2016 vs. 2017 Cadillac CTS: What’s New?
Last update:
February 27, 2017
The new Cadillac CTS looks more beautiful than ever, but the newest model may not be what everyone wants from their luxury sedan. The 2016 model saw some significant upgrades, while 2017 saw some minor tweaks and refinements. Our guide can help you decide between the two.
Smaller Changes
With every new generation vehicle, minor changes are made to performance and cosmetics alike. Sometimes these are about improving performance. Sometimes they’re just about keeping up with trends. The 2017 Cadillac CTS has experienced some of these changes including the deletion of “Cocoa Bronze Metallic” and “Silver Coast Metallic.” These are being replaced with “Silver Moonlight Metallic” and “Bronze Dune Metallic.”
Along with this, Cadillac has removed five wheelsets and replaced them with three new wheel designs that are the same size and type. Finally, there are three new LPO-level wheel accessories including a bright chrome wheel insert, 19-inch matte black painted alloy wheels, and 19-inch ultra-silver premium painted alloy wheels.
Upgraded Technology
Last year, the CTS saw some upgrades to the technology package. Cadillac decided to add some new standard features including a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 2016 model also gained a high-definition, reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT gauge cluster, which became standard in the 2.0T Premium model.
What else can the 2017 model include? Well, the new CTS 3.6L Premium Luxury model now includes an advanced security package featuring a remote-locking fuel filler door, shielded theft-deterrent alarm system, vehicle inclination sensor, steering column lock, and locking wheel lugs. The Premium Luxury model also added a performance seat and cluster package and driver assist package.
All CTS models now have auto ventilated seat functionality and more upgrades to the CUE infotainment system. A Collection package was added that gives the driver access to browse, select, and install apps to your vehicle. Available apps include Pandora, iHeartRadio, The Weather Channel, and more.
Teen Driver mode was also added, which is a configurable feature that lets you activate customizable vehicle settings associated with a key fob to encourage safe driving behavior. Parents can limit certain vehicle features, such as the radio, and prevent certain safety systems from being turned off. Parents can also get an in-vehicle report to see your teens’ driving habits to help you continue to coach your new driver.
Powertrain
The 2016 model received a new transmission, making it quicker and more fuel-efficient, something that the CTS needed. It was a great car that had high fuel efficiency, but drivers found that it was lacking power. One of the upgrades that we would have liked to see was a stronger engine. After all if drivers wanted small and fuel efficient, they would purchase the ATS.
Unfortunately, Cadillac didn’t add a new engine. It still has the same 2.0-liter engine, which is only a fraction larger than ATS’s engine. However, you do have the ability to upgrade to the 3.6-liter engine, which provides more power.
Price
In the end, there are few changes from the 2016 model, which makes sense. The 2016 model introduced a lot of new features, itself, and cars tend to get small tweaks for a few years after a big revision like that. Thankfully, the changes we did get for 2017 didn’t cause a price hike. According to Cadillac’s website, the starting MSRP for the 2.0-liter turbo standard starts at $45,560.
However, if you want to get the 3.6-liter engine, you’ll have to pay more. Last year, the stronger engine came with a starting MSRP of $54,280, while this year’s model will cost you $59,775. That’s a relatively significant price hike considering the lack of additional features. It may be best to stick with the 2016 model if you’re looking for the larger engine.
(Facts and figures from Car and Driver and GMC Authority. Image via Facebook.)