While 27 MPG combined won’t break any records, it does provide a balance for the 2021 Cadillac CT4 with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This car isn’t for hypermilers. Instead, it’s a compact luxury sedan designed to offer Cadillac refinement and driving enjoyment to a younger, more budget-conscious buyer. These buyers like the brand, the sharp styling, and the responsive engine, and they consider the fuel economy a reasonable tradeoff for those benefits. It’s a conscious choice: a stylish, fun car that uses gas reasonably well, rather than a purely efficiency-focused machine.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 CT4 2.0L are 23 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows the realities of stop-and-go driving, which affects turbocharged engines. The CT4’s 2.0L uses boost to deliver its peak power, and that boost requires more fuel when accelerating from a stop or driving on congested streets. The highway MPG, however, is quite good. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its most efficient range at cruising speeds, allowing for enjoyable and relatively economical long-distance trips. The 34 MPG number can be achieved in real-world conditions, especially with careful driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Cadillac CT4 2.0L at $2,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, splitting those miles between city and highway driving. This calculation uses the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA testing, which may differ from your local fuel prices. If you drive more than 15,000 miles a year, or if fuel prices in your area are higher than the national average, your actual fuel cost will be higher. This number is a standard for comparing the CT4 to other vehicles and helps show where all Cadillac fuel economy data lies in the market.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized number, but real-world fuel economy varies depending on driving style, traffic, and terrain. Drivers who accelerate quickly and spend most of their time in heavy traffic may see MPG numbers closer to the low end of the EPA range. But drivers who focus on fuel efficiency and spend more time on the open road may exceed the EPA estimates. Cadillac recommends premium fuel, but it doesn’t usually improve fuel economy enough to make up for the higher cost.

How it compares

The 2021 CT4 2.0L’s fuel economy is competitive in its class. The BMW 330i, a main competitor, gets a similar combined MPG, rated at 28 MPG. The Mercedes-Benz C300 is also rated at around 28 MPG combined. The Acura TLX 2.0T delivers a combined MPG of about 25. This comparison is important because buyers in this segment often consider these vehicles. The CT4 aims to be less expensive than its German rivals, and the slightly lower fuel economy is often a good tradeoff for a more affordable luxury sedan. Those wanting to compare CT4 MPG across all years can do so here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently. The CT4’s turbocharged engine responds a lot to the throttle. Avoid accelerating quickly from a stop. Instead, gradually increase speed to save fuel.

Keep a steady speed on the highway. Cruise control helps on long drives. By keeping a constant speed, you reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, improving fuel economy. The CT4’s adaptive cruise control system helps manage speed changes, even in moderate traffic.

Keep your tires inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended pressure, which is listed on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Don’t idle for too long. Idling wastes fuel. If you’re waiting for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern cars start up quickly and easily, so there’s no need to let the engine run while it’s not needed.

The CT4 offers driving modes, such as “Tour,” “Sport,” and “Snow/Ice.” The “Tour” mode saves fuel, so choose this mode when fuel economy matters most.