20 MPG combined is the EPA’s fuel economy estimate for the 2018 Cadillac ATS-V 3.6L 6-cyl. This figure might deter shoppers looking at the standard ATS sedan, but it’s often seen as an acceptable trade-off for performance enthusiasts who want a track-capable sports sedan with American styling. Nobody buys an ATS-V for its fuel efficiency, that’s clear. They buy it for the precise handling, the quick acceleration, and the styling that sets it apart from other luxury sedans. Fuel economy is simply a factor they’ve considered and accepted.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates of 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway show the ATS-V’s focus on performance rather than economy. The difference between city and highway MPG suggests that driving style significantly impacts fuel consumption. Driving gently at consistent speeds on the open road will get you closer to the 25 MPG highway estimate. Accelerating hard and driving in stop-and-go traffic will reduce city MPG, potentially dropping it below 17 MPG. The eight-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but the twin-turbocharged V6 is built for power, and producing that power requires fuel. Owners who prioritize performance driving should expect averages near the EPA’s numbers, or even slightly lower. See ATS V MPG across all years for a generational overview.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Cadillac ATS-V 3.6L 6-cyl at $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, and using fuel at the national average price. This $2,900 provides a useful benchmark for budgeting, but individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, location, and local fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

The real-world fuel economy for the ATS-V can vary. Owners who frequently drive on a track will likely see fuel economy lower than the EPA estimates. Owners who primarily use the ATS-V for highway commuting and drive conservatively may achieve slightly better than the EPA’s 25 MPG highway estimate. Online forums and owner reviews indicate that a combined MPG in the high teens is common for many ATS-V owners, illustrating the car’s performance nature. The ATS-V uses slightly less gas with a restrained driving style, but its nature encourages spirited driving.

How it compares

The 2018 ATS-V’s fuel economy is similar to other compact performance sedans. For example, the 2018 BMW M3 has an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined, with 17 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S, with its V8, returns slightly lower numbers, around 18 MPG combined. The Audi RS 5 Sportback gets 19 MPG combined. These cars are the ATS-V’s rivals in performance and price, and their fuel economy figures highlight the trade-off between driving excitement and saving money on gas. The ATS-V buyer isn’t cross-shopping with a Toyota Prius, they’re comparing it to the best performance vehicles from Europe and America. They are willing to pay a premium for the experience. Check all Cadillac fuel economy data to understand the brand’s broader efficiency landscape.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady acceleration helps save fuel in the ATS-V. Avoid flooring the gas pedal and anticipate traffic to minimize braking. The twin-turbo V6 responds quickly to requests for power, which uses more gas.

You can use the ATS-V’s driving modes. “Tour” mode softens the suspension and changes the engine mapping for a more relaxed driving experience, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. “Sport” and “Track” modes give the car its full power, but they use more fuel.

Keep your tires inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side door. This can make a difference.

Remove extra weight from the car. The ATS-V is a lightweight performance sedan, but unnecessary cargo can still hurt fuel economy. Remove items you don’t need to lighten the load and improve efficiency.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can help reduce changes in throttle, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. Pay attention to traffic and be ready to turn off cruise control.