DecodedCars2018 Cadillac ATS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe 2.0l AWD, 2dr Coupe 2.0l RWD, 2dr Coupe 3.6l AWD, 2dr Coupe 3.6l RWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 183.1–184.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,373–3,693 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Cadillac ATS is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,572 lb (2dr Coupe 2.0l AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 7% worse than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2018
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 4-cyl
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 ATS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe 2.0l AWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,572 lb | 51/49 |
| 2dr Coupe 2.0l RWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,417 lb | 51/49 |
| 2dr Coupe 3.6l AWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,693 lb | 51/49 |
| 2dr Coupe 3.6l RWD | 184.3 in | 72.8 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,530 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 AWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,543 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/3.6l V6 RWD | 183.1 in | 70.9 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 3,373 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATS AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -7% | $3,300 | 358 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -7% | $3,300 | 348 |
| ATS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | -11% | $2,800 | 376 |
| ATS | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -15% | $3,550 | 388 |
| ATS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -19% | $3,050 | 398 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
| 2018 Cadillac ATS 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Cadillac ATS (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | ★★★★★ | 19 |
Recalls (2)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 20, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V175000 · 934 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · May 31, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 895 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
- Risk
- A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Not every 2018 Cadillac ATS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Cadillac ATS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,527 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Cadillac ATS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ATS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →