There’s plenty to like, even love, about the Cadillac ATS. But to come up with a list of dislikes took some thought; if we’re being completely honest with each other, however, the five listed features below are definitely blemishes to an otherwise amazing vehicle.
1. CUE
After a combined three weeks with the Cadillac User Experience system, we can honestly say that it’s not that great. You’ve probably read elsewhere that it’s slow and constantly demands your eyes on the screen (rather than the road) to be sure the proper command was implemented. All of that is true, and more. We’ll have a full review exclusively on CUE coming soon, so we don’t want to spend any more time here spoiling it for you.
2. No Manual Currently Offerred In V6/AWD Models
GM trolls hard sometimes. A perfect example is giving the Cadillac ATS an optional 321 horsepower 3.6L LFX V6 engine, and mating it exclusively to a six-speed slushbox. Yet the much cheaper Chevrolet Camaro V6 etches out a marginally higher 323 horsepower from the same engine and receives a manual transmission, standard. Want a manual transmission in the ATS? You’ll have to settle for the mid-range, 272-horse 2.0T model with rear-wheel-drive… and that’s it. Then there’s the lack of a stick shift for the all-wheel-drive variants. If you want a manual all-wheel-drive sport luxury sedan, you’ll have to visit the Audi dealership.
3. Underdog Automatic Transmissions
The Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series both offer eight-speed automatic transmissions, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class cradles a seven-speed. Meanwhile, the compact Cadillac underwhelms with a six-speed automatic gearbox. While it’s smooth, and shifting is relatively quick, the ATS falls behind in fuel economy because of this. We know that the ATS is still very young in its product life cycle, but a transmission upgrade needs to happen as soon as possible… be it in the form of an eight-speed auto, a seven-speed manual, or even some sort of fast-shifting dual-clutch unit. An “eco” mode or perhaps even start/stop technology could be factored in here to give the ATS a fuel mileage edge, as well.
4. Exhaust Note
At least with the turbocharged 2.0L engine, the exhaust note in the Cadillac ATS sounds like it’s wailing in pain, rather than yelling a war cry, at high RPMs. While the bellowing drone below 3,000 RPM sounds alright, it’s hard to get over the sound at or near the rev limit, especially during spirited driving… which happened a lot. Hopefully an exhaust tune can fix this.
5. Subdued Looks
We can’t help but look at the Cadillac ATS’ rear fascia and feel that it’s a carbon copy of the first-generation Cadillac CTS. What’s more, the sharp headlamps seem to contrast the otherwise rounded edges of the ATS’ design up front. And there’s still too much chrome. We understand that the brand is looking to appeal more universally to consumers, but well-behaved designs rarely make history. Or something like that. It’s a good thing the ATS redeems itself with alluring nighttime lighting, and it’s lucky that the rest of the competition isn’t currently all that good-looking to begin with.
Comments
Agree with the no manual on V6 or AWD… Even though I’d opt for the lighter nimbler more balanced and efficient RWD model, manual should be an option for those who live near the lakes.. as well as the V6. Why wouldn’t the top engine get the manual? Stupid.
Lexus initially offered the IS350 without AWD and with only an automatic. Also, the AWD 250s were all autos. Mid cycle refresh fixed all that. Hope this will be sooner for Cadillac.
you guys don’t have any problems with the headroom and legroom of the backseat?
I’m 5’8″, so I had no problem. The occupants were all under six-feet as well. But taller, heavier people will definitely have to squeeze.
lol thought you might be taller Manny haha
I found the interior room to be pretty good. I was more than comfortable in the front (I’m 5’10”) and without moving the front seat at all I went in back and sat down with LOTS of knee and headroom to spare.
The headroom is a pain but for me… no big deal. The backseat to me is for jackets, boxes and pax in a pinch.. It will only be me and 1 other in the car 99% of the time
WELL, all in all it is a great car…..I’m sure a few changes are in the works….hopefully some nice new base colors and a few good tweeks…..rear camera and fogs….PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
I haven’t driven one or even sat in one yet and, like its competition, it just isn’t on my radar; but radar or not I feel the front fascia is a letdown. Great in photos, in person the grille just isn’t very expressive and the car’s “presence” falls short because of it. The lighting is very nice, though. Of course, Cadillac being Cadillac, I see they’re equipping some models with cheap plastic panels in place of fog lamps… which only serves to cheapen all models that much more in my eyes, and the eyes of people on the fence about Cadillac…
Agree with all except for 5. I think they nailed the looks just right. Replace #5 with WORTHLESS TV commercials that are completely unmemorable and might sink the product. Not as HORRIFIC as the Catera, but they don’t work. Why can’t Cadillac hire the right ad talent??? BMW did it with this one:
Michael…agreed the commericals appear rather too focused on the speed and the race car theme..it is a CADILLAC after all…needs to be more upscale and elegant for sure. I agree that a new focus for the ads in necessary.
Joe,,,,I agree 100 percent about the plastic cowl vent with no fogs. WHY would they do that? If Verano can use halogen fogs on the base, why can’t Cadillac? Very poor choice! Also the lack of basic standards for the price of this car…no backup camera and no folding seats……………lots of folks will not buy it bcause of that, I’m sure…..
I had my first-hand experience with the ATS in the showroom a few days ago and it’s indeed an impressive machine. The only thing that shocked me was the tiny trunk. I routinely have airport runs and so on and there’s no way that this trunk would suffice. Then again, this isn’t a car that I would have as an only car. I love the looks and so on, but my needs are a little more than it can provide.
I love the preformance complaints ! So you all know there is an ATS-V coming soon right ?
Jonathan, most people don’t buy the V. Most don’t want a roaring luxury car. They want a great all-around luxury car. How many M3s are sold out of all 3 series sales? Less than 1/20th.
Most don’t want to spend an extra $30,000 for $30,000 worth of more performance. They just want slightly more out of the stock setup.
Silent,,,,yes, a car for most of us to drive….not a race car, but lots of fun and still luxe
Backup cam is a must: Today’s cars are impossible to see out of the back, mainly because they had to start making them high belted to withstand impacts from the gigantic SUV’s that terrible driver soccer moms “need” for their 2 kids and bag of chips. Oh and I’m sure they take it swamping and tow a 10,000 lb boat with it sa well.. (yea right)
Fold down seats: With the small trunk some others have mentioned (I have not seen it in person yet.. Fold down sears might be a huge help.
The fog lights: What a terrible idea, why would they do that?
Manual Trans: Needs a 7 speed, and/or taller top gear for better highway mileage.. I know autos are better these days, but manuals need to be at least on par or better when it comes to mileage, or less people will buy them, which I think is a terrible thing. Also AWD and V6 need the manual…
Auto Trans: Hello? 8 speed?
2.5L: Just drop this engine… It has no place in the car, and doesn’t even get better mileage than the 2.0T with 70 or whatever more horsepower. Stupid.
Tires: I hope they don’t force summer tires on the RWD buyers. All seasons and RWD have never failed me in Philadelphia winters… That’s all I need to be happy.
Jackson…I drove 2.5 and I found it to be just fine for me…………..in town and short trips. For performance, Turbo would be better of course…………let the customer chose.
Well at least in terms of gearboxes GM announced to us ( as you know ) a few weeks ago that it will equip the Caddys with the Aisin – 8 speed tranys.
Lucas, that’s not official yet and hasn’t been announced. But all the arrows are pointing to Aisin 8-speeds.
Alex, an 8-speed coming next year, you think? Is that for mileage or would it be smoother for the in- town driving?
That makes me ask a qestion why they are lagging behing the trends…Remember long how it took them to bring 5/6 speed gearboxes to the market?
Summer tires????? NO WAY for me
Too much chrome. This has the least chrome of any Cadillac in their line up. In the front grill there is little to no Chrome. All in all, I believe that this car is one of the best looking cars in this segment.
awil428…yes, a great-looking car…love the fact it has a brushed, satin chrome trim and not that cheap-looking shiny plastichrome stuff…good effort to start
Clean the rear cam with water/ vinegar mix once in a while and no more fog!