Cadillac ATS Vs. Cadillac CTS Vs. Cadillac XTS

GM has been working to revive its Cadillac division for a decade and a half. After much hard work and many billions of dollars things are really starting to fall into place instead of falling apart. They’ve transformed the brand from an also-ran into a genuine competitor to German luxury hegemony.

For new-car shoppers, Cadillac offers three different sedans, a trio of scrumptious four-doors, each of which serves a specific segment of the market. The ATS is arguably the sportiest in this lineup; it’s also the smallest and most affordable. Stepping up from this entry-level model is the CTS, a more spacious car that’s the newest sedan in Caddy’s lineup. Capping things off and serving as de facto flagship for this brand is the front-wheel-drive XTS; think of it as a modern version of a 2000 DeVille, the very mention of which causes AutoGuide’s own managing editor Luke Vandezande (no, that’s not a made up last name) to wretch in digestive-system-emptying revulsion.

For whatever reason Luke hates these old cars more than wearing socks or drinking blended Scotch whiskey; apparently he finds the technologically advanced Northstar V8 engine less appealing than a drywall smoothie or vacationing in Mogadishu, though we’re not sure why. Perhaps it has something to his Brooks Brothers fetish.

Comparing the small ATS to the middleweight CTS and the bulky XTS, which one is right for you? Let’s explore the strengths and weaknesses of these three Different Cadillacs; regrettably none of them have Northstar power, though fortunately they’re all a hell of a lot more enjoyable than a pint of Johnny Walker Red Label… for breakfast.

It’s the same story inside, where the ATS’s cabin features a no-nonsense layout and high-quality materials. But it’s what you don’t see that really counts. This machine is an inspiring piece of engineering; pound for pound it’s one of if not the lightest car in its segment, and what a group of peers it has. The ATS competes with sterling nameplates like the BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37 Q50 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Our favorite version of this sports sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This lion-hearted powerplant delivers 272 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Those figures grace the ATS with spirited performance but that’s not the only reason we prefer it; this is the only engine Cadillac offers in the car that can be had with a manual transmission, a six-speed unit.

To date, the range-topping powerplant is a 3.6-liter V6. It cranks out 321 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Where the turbo-four is like a scalpel this is more akin to a three-foot-long razor blade thanks to its strong top-end pull. Regrettably, the only gearbox offered with this engine is a six-speed automatic.

And then there’s the base unit, something we’d prefer to just ignore but we know you’re burning with curiosity so here are the details. Value-(un)conscious shoppers can opt for an unforgivable 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that’s about as appropriate in the ATS as a chicken coop in the back seat or kegerator in the trunk; it’s perfectly fine in the Chevy Malibu but it has no business in a luxury car. If price is that important maybe you shouldn’t be looking at a Cadillac. Perhaps Mr. V should redirect his hatred from the Northstar to this malnourished unit.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Cadillac ATS Review

Skipping unnecessary options, an ATS with the 2.0-liter engine and a manual transmission can be had for a reasonable $36,020, including $925 in destination fees. At that price you get 17-inch wheels dressed in all-season run-flat tires, an active aero grille and projector-type headlamps. Inside, passengers are treated to a 4.2-inch information screen, Bluetooth connectivity and bovine-friendly “leatherette” seating surfaces

But best of all the ATS is blessed with a masterful chassis that makes the car a joy to drive. Overall this package can be described in one word: impressive.

At this point it’s probably safe to say GM’s luxury division is on a roll. The ATS is an enticing machine and arguably the CTS is even more appealing; nearly everything about this car pushes the right buttons, in fact it was one of AutoGuide’s 2013 Car of the Year finalists. What’s that tell you?

This car’s got it going on. The base engine is the same 2.0-liter turbo found under the ATS’s hood, and it’s a good place to start, but what we’re going to recommend is the up-level 3.6-liter six-shooter. It’s smooth running and puts out a very familiar 321 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

But this setup is not identical to what’s offered in the ATS; there’s at least one critical difference. The CTS comes with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s two more gears than you can get in the car’s smaller sibling, though to be clear the CTS’s base engine is only available with a six-speed auto-box, as are models equipped with all-wheel drive.

Where things get really exciting is when you cast a gaze at the range-topping powerplant. Engineers slapped a pair of turbochargers on the above-mentioned V6 and created a monster. “Vsport” versions of the CTS are endowed with 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque! That’s (Northstar) V8 rivaling (beating) performance with essentially six-cylinder consumption.

Stepping back from the top-of-the-line Vsport version let’s focus on the mid-range variant. With rear-wheel drive and no options boxes checked you can scoop one of these cars up for $54,625, including $925 in shipping and handling. At that price you still get plenty of appealing equipment including a rear-view camera, lane departure warning and the company’s CUE infotainment system. Additionally there’s a Bose premium sound system with 11 speakers, leather everywhere as well as heated and ventilated front seats.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Cadillac CTS Review

Like the ATS, this vehicle benefits from a relentless focus on mass reduction. Supposedly it’s the lightest car in its class with the Vsport version clocking in at a whopping 300 pounds less than a BMW 550i. Evidently, progress is spelled with a “C” a “T” and an “S.”

And just like the ATS, this model is thoroughly entertaining, but in a bigger way since it’s a larger car. And of course that unyielding attention to weight loss really pays off at the gas pump. The CTS stickers at 18 miles per gallon city and 29 highway (mid-range V6 engine, eight-speed transmission) for a combined consumption score of 22 mpg.

Since Cadillac hasn’t introduced a production version of its drop-dead gorgeous Elmiraj concept car just yet, the XTS serves as the brand’s flagship model in spite of its plebeian front-wheel-drive origins. Still, the car coddles passengers in sufficient luxury and it offers some impressive performance when properly equipped.

And that’s the catch. This car’s base engine is a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6. It gets the job done in this husky sedan but it pales in comparison to the optional twin-turbocharged engine (it’s essentially the same unit that’s available in the CTS). In this application it pumps out 410 hp with 369 lb-ft of twist, plenty of goodies even for the husky XTS. It’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

As for performance, the boosted XTS is like a sumo wrestler that can do wind sprints. This Detroit tugboat ought to blast from zero to 60 miles an hour in less than five seconds. How’s that for fast? Best of all it’s got a throaty growl so there’s some bark to match its bite.

Fuel economy is pretty impressive as well. The car ought to hit 16 miles per gallon on the urban cycle and 24 on the interstate. Combined it clocks in at 19 mpg.

Really the only downside to all of this performance (and straight-line fun) is cost. Base price for the XTS is just about $45,600 but if you opt for the force-fed engine you have to shell out at least 63 grand, and keep in mind, that’s with no extras.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport Review

Fortunately the car is pretty lavish even in base form. The company’s CUE infotainment system is standard, as is an eight-speaker Bose sound system, dual-zone climate control and more.

That’s all fine and dandy, but one thing that ought to really take your breath away is the cabin. The XTS’s interior is beautifully done, trimmed with soft leather and other high-end materials. It’s really world class in there.

If you need a little assistance shopping for your next vehicle feel free to send a short message to ask@AutoGuide.com. Let us know the basics of what you’re looking for. How many seats do you need? What size of vehicle do you want? How much are you willing to spend? With some of those fundamentals out of the way, we’ll get busy to come up with two or three must-see vehicles that you’ll have to put on your test-drive list.

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