2020 Cadillac CT4 Road Test and Review

Although the luxury car world has gone crazy for SUVs and crossovers, this year Cadillac has introduced two new sedans: the mid-size CT5 and the smaller CT4. The CT5 replaces the CTS and will battle popular sedans like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4. The 2020 Cadillac CT4 takes the place of the ATS and will try to lure first-time luxury sedan buyers away from the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and Audi A3.

Built in Lansing, Michigan, the 2020 Cadillac CT4 is the luxury brands smallest and least expensive model. Although its predecessor, the ATS, was available as a four-door sedan or a sexy two-door coupe, every CT4 has four doors. It offers two powerful turbocharged engines, optional all-wheel drive, one of the largest interiors in its class, and advanced safety technology — including Caddy’s Super Cruise autonomous driving system, which will become available later this year. While the ATS was one of the most overlooked vehicles in the very competitive small luxury class, the CT4 is a much-improved product and it’s worth a look.

Four trim levels are available on the 2020 Cadillac CT4: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and the performance model, the CT4-V. Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport models are powered by a strong turbocharged 2.0-liter engine combined with an eight-speed automatic. It’s the same combination used in the CT5. With 239 horsepower and an impressive 258 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm, the CT4 is more powerful than the BMW 228i Gran Coupe and has considerably more standard power than the Audi A3 and Mercedes A220.

But wait, there’s more. No hybrid or diesel engines are offered, but a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder is optional in the Premium Luxury and standard in the CT4-V. In the CT4 Premium Luxury, it packs 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is stout for this class. In the CT4-V it’s dialed up to 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. In both models, it’s paired with an excellent 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is offered across the lineup.

Prices start at $33,990, including a $995 destination fee, for a base Luxury model, while a fully loaded CT4-V can easily top $50,000. That puts the new CT4 right up against the pricing of its main rivals, though the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe costs a few grand more because it comes with standard all-wheel drive. On the CT4 Luxury, all-wheel drive costs an extra $2,600, but it’s packaged with heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

A Premium Luxury like our test car has a base price of $38,490, and we expect it to be a very popular trim level. With its considerable list of options including the 2.7-liter engine, which costs an extra $2,500, our test car cost $48,065. That’s not out of line for a loaded sedan in the subcompact luxury class, but for the same price you can step up to larger sedans like the BMW 330i, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, all of which have base prices around $40,000.

Proof Cadillac has a fun side is the more performance-oriented CT4-V. Think of V as Cadillac’s in-house tuner or hot-rod shop — like BMW’s M division, known for cars like the M3 and M5. Over the years, Cadillac’s V models have been some of the fastest coupes and sedans on the road. Like previous V models, the CT4-V was tuned on the world’s racetracks where engineers dialed in its sport-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes.

Although it isn’t as powerful and doesn’t deliver the extreme performance of its predecessor, the ATS-V, the CT4-V is packing the most available horsepower and torque in its class. It’s also the only rear-wheel drive subcompact performance sedan, and it’s quicker than most competitors, too. Cadillac says it can hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.9 seconds with all-wheel drive, which adds about 130 pounds to the car. Other features include Cadillac’s award-winning Magnetic Ride Control suspension, a limited-slip differential for more traction, and sticky summer tires, which greatly improve handling and response.

Cadillac calls the 2020 CT4 an all-new car, but it still shares its platform with its predecessor, the ATS, which was first introduced way back in 2013. All of its body panels are new, however, and Cadillac cranked up the style this time, adding quite a bit more glamour, drama, and visual athleticism. The CT4 is about 5 inches longer than the ATS, but the two share the same wheelbase. With an overall length of 187.2 inches, the CT4 is large for its class, though its generous dimensions are masked by its sharp lines and tidy proportions.

Some may be surprised by the Cadillac’s restrained use of chrome and the CT4’s lack of extraneous trim, but Caddy’s designers got the details right with slim LED headlamps and elegant door handles. Badging is simple and limited to the trunk. Large 18-inch wheels and tires are standard, and the CT4 is the first Cadillac to roll on Continentals ContiSeal tires, which self-seal punctures to keep you from being stuck with a flat.

Our rear-wheel drive CT4 Premium Luxury was fun to drive. We wouldn’t exactly call it a sports sedan, but it’s very sporty and offers a compelling balance of performance and luxury. Precise steering, good balance, and strong brakes combine with a responsive chassis to keep things interesting. Its handling is more than enough for most buyers, and its ride is compliant and comfortable. It’s a pleasant car to drive every day.

And it’s plenty quick. The 2.7-liter may only be packing four cylinders, but its turbocharger makes it feel like a big V6. There’s gobs of torque right off the line, and its 10-speed automatic transmission is wonderfully responsive and smooth, both around town and out on the highway. Accelerating to 60 mph takes just 5.0 seconds. Our only complaint is that the engine doesn’t sound very pleasing. Cadillac’s selectable driver mode is standard and offers three settings: Sport, Touring, and Snow/Ice. Each modifies the weight of the steering, throttle response, and action of the transmission. Sport mode certainly makes it a more engaging car to drive.

The Cadillac’s fuel economy is good for this class. With the standard 2.0-liter engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission, it’s rated at 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. With the more powerful 2.7-liter and the 10-speed, those numbers drop to 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the CT4-V is rated 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

In mixed driving around Southern California, we averaged 26 mpg, beating the Cadillac’s combined fuel efficiency rating of 24 mpg. Unfortunately, its turbocharged four-cylinder engines do require more expensive premium-grade gasoline if they’re going to perform up to their potential.

Some desirable tech-based safety systems are standard on the Premium Luxury, including a forward-collision alert and Cadillac’s Safety Seat Alert. This system vibrates sections of the driver’s seat cushions to alert the driver of potential hazards and the direction from which they’re coming. It feels weird at first, but it really works.

Additional systems are optional. They include adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking that can apply the brakes for you in some emergency situations and even bring your car to a complete stop, reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist with a laned-departure warning, and Cross-Traffic Assist, which warns you if a vehicle approaches dangerously from either side.

Legroom is a bit tight in back, but the 2020 Cadillac CT4 offers more rear-seat space than more of its rivals. It seats four comfortably and five fit for short drives. Build quality is high and control placement is excellent, but the plain design of the Cadillac’s gauges is a letdown. Its heated front seats are softly padded and comfortable.

Onboard Wi-Fi is standard, along with Cadillac’s excellent CUE infotainment system and a large 8-inch touchscreen. The system is easy to use and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional navigation system is easy to program, but its voice command system didn’t jive with my New Jersey accent. Interior storage is sufficient and well-thought-out. The center console bin is large, and the sizable door pockets have slots for water bottles. The two front seat cupholders are also well-sized, as is its trunk with 10.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is about average for the segment. A split-folding rear seat is standard, but our test car did not have a power trunklid. It should at this price point.

Although the base Luxury model is a solid value and the standard 2.0-liter turbo engine is powerful enough for most buyers, step up to Premium Luxury trim level if you can, along with the larger engine. The gain in horsepower is sizable, and the fuel economy sacrifice is worth it. Driving enthusiasts should go straight for the CT4-V.

Overall, the 2020 Cadillac CT4 is a solid choice for luxury buyers on a budget who don’t need a massive amount of space but want a comfortable, fun to drive sedan. Although Cadillac makes you pay up for some desirable features and safety technology, the CT4 makes up for it with strong performance, an interior that feels upscale, and an exterior design that stands out.