As the entry-level sedan in the brand’s lineup, the 2021 Cadillac CT4 is designed and built to offer a more affordable option to those shopping similar models from Lexus, Infiniti, and even BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
The smallest of the class with a wheelbase of 109-inches and overall length of 187-inches, the CT4 is also one of the most attractively priced starting at $33,395. Our Luxury Premium trim grade starts a few ticks higher at $37,595 and as optioned cashed in at $45,115.
One of the options was the larger and more powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque there is plenty of go to be had. It shifts power through a 10-speed automatic transmission to the rear-wheels.
We did find that the engine was a bit on the noisy side compared to other competing brands, we believe in part to its large 2.7-liter size but also the fact this engine was originally designed and engineered for a full-size Chevrolet pickup truck.
Fuel efficiency is rated by the EPA at 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. In our week of city and highway driving we only however achieved 21 mpg combined – a bit less than promised. Though it could be more competitive in the refinement and efficiency business, the engine provided a fun-to-drive persona that made us smile more often than not.
Also making us happy was its chassis tuning. The CT4 feels premium no doubt, offering a competent and athletic rear-wheel drive feel where some competitors have pushed customers into a front-wheel-drive sedan.
It has a level of compliance that makes it comfortable and livable around the city with its imperfect pavement, speed bumps and the like yet tuned sporty enough to offer a fun and confidence inspiring driving experience on a windy road. It seems like the perfect balance.
Inside, the cabin of our tester was line with cinnamon and black trim, leather seating with both heating and ventilation. Accent stitching wraps throughout with lots of soft trims on the dash and doors to bolster the premium luxury feel.
Front seats are comfortable though can be firm for some drivers. Rear seats offer less space than some, tight as you might expect in a compact sedan.
Interior materials overall were very good and fit the luxury placement of the Cadillac CT4 with the exception of a few parts like the infotainment screen and trim that feel like they might also be found in a Chevrolet.
The Bose Premium Audio and Navigation package was optioned here which had exceptional sound quality. The menus and functionality of its touch screen were good but the screen itself is smaller than many competitors.
In all, we found the styling and driving experience to be a nice well rounded package in this class at a very attractive price. In spite of a few detail areas where it could be more competitive, we liked it well enough to honor it with a place on our “Id Buy It” list.
