17 MPG combined is the price of admission for a very specific club: super sedan owners who prioritize raw performance and aggressive styling above all else. No one buys a 2018 Cadillac CTS-V imagining it sips fuel like a Prius. Instead, they accept the penalty for its ferocious 6.2L supercharged V8, knowing every stab of the throttle is a trade-off between exhilarating acceleration and depleting the fuel tank. This isn’t a car for penny-pinchers; it’s for enthusiasts willing to pay for unadulterated thrills.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway paint a realistic picture. Stop-and-go traffic will punish efficiency as the supercharger constantly works to get the heavy Cadillac moving. Highway figures are more palatable, provided you resist the urge to constantly exploit the engine’s abundant power. The CTS-V tempts drivers to engage in spirited merging and overtaking, which rapidly diminishes any potential gains. These numbers reflect the inherent compromise of such high performance; you simply can’t have 640 horsepower on tap without a significant fuel cost.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,400 for the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V. This figure is derived from driving 15,000 miles per year, assuming a national average fuel price. Individual fuel costs could vary based on local fuel prices and driving habits. Aggressive driving, common amongst CTS-V owners, will almost certainly inflate this figure. It’s crucial to acknowledge this is a baseline, and real-world costs are often higher for those who truly unleash the car’s potential. For additional information, check out all Cadillac fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

Expect to see figures slightly below the EPA estimates, especially if you frequently engage in spirited driving. Some owners report combined averages closer to 15 MPG, with city figures dipping into the single digits during particularly aggressive commutes. Highway numbers can approach 21 MPG on long, steady cruises when avoiding excessive speed, although maintaining a constant pace requires significant restraint. The key takeaway is that the CTS-V’s fuel economy is highly driver-dependent. A gentle foot yields better results, but that defeats the purpose of owning such a beast.

How it compares

Compared to its peers, the CTS-V’s fuel economy is generally in line with other high-performance sedans. The BMW M5 (F90 generation) is rated at 17 MPG combined, matching the Cadillac, while offering a slightly better highway rating. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S, another direct rival, achieves a comparable 18 MPG combined. The Dodge Charger Hellcat, with its even more outrageous horsepower, reports similar numbers, although frequently falls below EPA estimates during real-world use. These comparisons are important to the CTS-V buyer because they acknowledge the price of performance in a premium segment. They also search for CTS V MPG across all years before buying.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to constantly accelerate quickly. The supercharger is the primary culprit for fuel consumption, and minimizing its activation results in noticeable savings. Smooth, progressive acceleration will help keep the boost, and fuel burn, in check.

Use the car’s drive modes judiciously. While “Track” mode is tempting, “Tour” or “Sport” mode soften throttle response and transmission mapping, leading to improved fuel efficiency during normal driving. Save the most aggressive modes for when you need them.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the door jamb sticker.

Avoid extended idling. Letting the engine run unnecessarily consumes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This is particularly relevant in city environments where idling is common.

Plan your routes carefully. Avoiding traffic congestion and stop-and-go driving can significantly improve fuel economy. Use navigation apps to identify the routes with the fewest delays, even if it means a slightly longer distance.