DecodedCars2018 Cadillac XTS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 202 in
- Curb weight
- 4,006–4,215 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
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 31 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Cadillac XTS is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,215 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 5% worse than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 XTS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 202 in | 72.8 in | 58.3 in | 111.8 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 4,215 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 202 in | 72.8 in | 58.3 in | 111.8 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 4,006 lb | 59/41 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| XTS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -13% | $3,350 | 444 |
| XTS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -22% | $4,550 | 486 |
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 XTS 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.8% |
| 2018 Cadillac XTS 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.8% |
Similar 2018 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Cadillac XTS (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Lexus LS | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Tesla Model S | 335 mi | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 30, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 210,628 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 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 18279.
Not every 2018 Cadillac XTS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Cadillac XTS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 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 23,000 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 XTS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XTS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →