The 2012 CTS is available as a five-seat sedan or a four-seat coupe. A 3.0-liter V6 is standard and a 3.6-liter V6 is available. Critics agreed that the base engine isn’t especially powerful and that the larger engine is a better choice as it makes more power without a reduction in fuel economy. According to the EPA, the 2012 Cadillac CTS sedan gets 18/27 mpg city/highway with either V6, which is low for the class. The high-performance CTS-V is powered by a supercharged V8. The CTS is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. Though some reviewers said the CTS is not quite as agile as rivals like the 2012 BMW 3-Series or Infiniti G37, most agree
d that it still handles very well overall, with controlled body motions during cornering, nicely weighted steering, and powerful brakes. Test drivers added that the CTS has a comfortable ride and absorbs bumps well, though they said that models with one of the
e available sport suspensions have much harsher rides.
Critics thought the 2012 Cadillac
ac CTS’ interior design is very dashing and the cabin is filled with first-rate materials. Reviewers said the front seats don’t offer enough knee room and have firm cushions. They reported that the sedan’s rear seats don’t have enough head- or legroom for tall car passengers and rearward visibility is not very good. The CTS’ 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is on par for the class, though reviewers complained that its opening is small. Standard features in the 2012 CTS include an eight-speaker Bose stereo system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and dual-zone automatic car climate control. Available features include a sunroof, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a 10-speaker Bose stereo system, navigation and heated and cooled front seats.
The Cadillac car offers two engines, two transmissions, and two drivetrain options in its CTS lineup. The CTS Sport Sedan and Sport Wagon are available with a 3.0-liter 270-hp and 223 lb-ft of torque V-6, while all three models are available with the 3.6-liter 318-hp 275 lb-ft V-6. Those interested in rowing their own gears are limited to the CTS Standard and Luxury Sport Sedan with the 3.0-liter V-6 in rear-drive; those looking to grow their own gears with more power will have to take a step up to the CTS-V Sedan, Coupe, and Wagon. All three body styles are available with all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission, and either engine.
Cadillac didn’t make any safety changes to the 2012 CTS Sport Sedan, Coupe, or Sports Wagon. All CTS’ comes standard with six airbags. Including a dual-stage driver car airbag, dual-depth front-passenger airbag, driver and front passenger-side seat-mounted pelvic and thorax side airbags, and a roof-rail side curtain airbag with rollover protection that protects both rows of passengers. The CTS also comes standard with traction control, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Rear park assist and a rearview camera system are both available options.
