The 2018 Cadillac CTS with the 3.6L V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission gets 19 MPG combined, which isn’t going to win any fuel efficiency contests. This car isn’t designed to compete with hybrids. This generation of the CTS, especially with the V6, is for drivers who want a balance of performance, luxury, and American-made quality over saving gas. They see the CTS V6’s fuel economy as a trade-off for its responsive engine and refined handling.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2018 CTS 3.6L gets 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the engine spends a lot of time idling or accelerating. The highway number is a more optimistic view of fuel consumption at steady speeds. Achieving that mileage depends on your driving style. If you have a lead foot, expect lower numbers than the EPA suggests. Factors like traffic, road conditions, and temperature can significantly affect your fuel economy, especially in cities.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Cadillac CTS 3.6L is about $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. Fuel prices change, so your costs may be higher or lower depending on where you live, how you drive, and if you use a higher grade of gasoline than recommended, which would be a waste. It’s still a major expense when considering the cost of owning this car.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard estimate, real-world fuel economy can change. Drivers of the 2018 CTS 3.6L often report numbers close to the EPA estimates, but this depends on driving habits and conditions. Hard acceleration, frequent hard braking, and long idling all lower MPG. Smooth driving, steady speeds, and minimizing idling can often achieve figures at or slightly above the EPA’s ratings. The terrain matters too; hills reduce fuel efficiency more than flat highways.

The best way to know your expected fuel economy is to use a fuel tracking app or calculate your MPG over several fill-ups.

How it compares

The 2018 CTS 3.6L’s fuel economy places it in a specific spot among its competitors. The BMW 540i xDrive gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC also gets a slightly higher combined rating. Even the Audi A6 3.0T boasts a combined rating of 24 MPG.

The CTS buyer sees value in the Cadillac’s design, driving feel, and brand, and can access all Cadillac fuel economy data if they’re concerned. The Cadillac’s MPG might not be the best, but it prioritizes other aspects than just fuel efficiency. If you’re curious about CTS MPG across all years, there is lots of good information available.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important for good fuel economy. Use fresh engine oil, a clean air filter, and properly inflated tires in your 2018 CTS. These steps can reduce engine drag and improve efficiency. Follow the service schedule in your owner’s manual to keep your CTS running well.

Driving style is the most important factor for MPG. Avoid hard acceleration and braking, as these use more fuel. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady pace. Using cruise control on the highway minimizes speed changes and improves fuel efficiency.

Remove extra weight from your car. Cargo in the trunk or back seat adds weight and reduces fuel economy. Remove items that are not needed for your daily commute or trips. Small amounts of weight add up and affect your MPG.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel and causes emissions. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars restart quickly, so there’s no need to let the engine run. This is especially true in cold weather, as modern engines warm up faster while driving than idling.

Plan your routes to avoid heavy traffic. Stop-and-go traffic lowers fuel economy. Use navigation apps to find other routes or adjust your commute to avoid rush hour to minimize idling and maintain a more consistent speed. This saves time and improves your CTS’s fuel efficiency.