2023 Cadillac CT4 Sedan

　　

2023 Cadillac CT4 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　For the most part, American luxury carmakers have abandoned sedans in favor of more lucrative SUVs. Cadillac is the final holdout in a last stand against rivals from overseas with its CT4 and CT5 sedans, along with the forthcoming all-electric Celestiq. The 2023 Cadillac CT4 represents the brand's entry-level sedan that ranges from mild to spicy in terms of power. There's also the high-performance CT4-V Blackwing that's reviewed separately.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Cadillac CT4 Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$169/mo  for CT4 Luxury

　　CT4 Luxury

　　Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $34,395 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,295 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,495 MSRPV 4dr Sedan (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $46,595 MSRPV Blackwing 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 6M) - $60,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　This year, the CT4 returns with only a few minor changes. A new Surround Vision Recorder option acts like a 360-degree dash cam so you can share your epic videos with friends or possibly prove you weren't at fault in a collision. Other changes are limited to paint colors and wheel choices.

　　While the 2023 Cadillac CT4 remains notable as one of the few American-made luxury sedans, it's easily overshadowed and outclassed by the German brands. These include the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. They're all more expensive than the CT4, but we think you'll agree they're worth it, especially after checking out the Expert Rating below that spells out all of the Cadillac's advantages and drawbacks.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the CT4 drive? The CT4 certainly has power, and it can get going in a hurry. Our all-wheel-drive test car with the upgraded 2.7-liter engine accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. Unfortunately, the driving experience is better on paper than in reality. The turbocharged engine wheezes when pushed, and it lacks responsiveness when you need it. The brake pedal on our test vehicle audibly clicked upon almost every touch, but worse was its wooden feel that made it difficult to consistently come to a smooth stop.

　　Most aspects of the CT4 seem reluctant to do what you ask. Its steering is unceremoniously heavy, and its chassis struggles when asked to transition from one quick turn to another. The 10-speed automatic transmission issues thumpy shifts, and the automatic engine stop-start system is one of the loudest around.

　　

Comfort

6.5/10

　　How comfortable is the CT4? The vehicle we tested came in the Premium Luxury trim, but we found little evidence to back up that lofty claim. The CT4 feels neither premium — the seats lack support — nor luxurious — the leather feels generic — and it gets worse from there. Drivers will notice that road noise is present inside the cabin at nearly all speeds on nearly all surfaces. That's disappointing in a vehicle at this price, wearing this badge.

　　Worst of all, though, is the choppy suspension. You don't just hear every crack and bump in the road; you feel them. There are many affordable economy sedans that provide a much smoother ride. It's simply uncomfortable.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below