26 MPG combined from the 2016 Cadillac ATS 2.5L isn’t amazing, but it’s a reasonable figure for a compact luxury sedan designed to offer comfort, style, and some sporting character. The ATS, particularly with the 2.5L engine, caters to buyers who appreciate the Cadillac name and look, but don’t necessarily prioritize high performance or the best possible fuel efficiency. These buyers are often downsizing from larger vehicles or looking for a more manageable and economical way to enter the luxury market. They understand there’s a trade-off, and this combination of luxury and efficiency is sufficient.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Cadillac ATS 2.5L break down to 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the engine spends more time idling and accelerating, which reduces fuel economy. The 32 MPG highway rating is more attainable, especially on long, steady trips where the efficient eight-speed automatic transmission can settle into its highest gear. The 2.5L engine, while not a powerhouse, provides adequate power for most daily driving. The smooth-shifting automatic helps keep the engine in its optimal powerband, contributing to the car’s overall fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Cadillac ATS 2.5L at $1,700, assuming 15,000 miles of driving per year and using national average fuel prices. This provides a useful benchmark for prospective buyers, allowing them to compare the ATS’s running costs with those of other vehicles. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and city versus highway driving. However, the $1,700 offers a standardized point of reference, and is derived from consistent mathematical application of fuel costs and average miles driven. You can compare this against all Cadillac fuel economy data to understand where this vehicle sits within the brand’s efficiency spectrum.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy can differ. Drivers report achieving figures close to the EPA’s estimates, but several factors can influence fuel consumption. Aggressive driving, like frequent hard acceleration and braking, will reduce fuel economy. Carrying heavy loads or driving in hilly terrain will tax the engine and decrease efficiency. Regular maintenance, including proper tire inflation and scheduled servicing, can also help. Drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency and drive conservatively are more likely to achieve or exceed the EPA’s ratings.

How it compares

The 2016 Cadillac ATS 2.5L’s fuel economy is competitive for a compact luxury sedan. Direct competitors like the BMW 320i (around 28 MPG combined) offer similar fuel efficiency, sometimes with a slight edge. The Acura ILX with its 2.4L engine could achieve around 29 MPG combined and appealed to buyers prioritizing reliability and fuel efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz C300, while offering more power, typically delivers similar or slightly lower fuel economy, around 25 MPG combined depending on the model year and drivetrain. These comparisons are key for buyers cross-shopping in this segment, as small MPG differences can translate to noticeable cost savings over time. If you are interested in the ATS, be sure to research ATS MPG across all years to see how the model’s efficiency changed over its production run.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The eight-speed automatic transmission in the 2016 ATS 2.5L is programmed to shift early and keep the engine in its most efficient range. Try to avoid using the manual shift mode unless necessary, as the transmission’s computer is usually better at optimizing fuel economy than a driver can be. The ATS’s relatively light weight also helps its efficiency. Avoid adding unnecessary weight, as this can hurt fuel economy.

Be mindful of your acceleration habits. The 2.5L engine doesn’t accelerate rapidly, so avoid flooring the accelerator pedal unless necessary. Instead, accelerate smoothly and gradually to conserve fuel and maintain momentum. Also, try to anticipate traffic and adjust your driving. Avoiding sudden braking and maintaining a steady speed can significantly improve fuel economy, especially on the highway.

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy and can also lead to premature tire wear, and handling will suffer.

Cadillac offered different drive modes in the ATS, which might include a “Tour” or “Eco” mode depending on the trim. Use these modes when appropriate, as they typically adjust the throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency. This can be particularly useful in city driving.