Owners of the 2018 Cadillac ATS equipped with the 3.6L V6 get 24 MPG combined. While not the best in its class, this is an acceptable trade-off for drivers who value the ATS’s sharp handling, distinctive Cadillac styling, and easily accessible power over maximum fuel efficiency. These drivers may not be hypermilers, but they want a fun driving experience that doesn’t empty their wallets at the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 ATS 3.6L are 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic, where the V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission will burn more fuel. The highway MPG is better, showing the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at steady speeds. You’ll get the best fuel economy on long road trips, but expect that number to decrease if you frequently accelerate to pass or drive on hilly roads. View ATS MPG across all years to see how this compares to other model years.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Cadillac ATS 3.6L at $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year and the national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs might be different depending on your driving, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended), and local gas prices. If you drive much more or less than 15,000 miles a year, adjust this estimate to get a more accurate idea of your fuel expenses. To get accurate fuel data for other models, you can browse all Cadillac fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and long periods of idling all hurt fuel consumption. Careful driving and regular vehicle maintenance can help you meet, or even beat, the EPA estimates. Some owners report numbers close to the EPA figures, but others do not because of their driving styles and conditions. Your mileage may vary.

How it compares

The 2018 ATS 3.6L’s fuel economy is in the middle of the compact luxury sedan class. Take the BMW 340i, for example. It offers similar performance, but its turbocharged inline-six engine often gets slightly better fuel economy in real-world testing, around 25-26 MPG combined. Some versions of the Audi A4 with the 2.0T engine are closer to 27 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C300 offers similar luxury but might get lower fuel economy, around 23 MPG combined in real world conditions. For ATS buyers, the slightly lower fuel economy is a compromise for the ATS’s styling and sharper handling dynamics, which set it apart from its German rivals.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid excessive idling. The 3.6L V6 uses fuel even when the car is stopped. Keep idling time to a minimum, especially in traffic or while waiting. Turning off the engine during longer stops can save some fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure against the recommended levels on the driver’s side doorjamb. This will improve fuel economy and extend tire life.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control maintains a consistent speed, reducing unnecessary acceleration and braking. A smooth driving style can improve highway fuel economy, especially on long trips. Pay attention to terrain and traffic, and turn off cruise control when necessary for safety.

Maintain your car regularly. A well-maintained engine is an efficient engine. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks. Fixing small problems early prevents them from wasting fuel.

Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking. Watch the traffic and maintain a steady speed when possible. The less you accelerate and decelerate, the less fuel you use. This is especially important in city driving.