2016 Cadillac XTS Pros vs Cons

2016 marks the Cadillac XTS’s fifth year as the last of the big old-style Cadillacs. It is perfect for older drivers who prize comfort and interior space as much as (or more than) how well a vehicle performs and handles. Designed in accordance with the brand’s theme of “art and science,” the 2016 Cadillac XTS is appealing to look at in addition to performing well due to its powerful engine and all-wheel drive. Of course, it also offers a large amount of interior space including an immense trunk.

What’s New for 2016 Aside from some additions in the area of tech, the 2016 Cadillac XTS has essentially been carried over. The few new additions include a wireless phone charger that comes standard. The CUE infotainment interface has been revised and has gotten new Apple CarPlay functionality. Also, a surround-view camera system is included in the Driver Awareness Package. The other notable tech-related change is the fact that the SD card slot was eliminated for this model year. On the exterior, the XTS’s Platinum trim gets a new grille. Aside from those changes, the 2016 XTS has much of the same elements as its predecessors from recent years. It is still a luxury sedan offering two decent V6 engine options along with a wide range of high-tech features.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2016 Cadillac XTS – The Pros

1. Large Interior Space
This is the XTS’s standout feature when compared to other luxury sedans on the market. While there are other vehicles that match the XTS regarding size and attractiveness, there are none that can match it for interior room.

2. An Abundance of Standard Tech Features
XTS buyers will get Bluetooth connectivity for their phone along with a 4G LTE connection that can function as a hotspot. The CUE infotainment system’s hub is an 8-inch color touchscreen. Other features include OnStar, voice controls and a Bose sound system that has eight speakers.

3. The Luxury Collection’s Features
This trim offers dual exhaust, power folding mirrors and illuminated door handles among a range of other features. With the Luxury Collection, buyers get the option of the Driver Awareness package. The Driver Awareness Package adds a variety of safety features such as lane-departure warning and prevention along with a blind-spot monitor and the aforementioned surround-view camera system.

4. The Premium Collection’s Features
The Driver Awareness package is standard with this trim. The Premium Collection also gets a head-up display along with tri-zone climate control and adaptive automatic headlights among other features. Its Bose sound system has 14 speakers. There is also the option of the Driver Assist Package with the Premium Collection trim. This package offers adaptive cruise control and a power rear-window sunshade.

5. The VSport Premium’s Features
This trim gets 20-inch wheels along with an electronic limited-slip differential. The Driver Assist package is an option with the Vsport Premium as well.

6. The Platinum Collection’s Features
This trim gets the options of the above trims as standard features. The Platinum Collection also gets its own 20-inch chrome-accented wheels along with distinctive exterior styling elements like a unique grille. On the interior, its gets leather upholstery along with leather trim and a headliner made from faux suede. Buyers who opt for this trim will get power-adjustable front seats that have a massage function.

7. It Delivers a Comfortable Driving Experience
Comfort is a priority for Cadillac owners and the XTS offers a lot of it. The ride is extremely smooth even on rougher surfaces; however, it is not the floating ride of older Cadillacs. The 2016 Cadillac XTS manages to find a balance between being both nimble and comfortable.

8. The Engine Options
Most of the XTS models come with a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 304 HP. As might be expected, the engine is very smooth with both front or all-wheel drive. The VSport gets a twin-turbocharged 410 HP 3.6-liter V6. Buyers who are considering giving the XTS a pass because there is no V8 option should seriously consider trying out the VSport.

9. The Crash Test Ratings
The 2016 Cadillac XTS gets five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded “good” scores for all the tests performed.

10. The Exterior

The 2016 Cadillac XTS has the right balance of sharp angles and curves to make it an attractive,  large sedan. It has a clean, smooth profile but still has the distinctive Cadillac look that makes it stand out from other luxury sedans. It vaguely resembles the Buick LaCrosse and Chevy Impala with which it shares its platform and base V6 Engine.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2016 Cadillac XTS – The Cons

1. Less Power in the Base Engine
While the standard XTS excels as a cruiser, it lacks the confident power typical of older Cadillacs. Car buyers seeking more power should try out the VSport trim, which is more reminiscent of an older Cadillac V8.

2. The Abundance of Technology
A lot of high-tech features may be intimidating for less tech-savvy buyers.

3. The Trunk
The trunk offers 18 cubic feet of capacity making it one of the largest available. The drawback is that is very narrow, which means longer items may be difficult to position.

4. The Capacitive Audio and Climate Control Buttons
The buttons below the CUE touchscreen are touch-sensitive. These buttons are used to control the audio and climate systems but are difficult to use while driving since you will have to look down at them to use them efficiently.

How the 2016 Cadillac XTS Stacks Up Against the Competition
Competitors like the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class are midsize luxury sedans and will not be able to deliver the full-size land yacht experience that the XTS provides. There is ample head and leg room in both the front and rear seats.

Conclusion
Along with being the largest car in the Cadillac lineup, the XTS offers exactly the level of quality and comfort that Cadillac drivers expect. Despite its relatively high price tag, it offers an excellent mix of agility and comfort. Buyers who choose the Vsport trim can expect a fair amount of power as well. When combined, all of the above factors make the 2016 Cadillac XTS a significant value in its class.