The 2023 Cadillac CT4-V with the 2.7L turbo four gets 23 MPG combined, which isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests. That figure misses the point entirely. This isn’t a Prius competitor. This is a compact sedan crafted for drivers who prioritize a uniquely American blend of power and luxury, and for them, 23 MPG represents an acceptable compromise. These buyers want something that stands apart from the usual German cars. They want turbocharged punch without the bulk of a larger V6 and they appreciate Cadillac’s distinctive design. Fuel efficiency is a consideration, but it’s rarely the main reason for purchase.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates offer a breakdown: 20 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the engine’s tendency to consume more fuel during stop-and-go traffic, a characteristic of high-performance engines tuned for responsiveness. The highway figure is more encouraging, showing that the CT4-V can achieve respectable economy during steady cruising. The ten-speed automatic transmission plays a significant role here, keeping the engine in its most efficient rev range at higher speeds. However, aggressive throttle inputs on the highway will quickly drag that 29 MPG number down.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,500 for the 2023 Cadillac CT4-V 2.7L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing the running costs of different vehicles, but individual fuel expenses will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices. If you tend to drive more aggressively, or rack up significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, expect to exceed this figure. More conservative drivers who live in areas with lower fuel prices could spend less.

Real-world expectations

Official MPG figures are useful for comparison, but real-world driving rarely mirrors the conditions of EPA testing. The CT4-V encourages enthusiastic driving, and exploiting its power will inevitably impact fuel consumption. Owners report that achieving the stated 29 MPG on the highway is possible with a light foot and consistent speeds. However, spirited driving in Sport mode can quickly drop the average into the high teens. Consider your typical driving style and traffic conditions to realistically estimate your own fuel costs. You can explore CT4 MPG across all years to better understand real-world trends.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the CT4-V’s fuel economy puts it in a reasonable, though not exceptional, position. The BMW M340i, with its more powerful inline-six engine, achieves a similar 23 MPG combined. However, the Mercedes-AMG C43, with its turbocharged engine, reports a slightly lower 22 MPG combined. The Audi S4, another popular choice in this segment, also comes in at 24 MPG combined. While these figures appear close on paper, small differences can translate to hundreds of dollars annually. The CT4-V buyer likely cross-shops these vehicles primarily based on performance, handling, and features, with fuel economy as a secondary consideration.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The CT4-V’s turbocharger delivers a thrilling surge of power, but frequent hard acceleration significantly reduces fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow and accelerate smoothly to minimize fuel consumption.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI, found on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, improving fuel economy. On long highway drives, engage cruise control to maintain a steady pace and reduce fuel consumption.

Consider using the “Tour” drive mode for everyday driving. This mode optimizes the powertrain for fuel efficiency, providing a more relaxed throttle response. While “Sport” mode is tempting for spirited driving, it consumes significantly more fuel.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance ensure that the engine is running efficiently. Neglecting these items can negatively impact fuel economy.

The 2023 Cadillac CT4-V caters to a particular type of driver: one who values performance and distinctive American styling over outright fuel efficiency. The decision to buy this car often comes down to emotion and design, with buyers willing to accept the 23 MPG combined rating as the price to pay for the experience. See all Cadillac fuel economy data for more comparisions.