16 MPG combined. That’s the number anyone considering the 2024 Cadillac CT5 V with its supercharged 6.2L V8 will face. For many buyers, that figure will disqualify the CT5 V, but for drivers who prioritize thrills and performance above all else, it’s a worthwhile trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway for this high-performance sedan. The difference between city and highway figures highlights a key weakness of the CT5 V. Stop-and-go traffic, fast acceleration, and enjoying the engine’s sound will hurt fuel economy around town. On the open road, with a more consistent speed, the CT5 V does a bit better, but it’s still not efficient. The 10-speed automatic transmission is tuned for performance, with rapid shifts that keep the engine in its power band, which helps the driving experience but not save gas.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Cadillac CT5 V at $3,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using average fuel prices. Potential buyers should consider this expense.

Real-world expectations

Real-world driving conditions likely won’t match the EPA numbers. Drivers who enjoy performance will probably see even lower numbers, especially in the city. Resisting the urge to tap into the 6.2-liter supercharged V8’s power is hard for CT5 V owners. Even drivers trying to save fuel will struggle to reach the EPA estimates, because the engine needs a heavy foot to move the car. Expect even worse fuel economy with fast driving, frequent short trips, and idling. Consider the EPA numbers a best-case scenario.

How it compares

The CT5 V has competition, and other cars offer more efficient options. The BMW M3 Competition, for example, gets a combined 18 MPG with its inline-six engine. The Audi RS5 Sportback gets 21 MPG combined, using its turbocharged V6 and mild-hybrid system. Even within Cadillac’s lineup, you can find better fuel economy. You can find all all Cadillac fuel economy data on this site. These other cars aren’t typically considered alongside the CT5 V. Someone considering a CT5 V has already weighed MPG against performance and decided that the extra horsepower is worth the fuel cost.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. The CT5 V’s supercharged engine responds quickly, but power uses gas. Smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic improve MPG without losing too much fun.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a speed minimizes acceleration and deceleration, improving efficiency. The CT5 V’s adaptive cruise control helps by adjusting speed to maintain a safe following distance.

Be sure your tires have enough air. Low tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and maintain the recommended levels, which are on the driver’s side door.

Try a lighter touch on the gas pedal in the city. The CT5 V’s power allows for fast acceleration, but don’t always show off. Gradual acceleration saves gas in traffic. Check CT5 MPG across all years to see if earlier models offer a better balance for your typical driving.