If you're shopping for a reliable luxury car but don't want to stretch your budget, the used car market offers an unexpected contender. For the price of a new mainstream sedan, you can buy an American luxury model that has quietly earned a reputation for reliability on par with the best Japanese models. It provides comfort, refinement and all the premium features you'd expect.
What sets this sedan apart from others is how consistently it performs in long-term reliability studies and real-life owner reports. Its smooth ride, upscale interior and strong safety ratings make it as refined as its Lexus and Acura competitors, but the shock absorption makes it much more affordable. This combination of quality and value is rare, especially in a segment where reliability often varies widely between brands.
In this article, we'll look at what makes this luxury sedan so outstanding, from its durability to its low maintenance requirements and ride comfort. If you want Lexus-level reliability without the Lexus-sized price tag, this American-made sedan deserves a closer look.
To provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was obtained from various manufacturer websites and other reputable sources, including the EPA, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book and CarEdge.
You can purchase a lightly used 2023 Cadillac CT4 for under $30,000.
If you're on a budget and looking for a new compact sedan, you've probably already looked at the new Honda Civc, Toyota Corolla or their competitors. However, for the same money you can buy yourself a slightly used Cadillac CT4. It offers the same level of practicality, but is more comfortable, better equipped and overall more stylish. This also happens one of America's most reliable sedans.
2023 Cadillac CT4 trim levels and prices
|
Model |
Average used price |
|---|---|
|
Luxury |
US$27,387 |
|
Premium Suite |
US$28,473 |
|
Sport |
US$31,945 |
The Cadillac CT4 is already one of the least expensive luxury cars you can buy. We have ruled out V-Series and V-Series Blackwing as they're not as budget-focused, but if you're looking for a bargain on performance, they're definitely worth looking into. The new 2023 CT4 will cost between $35,790 and $41,890. Cadillacs don't depreciate much in their first couple of years, which is why used 2023 models are such a bargain right now.
It's hard to deny the value for money that either trim offers, but we suggest getting the Premium Luxury model. Not only do they offer the best balance of features and price, but they're also the most popular trim, meaning you'll have a slightly easier time shopping for the best price.
Reliability and maintenance costs
- Average ten-year maintenance costs: $9,639 (CarEdge)
- Reliability rating: 86/100
- Reminds: 1
Cadillac may not have the best reputation, but the CT4 proves that they are capable of building truly reliable cars. The CT4 may be a relatively new model, but it shares the same underpinnings and components as many Cadillacs that came before it. It also shares many proven parts with many GM vehicles.
CarEdge estimates that the CT4's long-term maintenance costs are no higher than the average luxury sedan. You can also rest easy knowing that you will still have the remainder of your manufacturer's warranty. CT4s come standard with a four-year, 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage plan and a powertrain warranty that lasts six years or 70,000 miles.
The entry-level Caddy sedan is more powerful and agile than you might expect.
Luxury subcompact cars typically compete on comfort and sportiness, and sedans like the Acura Integra, BMW 2-Series and Audi A3 give buyers a taste of performance. While the CT4 may not be as sharp and refined as some of its competitors, it's still quite peppy, with a powertrain duo that will definitely put a smile on your face.
2023 Cadillac CT4 Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine |
2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission of infection |
8-speed automatic |
10-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
237 hp |
310 hp |
|
Torque |
258 lb-ft |
350 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
Rear or all wheel drive |
Rear or all wheel drive |
|
0-60 mph |
5.8 seconds |
4.7 seconds |
|
Maximum speed |
138 mph |
156 mph |
Most 2023 CT4 sedans are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that's paired with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, although all-wheel drive is optional. Instead, you can find some Premium Luxury models equipped with the 2.7-liter turbo engine, which was an optional extra. It's also rear-wheel drive, but comes with a ten-speed automatic instead. Both provide pretty fantastic power for this price point.
We like that Cadillac chose a rear-wheel drive setup for the CT4, which provides a more playful and smile-inducing driving experience than much more expensive sedans in the segment. Its handling is sharp and the steering feels well weighted, making it an impressively engaging sports sedan.
When you ease off the throttle and start driving around town, you'll find that the Caddy remains composed and the power delivery is smooth. The 10-speed is a little less refined than the eight-speed, but it's still pretty good. Even in its sportiest guise, Cadillac provides a very comfortable ride.
Fuel economy
|
Model |
City |
highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2.0-liter front-wheel drive |
23 mpg |
34 mpg |
27 mpg |
|
2.0-liter all-wheel drive |
22 mpg |
31 mpg |
26 mpg |
|
2.7-liter front-wheel drive |
21 mpg |
31 mpg |
25 mpg |
|
2.7-liter all-wheel drive |
21 mpg |
29 mpg |
24 mpg |
The CT4 isn't the most efficient sedan in the segment, but we think it balances performance and fuel economy well. The 2-litre models are obviously slightly more efficient than the 2.7-litre models, and despite this, all-wheel drive does reduce efficiency slightly.
Not as plush as its direct competitors, but more comfortable than a regular sedan.
It's fair to say that the CT4 lags behind its luxury rivals when it comes to interior quality. Cadillac kept starting price low saving on some materials. There was also a rather obvious visit to the GM parts bin. However, if you're comparing a lightly used 2023 CT4 to a brand new mainstream sedan, there's no doubt in favor of the Caddy.
Interior dimensions and comfort
|
Headroom in the first row |
38.3 inches |
|---|---|
|
Legroom in the first row |
42.4 inches |
|
Headroom in second row |
36.5 inches |
|
Second row legroom |
33.4 inches |
|
Load capacity |
10.7 cubic feet |
One of the CT4's weakest points is its interior. While those sitting in the front will be more than happy with the amount of space they have, anyone moved to the rear seats will feel incredibly squashed as both head and legroom are on the low side. The carrying capacity isn't fantastic either.
However, if you don't often carry more than one passenger, then the CT4 probably still sounds pretty appealing to you. The cabin is also well laid out and creates an ambience of luxury. We appreciate that Caddy has also kept things like the HVAC controls as physical buttons. Things like leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated power front seats and ambient interior lighting are standard features.
Infotainment systems and technologies
Every 2023 CT4 comes with an eight-inch infotainment screen that rises above the dashboard. It is surrounded by a variety of switchgear that serve as shortcuts to the main functions. This system comes standard with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are several USB-C ports throughout the cabin, but we'd look for a model that also comes with an optional wireless smartphone charging pad. Built-in navigation and a head-up display are other desirable extras. The standard eight-speaker sound system is quite good, but audiophiles will want to look for a model with a 14-speaker Bose system instead.
