The 2017 Cadillac ATS, with its 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, gets a combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG. This isn’t the best in its class, but it shows the ATS’s focus: a sporty drive in a luxurious package. Fuel efficiency is balanced with these priorities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 ATS 2.0L gets 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. This difference shows how the engine performs in different driving conditions. The city rating reflects the frequent stops and starts of urban driving, which use more fuel. The 31 MPG highway figure shows the engine’s ability to run efficiently at steady speeds, with the transmission using its highest gears. The ATS’s light weight helps it achieve a good highway number because it requires less power to maintain speed.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Cadillac ATS 2.0L at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs could be different based on how you drive, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. Aggressive driving, excessive idling, and skipping regular maintenance will increase fuel consumption and your annual expenses. The $2,300 figure is a guide, so consider your driving habits.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standard comparison, real-world fuel economy often varies. Traffic, driving style, and the time of year can all affect MPG. ATS owners who enjoy a spirited driving experience and often use the engine’s full power might see numbers closer to the city rating, or even lower. Drivers who drive more carefully, coasting and minimizing hard acceleration, will probably see numbers closer to, or even better than, the highway rating. The ATS’s digital fuel economy display provides feedback, encouraging drivers to improve their efficiency.

How it compares

The ATS 2.0L’s fuel economy is competitive. The BMW 320i, a direct rival, gets a slightly better 28 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C300 is rated at 25 MPG combined, the same as the ATS. The Audi A4 2.0T gets 27 MPG combined. A few MPGs might not seem like much, but it adds up. But ATS buyers often want Cadillac design and driving dynamics, so they accept a small fuel economy difference. See ATS MPG across all years for a detailed comparison.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Make sure your tires are inflated properly. The correct tire pressure, listed on the driver’s side doorjamb, reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel economy, and it also makes your tires last longer and saves you money.

Avoid accelerating and braking too quickly. Quick starts and hard stops waste fuel. Smooth acceleration and looking ahead at traffic will help you control fuel consumption. The ATS’s engine is responsive and can tempt you to push it, but restraint will save you money.

Limit idling. Idling burns fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine, mostly when it is warmer. Even a few seconds of idling adds up.

On the highway, use cruise control. Keeping a constant speed reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, helping the engine run more efficiently. Cruise control is best on relatively flat roads. Turn it off when going up hills.

Follow the regular maintenance schedule. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance. Delaying maintenance can hurt performance and reduce fuel economy. See all Cadillac fuel economy data.