The 2016 Cadillac ATS 2.0L turbo gets a combined 25 MPG, a reasonable figure for this car. While it’s not the most fuel-efficient option, the ATS is a compact luxury sport sedan designed for handling and a connected driving experience. Its primary goal is a rewarding driving experience in a well-finished package, not fuel frugality. Buyers wanting sharp steering and a responsive chassis will likely accept the ATS’s fuel consumption as a trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Cadillac ATS 2.0L turbo achieves 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the engine working harder in stop-and-go traffic and using energy to accelerate the car. The highway MPG shows the engine running at a more consistent speed, helped by the ATS’s aerodynamic design.

The eight-speed automatic transmission, programmed for efficiency, helps maintain optimal engine speed, leading to decent highway MPG. Whether driving in the city or on a long trip, expect these MPG numbers. Note that weather conditions can affect performance.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the 2016 Cadillac ATS 2.0L turbo’s annual fuel cost at $2,300. This assumes 15,000 miles driven per year, using national average fuel prices. This is an estimate; your actual cost will vary depending on how you drive, the local fuel prices, and the gasoline grade you choose. Some owners use premium fuel to maximize the turbocharged engine’s performance, which increases the annual cost. This calculation provides a standard for comparing different models.

Real-World Expectations

EPA tests are standardized, but the 2016 ATS 2.0T’s real-world MPG can differ. Driving aggressively with frequent hard acceleration decreases fuel economy, especially in the city. Driving calmly and consistently with limited idling can bring you closer to, or even above, the EPA estimates.

Hilly or mountainous terrain leads to more aggressive driving than flat terrain, affecting MPG. How you drive significantly impacts your ATS’s fuel consumption. Check fuelly.com, a user-generated MPG data site, for a broader range of owner-reported fuel economy.

How It Compares

The 2016 ATS 2.0L turbo competes in a crowded market. The BMW 328i (later 330i with the same engine), a popular benchmark, gets similar MPG. Some trims of the Lexus IS 200t achieve around 22 MPG combined, a bit less than the ATS.

The Audi A4 2.0T (FWD versus Quattro AWD) offers similar or slightly better fuel economy in some model years, around 27-28MPG combined. The ATS buyer valuing performance and sporty handling will compare it against those competitors with similar characteristics. These comparisons are important because buyers often cross-shop these vehicles.

See all Cadillac fuel economy data for the broader brand context and ATS MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use “Tour” mode, if your car has it. It adjusts settings to prioritize fuel economy by making the throttle less sensitive and shifting gears sooner. This helps when performance isn’t important, like on the highway or in slow city traffic.

Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more gas. Even a few PSI below the recommendation matters.

Avoid idling too long, especially in traffic. Modern engines start and stop efficiently, so turning off the engine during long stops saves fuel. Consider idling time and engine start-up needs before turning off the car.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove roof racks or carriers you don’t need, as they increase wind resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. Extra weight on the car requires more energy.

Use cruise control on long highway drives to keep a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration or deceleration. This optimizes fuel consumption by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range.