2025 Cadillac CT4

Pros 

• Strong acceleration.
• A lot of useful technological features.
• Very good gas mileage for the class.

Cons 

• There was less room in the back seat than I thought.
• One that is rigid.
• Considering the price, the inside feels cheap.

How does the motor in the CT4 work? The CT4 is definitely strong, and it speeds up quickly. Our test car with all-wheel drive and a newer 2.7-liter engine went from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds. It’s too bad the driving experience isn’t as fun in real life as it looks. When you push the turbocharged engine, it gasps and takes a long time to respond. The brake pedal on our test vehicle felt like wood and made a loud clicking sound almost every time it was pressed. This made it hard to apply the brakes smoothly. 

The CT4 may take its time to respond to your requests. Its chassis fails when it tries to make sharp turns, and the steering is too heavy to be comfortable. The 10-speed automatic transmission makes heavy shifts, and the engine stop-start system is one of the loudest in the business.

What kind of comfort does the CT4 offer? That big of a claim wasn’t backed up by much data, even though the car we tested had the Premium Luxury trim. Everything gets worse from there. The CT4 offers a more casual experience, with a leather interior that could be enhanced, and the seats provide a comfortable, though less supportive, seating option. Road noise will be heard inside the car on almost all surfaces and at almost all speeds. Considering the premium price and esteemed badge of this car, it could benefit from some enhancements. 

The suspension provides a firm driving experience, allowing you to feel the road’s texture. While some reasonably priced economy sedans offer a smoother ride, enhancing comfort would certainly make the journey more enjoyable.

How does the inside look? Overall, the cabin is fine, but there are a few strange problems. It’s easy to get in and out of the front seats, and the inside is roomy. On the other hand, the back seat is very small, even in a small class. The roof is low, the doors don’t open all the way, and you have to step over the sills. People who are six feet or taller will find it hard to sit in the back for long periods, and they might have to wriggle to get out. 

In some places, the driver’s controls and buttons look like they were thrown together without any thought for how they would work or how fun they would be to use. We had a hard time finding the right button or dial, and the rotary controller that runs the main interface felt weak.

What’s happening with the tech? Our CT4 test car had an integrated navigation system and a 14-speaker Bose surround sound system. Both were a lot of fun, and they are optional. The 8-inch touchscreen is easy to read and use for navigation, and the stereo sounds great and has many different settings. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both let you connect your phone wirelessly, and pairing via Bluetooth is easy and quick. The CT4 also has a voice recognition system that works pretty well. You can easily provide it with the correct command for directions and various car functions, even as it focuses on structured language. Adaptive cruise control is an additional feature that is unavailable on our test vehicle, but it is a standard feature on many mainstream cars.

How are things with the storage? When it comes to usefulness, the CT4 works best for everyday tasks. However, there are a lot of caveats. Even though it’s wide and deep, the trunk can only hold 10.7 cubic feet, which is the least of any car in its class. Also, unlike many of its competitors, it doesn’t have trunk handles that can be used to fold down the second row of seats. 

At first glance, the cabin’s small item storage is enough. Our test car had a center console that was a good size and a place to charge your phone. While the same console offers a unique experience, other small luxury sedans feature consoles that are more advanced. The door pockets and cupholders are designed with a compact approach. Larger child seats are better accommodated in different areas, but there are dedicated spots in the second row where they can be securely attached.

How well does the car use gas? For a luxury sedan with four cylinders, the all-wheel-drive CT4 with the 2.7-liter engine is expected to get only 25 mpg on the highway and in the city. On our standard 115-mile test route, our test car got an impressive 29.5 mpg, and it easily got better gas mileage in real life.

Is the CT4 a good deal? As we drove, we didn’t hear any shakes or rattles coming from the cabin. Other than that, there was only so much else we could suggest. Because the CT4 is so expensive, it has many hard plastic surfaces that feel cheap. The price of $46,690 for our test vehicle is fair when you look at the quality of other cars that cost the same. 

Both Cadillac’s warranties are longer than the norm for their class. The powertrain warranty lasts six years or 70,000 miles, and the basic warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles. A rust protection warranty of four years or 50,000 miles is shockingly short for a luxury brand.

The CT4 showcases several new, creative, and unique features. Its design evokes the essence of a modern luxury sedan. While the CT4 may not offer the smoothest ride, it presents an engaging driving experience that some may find refreshing. The presence of the Cadillac badge adds a touch of prestige, enhancing its appeal.

The 2025 Cadillac CT4’s mid-level Premium Luxury trim level is the best choice. This little Caddy feels even better than its badge suggests, thanks to its adaptive cruise control and leather seats. One of the extra options is a more powerful 2.7-liter engine.