2019 Cadillac CTS Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Unlike the Cadillac sedans of yesteryear, the 2019 Cadillac CTS is engineered to keep drivers engaged with its lively performance. You’ll appreciate this midsize luxury sedan’s precise handling and comfortable front seats. Many drivers will not mind its stiffer ride. Snazzy exterior styling also makes the new 2019 Cadillac CTS a great choice. Let’s find out what separates one CTS trim from the next.

Compare the 2019 Cadillac CTS Base vs Luxury Trims. What is the difference?

With a starting price of less than $47,000, the base CTS is the most affordable trim. However, it still proves to be fun and luxurious. Powering the base CTS is a 2.0-liter, boosted four-cylinder engine. Cadillac rates it to generate 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. To no surprise, this is the most efficient engine in the lineup. An eight-speed automatic transmission is responsible for delivering the power to the wheels.

While rear-wheel-drive comes standard, Cadillac offers an AWD system as an option. Drivers living in snow-prone areas will definitely need the extra grip. Despite being at the bottom of the lineup, the base CTS still comes equipped with high-performance Brembo front brakes.

On the inside, the base CTS provides enough creature comforts to satisfy most people. You’ll certainly appreciate the sedan’s eight-way power seats, which are extremely comfortable. Simulated-leather upholstery covers the interior. For buyers who desire a more upscale interior, Cadillac offers a Seating package. It provides heated/ventilated leather seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with heating, and ambient interior lighting.

Ample technology comes standard on the base CTS. Featuring an 8.0-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto device integration, Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system has improved greatly over the years. Meanwhile, a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot is built into the award-winning OnStar communications system. Some of the other key highlights include an 11-speaker Bose surround-sound system with satellite radio, Bluetooth, and voice controls.

Unfortunately, no advanced driver-assist safety technologies are available on the base CTS. Nevertheless, a standard reversing camera and parking sensors help you to squeeze in and out of small spaces.

Priced at $52,695, the Luxury trim packs an even more rewarding list of standard equipment. It also gives you access to an optional V6 engine, which pumps out a healthier 335 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. If you desire more aggressive handling, opt for the CTS Luxury’s V-Sport package. This package adds a sports-tuned suspension and upgraded performance tires.

In terms of exterior styling, you won’t notice any big differences between the base CTS and the CTS Luxury. These trims come standard with the same 17-inch alloy wheels. However, adaptive xenon headlights give the CTS Luxury an advantage at night.

The base model’s optional Seating package comes standard on the CTS Luxury. It also comes equipped with a sunroof, navigation, and a 13-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Additional safety features also help set apart the CTS Luxury. While blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert points out unseen vehicles, forward collision alert prepares you for the unexpected danger. Lane-keep assist and a Following Distance Indicator are included as well.

Compare the 2019 CTS Luxury vs Premium Luxury Trims. What is the difference?

The Premium Luxury trim has an appropriate name. It builds upon the CTS Luxury’s nice features. A V6 engine comes standard on the Premium Luxury trim. You’ll also benefit from adaptive suspension dampers, which enhance overall ride quality.

When doing a side-by-side comparison of the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, you’ll notice a key difference. A larger set of 18-inch alloy wheels give the CTS Premium Luxury a more powerful stance. Illuminated door handles also help the CTS Premium Luxury to have a more upscale character.

There’s also a few more niceties inside the CTS Premium Luxury. While heated rear seats and tri-zone automatic climate control enhance comfort, a Rear Camera Mirror helps limit the sedan’s number of blind spots. Some of the other upgrades consist of a color head-up display, a power rear sunshade, and a top-down parking camera. Stand-alone options include digital gauges and 20-way sport seats.

To enhance your safety on the road, get the CTS Premium Luxury’s optional Driver Assist package. You’ll be able to enjoy automatic emergency braking and smart cruise control.

Compare the CTS Premium Luxury vs V-Sport Trims. What is the difference?

This trim is styled like the CTS Premium Luxury. However, the CTS V-Sport delivers a more exciting drive. It comes equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine, which unleashes 420 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. An upgraded cooling system helps prevent overheating. There’s definitely no denying the V-Sport trim’s stronger performance. As expected, fuel efficiency does take a dip.

Unlike the lower trims, the CTS V-Sport is only available with rear-wheel drive. Sports-tuned suspension dampers and a performance steering system help you to carve twisty roads with greater confidence. An electronic limited-slip rear differential further aids the CTS V-Sport’s handling. You can also take advantage of this trim’s Track driving mode.

The CTS V-Sport’s list of standard equipment is very similar to that of the lower Luxury trim. Among the CTS V-Sport’s features not found on the CTS Luxury is the self-parking system. This feature promises to make parking a lot simpler.

Compare the CTS V-Sport vs V-Sport Premium Luxury Trims. What is the difference?

Think of the CTS V-Sport Premium luxury as a more powerful and sharper handling version of the standard Premium Luxury trim. It boasts all of the same features, including the Rear Camera Mirror and head-up display. Of course, the CTS V-Sport Premium Luxury comes equipped with the V-Sport trim’s same turbocharged V6 engine.

Compare the 2019 CTS V-Sport Premium Luxury vs CTS-V Trims. What is the difference?

Atop the performance ladder sits the scorching CTS-V. This trim is designed to compete against the world’s elite sports sedans. It’s powered by a supercharged V8 engine, which pounds out 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. While the CTS V-Sport Premium Luxury is fast, the V8-powered CTS-V is even quicker. You'll be able to reach 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. An adaptive suspension and summer performance tires come standard.

The CTS-V looks noticeably meaner than the other trims. It comes decked out which a performance grille and a vented hood. Meanwhile, a set of 19-inch forged alloy wheels highlight the sedan’s lower ride height. On the rear, quad exhaust tips further accentuate the CTS-V’s racy appearance. Cadillac offers a Carbon Fiber package as an option.

When you step inside the CTS-V, you’ll be greeted by a thick-rim steering wheel. Premium features, like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 13-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, also come standard on the CTS-V. Unlike the other CTS trims, the CTS-V can be equipped with a Performance Data Recorder. Not only does this feature provide performance data like steering angle and 0-60 mph times, but it can also record your driving experience from a first-person perspective.

Just a few more upgrades are available. An optional Luxury package provides heated rear seats, Cadillac’s Rear Camera Mirror, and tri-zone automatic climate control. You can also upgrade the CTS-V with either ventilated seats or Recaro racing seats. Remember, prices for this high-performance model start at nearly $87,000.

Final Thoughts

If you’re simply looking for a fun sedan that comes loaded with must-have features, the base CTS will keep you happy. Its standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a good choice for commuting. Although the base CTS does not offer any advanced safety technologies, you will enjoy must-have features like a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot and a smartphone-friendly infotainment system.

For an extra $6,300, buyers can step up to the CTS Luxury. However, opting for the V6 engine causes the sedan’s total cost to increase. On the bright, you'll find the V6 engine to be only slightly less efficient on the highway. Cadillac also offers an optional V-Sport package, which aids handling. Luckily, the CTS Luxury does provide standard blind-spot monitoring and forward collision alert.

In comparison to the base CTS, the CTS Premium Luxury is a bit pricey. Nonetheless, some drivers will be interested in this trim's self-parking system and the Rear Camera Mirror.

Drivers seeking more performance should choose either the CTS V-Sport or the CTS-V. If cost is an issue, you’ll find the CTS V-Sport to be the better value. Its starting MSRP is around $25,300 less than what you'll be paying for a new CTS-V. The high-performance CTS-V’s price tag will be just a bit too much for the average consumer to handle. However, car critics hail the CTS-V as one of today’s best sports sedans.

Key Features of the 2019 Cadillac CTS

When checking out the new 2019 Cadillac CTS, you’ll have multiple engines to choose from. While the base turbocharged engine is efficient and powerful enough for the average driver, others will want a bit more muscle. Upgrading to the V6 engine will solve this problem. Whether you choose the V-Sport’s turbocharged V6 engine or the CTS-V’s supercharged V8 engine, you’ll never be short on power.

The 2019 Cadillac CTS allows you to choose between two different Bose audio systems. Most music listens will have no issues with the standard 11-speaker unit. However, upgrading to the 13-speaker system treats you to a surround-sound experience.