Against 416 other V6 cars rated 2017–2019, the CTS sits right on their 21.7 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2003, the 2L 4-cyl (2014–2019), does 24.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 6.2L 8-cyl (2010–2019), 16.3: $789 a year apart.
Every Cadillac CTS engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.2 / 29.8 | 2014–2019 | $1,567 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 18.6 / 27.8 | 2008–2019 | $1,730 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 27 | 2010–2010 | $1,745 | |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 16 / 23.5 | 2003–2004 | $2,021 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 16 / 24 | 2005–2007 | $2,021 | |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 13.5 / 22 | 2004–2005 | $2,327 | |
| 6L 8-cyl | 14 / 22.5 | 2006–2007 | $2,327 | |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 14 / 19.8 | 2010–2019 | $2,356 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 37.3 mpg, the Honda Accord 40.3 mpg and the Toyota Prius 56 mpg, next to 21.3 mpg for the 2019 CTS. The CTS costs the most of them to run: $1,117 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2019) | $0.150 |
| Fuel per year | $1,803 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,015 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2017–2019 | +$33 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,661 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2019 Cadillac CTS gives up 8.4 mpg in town: 26.7 on the highway against 18.3 in the city, $660 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2019) | 18.3 mpg | $2,098 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26.7 mpg | $1,438 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8.4 mpg (46%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the CTS changed over the years
The CTS peaked in 2018 at 22 mpg (18.7 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2007 at 17.5 — 4.5 mpg apart, or $449 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2019 car does 21.3. The biggest single-year change came in 2008: 17.5 to 21 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 18.3 / 26.7 | 3 | $1,803 | |
| 2018 | 18.7 / 27 | 3 | $1,745 | |
| 2017 | 18.7 / 27 | 3 | $1,745 | |
| 2016 | 18.3 / 26.7 | 3 | $1,745 | |
| 2015 | 17.3 / 25.7 | 3 | $1,855 | |
| 2014 | 17.3 / 25.3 | 3 | $1,892 | |
| 2013 | 16 / 22.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2012 | 16 / 23 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2011 | 16 / 23 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 23 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 15 / 23 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2006 | 15 / 23.5 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2005 | 14.5 / 22.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2004 | 15 / 23 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2003 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 37 EPA ratings of the Cadillac CTS — 8 engines across 2003–2019. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,661. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2019 Cadillac CTS get?
21.3 mpg combined, 18.3 city and 26.7 highway, per EPA; its 3 versions that year range from 16 to 25. Across every year since 2003 the CTS has averaged 19.9 mpg.
Is the 2019 CTS more efficient than the 2018?
About the same: 21.3 against 22 mpg combined.
Which CTS year has the best gas mileage?
The 2018, at 22 mpg combined (18.7 city, 27 highway).
Does the CTS get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 21.3 mpg for the 2019 CTS against 37.3 for the 2020 Toyota Camry, about $774 a year more to run.
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