The 2016 Cadillac CTS Sedan AWD 3.6L 6-cyl achieves 22 MPG combined fuel economy. It’s not a Prius, and buyers of this refined and capable sedan don’t expect it to be. The CTS, especially with all-wheel drive and the 3.6L V6, communicates personal style, performance, and comfort. This MPG means owners prioritize a refined driving experience with all-weather confidence over saving gas. For them, the efficiency is acceptable given the overall package.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for this CTS configuration. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic where the engine idles and accelerates more. The 27 MPG highway figure reflects steady cruising, where the 8-speed automatic transmission settles into higher gears, optimizing engine efficiency. These numbers suggest drivers who spend a lot of time on the highway will see fuel economy closer to 27 MPG, while those mainly in urban environments will likely see figures closer to, or even below, 19 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Cadillac CTS Sedan AWD 3.6L 6-cyl to be $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This cost is a benchmark, but individual fuel expenses will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of gasoline used. Premium fuel is recommended for best performance, and consistent use will increase annual fuel costs above the $2,000 estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world MPG for the CTS AWD 3.6L often varies. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and extreme weather can all reduce fuel economy. In contrast, conservative driving and consistent highway travel can improve it. Many owners report figures slightly below the EPA combined estimate, particularly if they frequently use the car’s performance. Expect a range of 18-25 MPG in mixed driving. Some owners of the rear-wheel drive version do slightly better. See CTS MPG across all years for more information.

How it compares

Competitors in the luxury sedan segment offer various fuel economy figures. The BMW 535i xDrive, for instance, achieves a similar 23 MPG combined with its turbocharged inline-6 engine, but it requires premium fuel, so fuel cost could be close to the same. The Audi A6 3.0T Quattro gets about 24 MPG combined, making it slightly more efficient. The Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC delivers around 23 MPG combined. These differences reflect variations in engine technology, transmission tuning, and vehicle weight. A Cadillac buyer might accept slightly lower MPG because they prefer the CTS’s styling and sharper handling, characteristics that competing models don’t always prioritize. You can review all Cadillac fuel economy data here and compare it against other brands.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Consistent, smooth acceleration and braking are crucial for fuel economy in the CTS. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking, as these actions significantly increase fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain steady speed to minimize unnecessary acceleration and deceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, as pressure can change.

Minimize idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance and can significantly impact overall fuel economy, especially in city driving.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight, requiring the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove unneeded items from the trunk and backseat to improve efficiency. This is especially effective with the CTS because of its large trunk.

Consider using cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. Be mindful of traffic conditions and avoid excessive use of cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating the benefits.