The Cadillac ATS is a great compact sport-luxury sedan. Its class-leading driving dynamics, light weight, and attractive looks are well-documented. But if there was ever one demerit of the vehicle, it would be the tight rear seat. But are the complaints valid? That’s what we decided to find out.
We compiled the rear seat measurements of the ATS and every vehicle it competes against, and came away with the conclusion that only one other vehicle in the segment has less rear seat space than the Alpha-based ATS.
Since the metric that seems to be the biggest dissatisfier is rear seat legroom, we’ll focus on that. The ATS has 33.5 inches (85.1 cm) of it, less than the following key rivals:
- BMW 3 Series (F30)
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205
- Audi A4 (B8)
- Infiniti Q50
- Acura ILX
| MEASUREMENT | CADILLAC ATS | BMW 3 SERIES | 2014 MB C-CLASS | 2015 MB C-CLASS | AUDI A4 | LEXUS IS | INFINITI Q50 | VOLVO S60 | ACURA ILX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REAR LEG ROOM: | 33.5 | 35.1 | 33.4 | 35.2 | 35.2 | 32.2 | 35.1 | 33.5 | 34 |
| REAR HIP ROOM: | 52.3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 54 | 52.5 | 53.5 | 51.7 |
| REAR HEAD ROOM: | 36.8 | 37.7 | 36.9 | 37.1 | 37.5 | 36.9 | 37.5 | 38.3 | 35.9 |
| REAR SHOULDER ROOM: | 53.9 | 55.1 | 55 | N/A | 54.3 | 53.4 | 56.1 | 55.2 | 53.5 |
The ATS, however, has the same amount of rear legroom as the Volvo S60 and more than the Lexus IS. What’s more, the ATS has nearly the same amount of rear legroom as the last-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, demonstrating that the ATS was developed using the last-generation German compact sedans as benchmarks.
Since that time, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW introduced vehicles under the C-Class, A4, and 3 Series. In turn, these vehicles — the CLA, A3, and 1 Series, respectively — have caused the traditionally-compact vehicles that have define the class to slightly grow in size, thereby increasing cabin space, especially in the rear seat.
The good news is that Cadillac is working on a model below the ATS that will take on the CLA-Class and A3. The move will likely result in the ATS slightly growing in size. In addition, Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen has recently gone on record stating that the second-generation ATS will address complaints about the tight rear seat.
| MEASUREMENT | CADILLAC ATS | BMW 3 SERIES | 2014 MB C-CLASS | 2015 MB C-CLASS | AUDI A4 | LEXUS IS | INFINITI Q50 | VOLVO S60 | ACURA ILX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REAR LEG ROOM (CM): | 85.1 | 89.2 | 84.8 | 89.4 | 89.4 | 81.8 | 89.2 | 85.1 | 86.4 |
| REAR HIP ROOM (CM): | 132.8 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 137.2 | 133.4 | 135.9 | 131.3 |
| REAR HEAD ROOM (CM): | 93.5 | 95.8 | 93.7 | 94.2 | 95.3 | 93.7 | 95.3 | 97.3 | 91.2 |
| REAR SHOULDER ROOM (CM): | 136.9 | 140.0 | 139.7 | N/A | 137.9 | 135.6 | 142.5 | 140.2 | 135.9 |
About The Numbers
- Measurements for 2015 model year vehicles, unless otherwise specified
- Measurements provided by manufacturer
- “N/A” denotes measurement not available from or provided by manufacturer
Comments
So we can say ats suffer the Malibu problem?
Does it even matter in this class?
I can see why that it kind of matters but honestly I really don’t care about it,,…
This is not so much a number issue as a packaging issue. It will be addressed and forgotten soon enough. Most buyers really never even use the back seat.
Packaging as in the way the seats/cushions and front seat backs are configured, or otherwise?
If you are shopping this class of car for the backseat, you’re shopping the wrong one. The fact this is an issue is ludicrous. Does it do everything a 3 series or C class does? Yes, and in some regards even better. Lots of times, I believe the automotive publications just can’t get over the fact that Cadillac has caught and passed up in many respects their beloved BMW. So I say to those who want to whine over an inch here or there, you need to get over it and don’t pass on the opportunity to own what otherwise is a great car.
It really is too tight back there.. Even for me at 5’9. Unacceptable for a sedan.
The current ATS is a great size for what it is at this moment since it is a true compact luxury sport sedan and looks damn good at doing it as well.
The next model will grow in size no doubt but the most important thing here is room efficiency while maintaining the edge in driving dynamics which I feel could be better but maybe in a lighter package as it is now.
Remember how Mercedes C Class came out bragging that it lost a lot of weight same as for Jaguar XE? Both of those cars are still fat pigs weighing up to 3,800 bls. with V6s and AWD while the ATS can top out at 3,600 bls with AWD and 3.6. The ATS in my book still a win for me and I would sacrifice roominess for the styling and wow factor in the ATS.
Yes, it does matter. A 4 seat car (or 5?) should be able to seat 4 adults in at least mild comfort.. Especially a 4 door one! Even a 4 seat coupe should! Being able to have 2 couples in 1 car to go out to dinner or on a trip is a minimum requirement for me at least. Being Able to do so in a sweet handling car is even better.