2015 Cadillac ELR
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Coupe
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 31 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,070 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2015 subcompact car (23.7 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Cadillac ELR is a subcompact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,070 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (31 city / 35 highway), 39% better than the 2015 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 ELR — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 ELR →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe | 185.8 in | 72.8 in | 55.9 in | 105.9 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 4,070 lb |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELR Plug-in Hybrid | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 35 / 33 | +39% | $2,500 | 91 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Cadillac ELR.
Similar 2015 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Cadillac ELR (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Audi A6 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | 270 mi | Not rated | 9 |
| 2015 Lexus GS | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Cadillac ELR.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2015 Cadillac ELR is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2015 Cadillac ELR in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2015 Cadillac ELR buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Cadillac ELR. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ELR years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →