25 MPG combined from the 2016 Cadillac ATS AWD with the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but it’s an acceptable figure for a stylish, all-weather compact sport sedan. Buyers drawn to the ATS are looking for a mix of luxury, performance, and American style, and they’re willing to accept average fuel consumption to get it. This isn’t a Prius competitor; it’s Cadillac’s version of what a BMW 3 Series should be.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0T achieves 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The difference between these two figures is typical for a turbocharged engine, where highway driving allows the motor to operate more efficiently. Stop-and-go city driving, with its frequent acceleration and idling, inevitably affects fuel economy. Owners who spend most of their time on the open road can realistically expect to see numbers closer to that 30 MPG highway rating. Alternatively, those primarily navigating urban environments should anticipate figures closer to the 22 MPG city estimate. The eight-speed automatic transmission aids efficiency, keeping the engine in its best range for both power and fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0L 4-cyl to be $2,300. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Drivers with longer commutes or more aggressive driving styles will likely exceed that $2,300 figure, while those who primarily take shorter trips and drive conservatively may spend less. All factors considered, the ATS’s fuel cost is about the same as other compact luxury vehicles with similar performance and all-wheel drive capability.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs because many things influence what you’ll actually see on the MPG readout. Driving style is important, frequent hard acceleration and braking will significantly reduce fuel economy. Terrain also plays a role, hilly routes will demand more fuel than flat ones, and even weather conditions like strong headwinds can negatively impact efficiency.

Checking forums and owner reviews will offer insights into what typical ATS drivers are experiencing. Remember that consistent, moderate driving is the key to achieving the best possible fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2016 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0T’s fuel economy places it in a competitive group. The BMW 328i xDrive, a well-known choice, achieves a similar 26 MPG combined, though its highway figure may be slightly higher. The Audi A4 quattro, particularly with the older 2.0T engine, is around the same 24-25 MPG combined mark, though newer versions offer improved efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC offers similar performance and fuel economy. For Cadillac, owners should also consider the ATS MPG across all years, since model year updates sometimes shift fuel economy by a noticeable margin. Ultimately, the ATS buyer prioritizes style, handling, and brand image over outright fuel efficiency. These comparisons prove it’s not dramatically worse than its rivals. Explore all Cadillac fuel economy data for a broader perspective.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration, the 2.0L turbo engine delivers ample power, but stomping on the accelerator frequently will quickly deplete your fuel. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will keep you in the engine’s more efficient operating range and improve your MPG.

Maintain proper tire inflation because underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found on the doorjamb sticker; this is a simple step that can have an impact on fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the trunk or backseat adds weight to the vehicle, reducing fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need regularly to lighten the load and improve your MPG, even small reductions in weight can change things over time.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, resulting in better fuel economy. Engage cruise control on long stretches of open road to optimize efficiency. Be mindful of changing traffic conditions and disengage cruise control when necessary.

Consider using premium fuel. While the ATS 2.0T may not strictly require premium fuel, some drivers report slightly improved fuel economy and performance when using it. Experiment with different fuel grades to see if there’s a noticeable difference in your vehicle’s performance and fuel consumption. Your results may vary depending on driving conditions and fuel quality.