A combined fuel economy of 19 MPG for the 2016 Cadillac CTS Sedan with the 3.6L V6 engine tells you exactly what this car is about: comfortable, stylish transportation with enough power, but not particularly focused on squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gasoline. This CTS isn’t chasing Prius owners. It appeals to buyers who prioritize a smooth, responsive driving experience and a luxurious interior over hyper-miling.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Cadillac CTS 3.6L achieves 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city rating reflects stop-and-go traffic, traffic lights, and lower average speeds, conditions that hinder efficiency. The 24 MPG highway figure is more respectable, suggesting the CTS can perform reasonably well on longer road trips when using its eight-speed automatic transmission to cruise at steady speeds. But ultimately, neither figure is class-leading, nor are they intended to be. Cadillac designed this V6 for satisfying power delivery rather than chasing segment-best MPG numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Cadillac CTS 3.6L at $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind, this number is a guideline. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), your driving habits, and the prices at the pump in your area. Someone predominantly driving in dense city traffic will likely exceed this estimate, while someone racking up highway miles could potentially see a lower annual cost.

Real-world expectations

The numbers on the sticker are just a starting point. Real-world fuel economy for the 2016 Cadillac CTS 3.6L will change based on driving style, traffic conditions, and even the weather. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will significantly decrease fuel mileage. Consistent highway driving at moderate speeds, on the other hand, can help you get closer to, or even slightly exceed, the EPA’s 24 MPG highway estimate. Also, properly maintaining your CTS, including tire inflation and regular servicing, will help optimize fuel efficiency. Considering most CTS buyers are willing to sacrifice a few MPG for performance, most owners aren’t obsessively tracking every tenth of a mile per gallon.

How it compares

In the mid-size luxury sedan segment, the 2016 Cadillac CTS 3.6L’s fuel economy is toward the lower end. For example, the BMW 535i from the same year, with its turbocharged 3.0L inline-six, manages roughly 20 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz E350, with its 3.5L V6, delivers similar figures. Even the Audi A6 2.0T, with its smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder, achieves a combined MPG in the mid-20s. These differences are important, but the CTS buyer is generally less focused on outright economy and more interested in the overall package: distinctive design, comfortable interior, and a strong engine. Comparing CTS MPG across all years, you’ll see the 2016 model’s fuel economy is generally consistent with other years in the same generation. Don’t forget to explore all Cadillac fuel economy data, to help inform your decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The CTS’s eight-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy at cruising speeds, so avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Constant speed changes make the transmission work harder and use unnecessary fuel.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, decreasing fuel economy. Check tire pressures regularly, especially during temperature changes, as pressure changes with the weather.

Avoid extended idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly and easily, and idling wastes fuel unnecessarily. This is especially true with the CTS’s 3.6L V6, which burns a significant amount of fuel at idle.

Use the car’s Drive Mode Select system carefully. While the Sport mode unleashes the engine’s full potential, it also reduces fuel economy. Choose Tour or Eco mode for everyday driving to optimize fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much performance. These modes adjust throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize economy.