport-sedan experience. After all, many of the CT4’s chassis components are shared with the Chevrolet Camaro. The core models have turbocharged 2.0-litre or 2.7-litre four-cylinder engines, but the high-performance CT4-V Blackwing model has a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6.
Cadillac ended production of the CT4 in summer 2026, leaving the CT5 as the brand’s only new sedan model on sale (not counting the ultra-exclusive fastback Celestiq).
Cadillac CT4 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cadillac CT4 years are the best?
Buyers who want the best driver assistance gear should look at 2022 and later model years. That’s one year after General Motors introduced the well-regarded Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology to the Cadillac CT4.
Which Cadillac CT4 years are the worst?
Technically, CarComplaints.com lists the initial 2020 model year as the worst for reliability. However, the total number of complaints across the CT4’s entire production run is relatively low. RepairPal.com indicates a similarly low number of common problems for the CT4.
Is a used Cadillac CT4 a good deal?
The Cadillac CT4 isn’t an especially good deal for buyers simply looking for outright value. CarGurus.ca pricing data shows 2022 to 2024 CT4 models are priced well above equivalent Audi A3s and not far from other competitors such as the BMW 2 Series, the Genesis G70, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA. However, buyers looking for a compact premium sedan with a good reliability record and comparatively low maintenance costs may well consider the CT4 worth the money.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Sporty performance models
- Impressive technology
Cons:
- Sluggish performance from base model
- Cramped back seat
- Advanced safety features not standard for all model years
Cadillac CT4 Generations
Cadillac CT4 First Generation (2020-Present)
The Cadillac CT4, like the ATS that came before it, offers buyers in the small luxury sedan segment a compelling alternative in a field dominated by European and Japanese brands. With a design that can’t be mistaken for anything other than a Caddy, the 2020 CT4 sedan projects a jagged appearance from every angle. The proportions clearly show off its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, marking it out as a premium machine that bears little resemblance to other premium compact sedans. In addition, the CT4’s blocky design and distinctive T-shaped headlights and taillights stand out against its swoopy competitors.
When the CT4 debuted for the 2020 model year, it was offered in Canada in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and V-Series. Buyers could choose from two turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The base 2.0-litre unit produced 237 horsepower, while a larger 2.7-litre turbocharged unit spun out 309 hp in CT4 Premium Luxury models or 325 hp in V-Series guise. An eight-speed automatic transmission was hooked up to the smaller engine, but the larger unit benefited from a 10-speed automatic. All 2020 CT4 models were available with all-wheel drive (AWD), and the vast majority of Canadian buyers took Cadillac up on that option.
In its most frugal form, the 2020 Cadillac CT4 with the base 2.0-litre engine and RWD was rated by Natural Resources Canada at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined. With the more powerful 2.7-litre engine, that number rose to 9.9 L/100 km combined. The least-efficient 2020 CT4 model paired the bigger engine with AWD, and it was rated at 10.2 L/100 km combined.
The 2020 CT4’s Multi-Valve System dampers and electric power steering system allowed Cadillac to include Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and Track drive modes. These altered transmission shifting patterns, suspension response, steering and brake feel and, for models fitted with AWD, torque split between the front and rear axles. V-Series models gained additional My Mode and V Mode settings for further customization and performance.
Standard exterior equipment for the 2020 Cadillac CT4 in base Luxury form included bright trim, keyless entry, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Luxury model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux leather seating surfaces, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and an audio system with active noise cancellation.
The Premium Luxury model had 18-inch alloy wheels and gained a host of driver aids including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a safety alert seat that vibrated to alert the driver of potential danger. It also benefited from real leather seating surfaces and textured aluminum trim. The 2020 Cadillac CT4 Sport was intended as a sportier take on the small sedan. It got Brembo brakes, textured leatherette sport seats with larger bolsters and more adjustability, a chunkier steering wheel with paddle shifters, and alloy pedals.
While the Sport model looked the part, it was the V-Series that actually delivered the goods. This model got the 325-hp turbocharged engine as standard along with an upgraded suspension (RWD models benefited from Magnetic Ride Control dampers), a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, and performance tires. Inside, the V-Mode button on the steering wheel altered the car’s dynamics for greater performance and enabled a unique driver information cluster. A Bose premium surround-sound audio system and a wireless smartphone charger were also part of the V-Series package.
Additional active driver assistance systems were optional on all but base CT4 Luxury models. Lane change assist with blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front park assist, adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, a following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, rear pedestrian alert, rear automatic braking, and GM's IntelliBeam high beam assist were all available.
For 2021, the Cadillac CT4 picked up wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and came standard with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The General Motors Super Cruise semi-automated driving tech also became available in 2021.
Bigger news came a year later when Cadillac introduced the CT4-V Blackwing for the 2022 model year. This high-performance model went up against rivals such as the Audi RS 5 Sportback, the BMW M3, and the Mercedes-AMG C 63, and it more than held its own on the road and racetrack. Endowed with a 472-hp twin-turbo V6 engine and RWD, it came with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed automatic. The chassis was souped up with a stiffened suspension setup and adaptive dampers, and an electronic limited-slip differential helped put power to the ground.
The 2022 model year also brought meaningful updates to the rest of the CT4 lineup. Two new technology packages debuted, the first bundling a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, while the second included in-car navigation and a fancy Bose audio system. All CT4 models, including the base Luxury trim, received automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, a safety alert seat, a rearview camera, and a teen driver system that let parents set limits on their children’s speed and audio settings.
In 2024, the CT4-V wore new badging to celebrate the 20th anniversary of V-badged Cadillac models. A series of limited editions was available for the Blackwing, including the Arrival Edition, Elevation Edition, Impact Edition, and Mondarian Edition. There were no major changes for 2025 or 2026.
The 2026 Cadillac CT4 starts at $46,599 including the $2,800 destination charge in Luxury trim with RWD and the base 2.0-litre engine. AWD adds $2,500 to the MSRP. The 2026 CT4-V starts at $73,399 including the $2,900 destination charge, and the high-performance V-Series Blackwing model costs $114,499 with its standard manual transmission or $119,064 with the optional 10-speed automatic. The latter prices do not include the federal luxury tax, which applies to the portion of the purchase price above $100,000. The 2026 model year was the last of the Cadillac CT4’s production run.
At the time of writing, used Cadillac CT4 models ranged from about $30,000 for high-odometer models to $45,000 for newer cars with fewer kilometres. Used Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing sport sedans are tough to find on the Canadian used vehicle market and generally start at roughly $75,000.
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