While 17 MPG combined won’t impress performance SUV enthusiasts, it’s a reality for specialized funeral vehicles. The 2018 Cadillac XTS Hearse prioritizes dignified transport, generous interior space, and the reliable performance expected for its unique purpose, not fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the XTS Hearse gets 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These numbers show how stop-and-go driving affects a heavy vehicle. Heavy, custom coaches are less efficient in cities due to frequent acceleration and braking. The highway MPG, while still modest, indicates better fuel economy at steady speeds. The 3.6L V6 engine, with its six-speed automatic transmission, provides sufficient power for its intended use, but it’s engineered for smooth, predictable power delivery, which is most important in this case, not fuel savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA projects an annual fuel cost of $2,600 for the 2018 Cadillac XTS Hearse, assuming 15,000 miles driven per year and national average fuel prices. This is considerable expense that funeral home directors must consider in their budgets. Actual fuel costs will differ based on local fuel prices, driving habits, and routes driven. However, the $2,600 estimate offers a guideline for budgeting and comparing fuel costs across different vehicles in a fleet. A comparison of XTS MPG across all years reveals that such purpose-built hearses are much less efficient than regular XTS luxury sedans.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are standardized, but the XTS Hearse’s real-world fuel economy can vary. Expect figures near or below the 15 MPG city rating for mainly urban driving with frequent idling and short trips. Hearses often spend time idling, further decreasing fuel economy. Consistent highway speeds may approach the 21 MPG highway estimate. Actual fuel consumption depends on the coachwork’s weight, driving style, and terrain. Experienced funeral directors adjust their fuel budgets accordingly.

How it compares

Comparing a hearse’s fuel economy to standard passenger cars isn’t really fair. The Cadillac XTS Hearse is a specialized vehicle with a big, heavy body. Still, we can look at the wider car market. A large SUV like the Chevrolet Tahoe, often used for equipment or personnel, gets around 18 MPG combined with its 5.3L V8, making it only slightly more efficient. The Lincoln Navigator, another luxury option, also gets about 18 MPG combined, highlighting the fuel demands of large, body-on-frame vehicles. Remember that all Cadillac fuel economy data is less impressive than non-commercial vehicles.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency isn’t the main focus for the XTS Hearse, operators can still take steps to reduce fuel use.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Idling wastes fuel. Drivers should turn off the engine when stopped for longer periods, where possible and safe, to save fuel. Short stops don’t usually call for turning off the engine, but longer stops do.

Keep tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure raises rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Regularly check and inflate tires to the recommended pressure to improve fuel economy and extend tire life. The XTS Hearse is heavy, so correct tire inflation is even more important.

Drive smoothly. Quick acceleration and hard braking increase fuel consumption. Gradual acceleration and anticipating traffic result in smoother, more efficient driving. A smooth ride is important for the hearse’s purpose anyway.

Schedule regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine is more efficient. Follow the manufacturer’s service schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance, to maintain peak engine performance and fuel economy. Regular transmission servicing also helps improve overall efficiency.