The 2016 Cadillac CT6 AWD 3.0L gets 21 MPG combined. It’s not the most fuel-efficient, but that isn’t the main draw of this car. Especially with all-wheel drive and the strong 3.0L six-cylinder engine, the CT6 makes a statement about American luxury. This is for the executive who wants a spacious, comfortable, and powerful sedan, and is willing to use more gas for it. Buyers likely care more about supple leather and advanced technology like Super Cruise than saving every last drop of fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that this CT6 will achieve 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the extra weight and drivetrain loss from the all-wheel drive, mostly when stopping and starting. The highway number is more respectable. On long trips at consistent speeds, you might see numbers a little higher than that, especially with a careful foot and cruise control. This vehicle has an 8-speed automatic transmission, which helps to get the most out of the engine’s available power.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost is $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs can change based on your driving, the gas you buy, and local gas prices. Drivers who accelerate quickly or who drive often in cities will probably spend more than this estimate, while those who drive more gently and spend more time on highways might see lower costs.

Real-world expectations

Official MPG numbers are useful to make comparisons, but they don’t always show what you’ll see in everyday driving. The CT6’s AWD system uses some extra gas. The 3.0L V6 encourages drivers to accelerate quickly. If you often drive aggressively, expect your average fuel economy to be lower than the EPA rating. Drivers who want to save gas by driving more conservatively can probably get closer to the official numbers. Weather, terrain, and tire pressure also matter.

How it compares

Compared to competitors, this CT6 is about in the middle. A 2016 BMW 535i xDrive, for example, is rated at 20 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, for a slight advantage on the highway. The Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC from the same year gets around 20 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. The CT6 has more interior space than those cars. The Lexus GS 350 AWD comes in around 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. These MPG differences might look small, but they can add up over a year. Even so, the CT6 has its own American style and features.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key. The 3.0L V6 is responsive, so try to avoid accelerating hard. Smooth acceleration saves fuel and reduces wear on the car. On the highway, use cruise control to keep a steady speed, which helps use less fuel. This works best on flat roads where the system doesn’t have to make constant adjustments.

How inflated your tires are can also change your fuel economy. Check your tires often and keep them at the recommended pressure listed on the door. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Correctly inflated tires also help handling and safety.

Take out extra weight. Too much cargo in the trunk adds weight, which hurts fuel economy. Only carry the things you need, and remove anything extra from the trunk to help the engine improve gas mileage. Don’t use roof racks or cargo carriers unless you have to because they create drag and use more fuel.

Think about the drive mode. The CT6 probably has different drive modes that can change fuel economy. In “Tour” or “Eco” mode, the car might soften how it responds to the gas pedal and change when the transmission shifts to save gas. This might reduce performance, but it can help fuel economy, especially in city driving. Explore CT6 MPG across all years to compare other model options.

Keeping your vehicle well-maintained is important. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance, ensures the engine runs efficiently. A well-maintained engine uses less fuel and runs better than one that isn’t maintained. Check the owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule and keep up with all service. See all Cadillac fuel economy data for comparison.