2020 Cadillac CT4 Pros vs Cons

From 2012 to 2019, the Cadillac ATS was the company's executive sedan. It came in both a four-door model and a two-door coupe. Unfortunately, it also came with a number of problems. Though the Cadillac engineers attempted to clear them up, it never seemed to work.

Thus, the ATS is no more. In its place is the 2020 Cadillac CT4. The goal of this sedan was to rectify the constant problems of its predecessor. Though it has been improved, will the changes be enough to remove the stigma of the ATS?

What's New for 2020?

The 2020 Cadillac is a new model that introduces this first-generation sedan to the public. Built from the ground up, it has a design similar to the executive vehicles of European manufacturers.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Cadillac CT4 – The Pros

1. A Combination of Style and Performance

The engineers at Cadillac didn't want to simply replace the ATS. They wanted to do it right the first time. So, to make this work, they created the 2020 Cadillac CT4 to be both stylish and a performer that straddled both the sport-luxury and .upscale compact markets.

The vehicle's exterior is a combination of rounded and sharp edges. The front-end is impressive with a double grille and a modern take on the LED headlights. The vehicle's rear is flat with a wide trunk opening. Put side-by-side with a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, consumers may not know the difference.

2. Low Cost Across All Trims

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 comes in four trims. The good news is all of them have a starting MSRP fairly reasonable for a luxury sedan. The lowest trim, the Luxury, begins at $33,000. The performance-based CT4-V goes for $44,000. At only a $10,000 difference, it may fit most consumer's budgets.

3. Powerful Engine Options

Small stature doesn't mean a lack of big performance. The trims of the 2020 Cadillac CT4 offer a few engine options that cater to different driver types. The first three trims come standard with a 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It provides a maximum of 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The CT4-V takes this performance a step further. It has a standard 2.7-liter, Dual Volute High-Output Turbo engine with a quad exhaust. This powertrain offers a maximum of 325 horsepower and a torque value of 380 pound-feet. Attach a tow hook to the back, and the CT4-V could carry thousands of pounds of material.

4. Available Semi-Automated System

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 takes the next step toward automated driving with the Super Cruise semi-automated system. This proprietary technology has wireless communication advancements and built-in sensors to control vehicle speed and steering under certain conditions. Part of a wider distribution, the CT4's Super Cruise option is a good opportunity for Cadillac to see how well its semi-autonomous system works with its newest designs.

5. User-friendly Controls

The predecessor to the 2020 Cadillac CT4, the ATS, had a system of controls that resembled the panels on various starships. The engineers noticed this and pulled back on the touch-sensitive interface to give the CT4 some more user-friendly controls. Even with Super Cruise installed, activation will be based on buttons and the infotainment screen.

6. New Touchscreen Interface

Like the touch-sensitive interfaces, the ATS's CUE infotainment system was not a favorite of drivers. This has been replaced on the 2020 Cadillac CT4 with a more traditional 8-inch touchscreen that features the ability to tap, swipe, and pinch-to-zoom. There's another 8-inch display in the control panel that replaces the ATS' anarchic analog gauges.

7. Noise-canceling Sound System

To maintain a quiet ride in the city and, especially, the highway, the 2020 Cadillac CT4 features an active noise control system. Sensors built into the chassis and exterior detect vibrations and environmental sounds. In turn, the sensors absorb a large amount of the atmospheric debris. The result is an extremely quiet ride in the interior cabin.

8. Standard Driver Assist Aids

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 has as many driver assist aids as standard features as it does optional upgrades. And many of those, like Blind Zone and Cross Traffic Assist, are simply enhancements to an already robust package.

Besides the standard HD rear-view camera, the CT4 comes with alerts for forward collisions in the form of a warning signal and heads-up icon on the windshield. Rear Park Assist aids in the avoidance of cars and other objects. Front Pedestrian Braking causes an emergency stop when a person is detected in front of the car.

9. Two Powertrain Offerings

It's always good to have a choice, particularly when the consumer is willing to increase their budget. In the case of the 2020 Cadillac CT4, the extra money is well-spent if they want to switch their powertrain. The first three trims in the model all come standard with rear-wheel-drive (RWD). Should the driver be willing to make an investment, they can upgrade to the CT4-V and its all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability.

10. Connectivity Options Abound

Minus a built-in hotspot, the 2020 CT4 can double as an internet cafe. One-touch Bluetooth pairing connects a streaming device to the vehicle’s sound system without spending minutes looking for the right device or network. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility bring the icons of these devices onto the car's touch screen. Furthermore, OnStar is enabled to determine traffic patterns and alert a central office should there be an accident.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Cadillac CT4 – The Cons

1. Less Power than the ATS

While the powertrain of the CT4 is strong, it's not as powerful as the ATS. For instance, the maximum horsepower the latter vehicle could attain was over 400. In turn, the pound-feet of torque also increased. This can be a turn-off to some consumers looking for the most power possible.

2. Lack of a Built-in Hotspot

Other General Motor vehicles offer a built-in 4G LTE hotspot for quick connecting and streaming. Some of these are less luxurious than the CT4. Yet, while it has some amazing connectivity options, the lack of a built-in hotspot is disappointing. Particularly since it has the ability for wireless communication via the Super Cruise system.

3. High-end Safety Aids not Standard

The Cadillac CT4 has an impressive suite of driver assist tools. Unfortunately, the ones that many drivers want, like a blind zone alert or adaptive cruise control, are considered upgrades. Not only in the basic trim but also in the CT4-V. At least some of these should be part of the most expensive trim.

4. Lack of regulation for Super Cruise

Super Cruise looks to be a large improvement in semi-automated driving. However, no matter how many vehicles have it, it won't do much unless regulations connected to it are reviewed and approved. This has stopped automobiles like the CT4 from going full-time with the technology.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 is somewhere between a sport-luxury sedan and a compact. Therefore, it gets paired up to a couple of competitors. For instance, when matched with the Audi A3, the CT4 ties when it comes to handling and tech offerings and loses with engine power. What it wins at is roominess in both the front and second rows.

In a review between the CT4 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Cadillac is champion with its speed, flexibility, and deep trunk space. Where it unfortunately falters is in its interior design. The A-Class is decidedly more upmarket for its base MSRP. Finally, when looking at the CT4 and its larger sibling, the CT5, the smaller Cadillac has more power but less standard technology.

Conclusion

After the disaster of the ATS turned former fans away, Cadillac hopes the new CT4 will draw them back from admiring its European adversaries. Should it stand up to the hype, it looks like it will do it for a few reasons.

First, the 2020 Cadillac CT4 looks sharp. Its clean lines and angles make it look like a classic Caddy. In turn, it allows it to stand up to European competitors. Second, the CT4's starting MSRPs are lower than its counterparts across the pond.

Third, it's a fun car to drive. Regardless if they travel in the Luxury or the CT4-V, consumers will enjoy the vehicle's pickup and handling. In addition, they'll feel comfortable within the quiet interior as they operate user-friendly controls.

Finally, the CT4 is ready to go semi-automatic with Super Cruise. If the vehicle is taken on the highway more often than not, then this system will be an advantage for those drivers.

The downsides, while minor, may still turn off customers. For instance, lower horsepower and torque capabilities than the ATS may stop people from going further than just looking. Furthermore, they might look elsewhere for a similar vehicle that has more standard driver assist aids than the CT4.

Overall, consumers can't beat the price of this vehicle as opposed to those on the European market. That may be the main item that turns them from observers to those who drive the Cadillac CT4 out of the lot.