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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Cadillac XTS

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Overview

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2013 Cadillac XTS Review

By Zach Vlasuk

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

Once the self-proclaimed "Standard of the World", Cadillac struggled over recent years to reclaim its notorious tagline, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the 110-year-old luxury marque. The long-awaited 2013 Cadillac XTS sedan possesses the right amount of modern technology, interior refinement and contemporary styling to compete head-on with the luxury segment's imported stalwarts. Cadillac cleverly designed the 2013 XTS with the clear intention of bridging the gap between mid-size and full-size luxury sedans. The result is a rather broad competitive set, though based on price point we feel the mid-size Audi A6, Lexus GS, Infiniti M and BMW 5 Series fit the role as the XTS's principal challengers. While it might not be the new sedan standard of the world, the 2013 XTS decidedly fits the critical role as Cadillac's newest flagship.

You'll Like This Car If...

If nothing short of a full-size luxury sedan will suffice, but your budget is limited to a mid-size price, the 2013 Cadillac XTS could be the answer to your predicament.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you are looking for a luxury sedan that provides you with an engaging driving experience and high levels of athleticism, the Cadillac XTS will leave you wanting more. The BMW 5 Series or the Audi A6 should satisfy your performance requirements.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.1
Driving Dynamics

8.0
Comfort & Convenience

8.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.0
Value

7.0
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#7

out of 13

MPG

#7

out of 14

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.4 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The Cadillac XTS is a brand-new nameplate for the 2013 model year, and brings the Cadillac brand one step closer to once again offering consumers a full range of vehicles.

Driving the XTS

2013 Cadillac XTS Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions On the road, the 2013 Cadillac XTS strikes an admirable balance between ride comfort and handling ability. The XTS tackles dilapidated pavement and other road deformities with incredible poise, thanks...

in part to its standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension system that makes 1,000 dampening adjustments every second. Up to this point, Magnetic Ride Control was utilized exclusively for GM's high-end sports cars, but the platform's inherent flexibility permitted Cadillac engineers to custom tailor the suspension system for high levels of comfort. Because the 2013 XTS employs a conventional hydraulic-assisted steering system rather than an electromechanical setup, steering is precise and responsive. The lone engine choice, a 304-horsepower V6, delivers adequate acceleration, though a few extra ponies under the hood wouldn't hurt. In true Cadillac form, the strategically placed sound insulation combined with the active noise cancelling system worked so well, we found ourselves frequently checking the tachometer to confirm the engine was still running.

Favorite Features

HEAD-UP DISPLAY
Although head-up displays are nothing new in the automotive world, the new XTS takes this fighter-jet-inspired feature to the next level with a full-color display, speed-limit reminders and navigation instructions.

8-INCH TOUCH SCREEN
The cornerstone of the 2013 XTS sedan's infotainment system is undoubtedly the 8-inch high-resolution touch screen. The display includes a myriad of cutting edge technology, such as haptic feedback that confirms your desired input with a light vibration, and proximity sensing, which displays command icons when the system detects a hand approaching the screen.

2013 Cadillac XTS Details

2013 Cadillac XTS Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Cadillac XTS' cabin is impeccably assembled and surrounds its occupants with rich leather and first-rate materials – but regrettably, that's where the good news ends. While the dash layout looks intuitive at first glance, the audio system and climate controls are operated by touch capacitive switches, which require a steep learning curve and heaps of patience to master. Similarly, the optional digital instrument cluster is excessively complex and quite distracting while driving. The front seats, however, are supremely comfortable and plenty supportive, and rear seat passengers are treated to ergonomically-designed seats and a generous amount of headroom. On paper, the Cadillac XTS boasts an additional four inches of legroom over competitors like the BMW 5 Series, however, the XTS' front seats are designed in a way that makes it nearly impossible to slide your feet under them, essentially nullifying the advantage.

Exterior

The sculpted sheet metal of the 2013 XTS embodies Cadillac's latest iteration of their celebrated "Art and Science" design language. Although the XTS is considerably longer than its mid-size competitors, exterior dimensions are shorter than the superseded Cadillac DTS sedan. Since sizable proportions necessitate sizable wheels, the XTS rides on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 20-inch polished alloys as an option. Cadillac completes the exterior with a host of chrome adornments, including door handles, window frames and upper and lower grilles.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Cadillac XTS is offered in four trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Premium and Platinum. Every XTS model includes Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Brembo front brakes, a Bose premium audio system, Cadillac's Cue infotainment system with conversational voice recognition, push-button start, and an iPad with a preloaded Cue instructional application. Safety comes in the form of 10 airbags, a full complement of electronic stability systems and GM's renowned OnStar emergency services.

Optional Equipment

While standard and luxury trims offer a basic version of the Cue infotainment system, Premium and Platinum models include the full-fledged rendition, complete with a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster and a robust navigation system with one-shot destination entry for quick, voice-activated address searches – even when the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, Premium and Platinum models include a full-color head-up display and an available Driver Awareness Package, comprised of lane departure, collision, blind spot and cross traffic alerts. To help mitigate infotainment-related driver distraction, we highly recommend the aforementioned Driver Awareness Package.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Cadillac XTS sedan gets its motivation from a 3.6-liter, direct-injected V6 that produces 304 horsepower. Power is delivered smoothly through a 6-speed automatic transmission with a sporty sequential mode and steering wheel-mounted shift controls. Snowbelt residents will appreciate the available all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which incorporates an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and torque vectoring for increased traction on wet and dry surfaces.

2013 Cadillac XTS
3.6-liter V6
304 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/28 mpg (front-wheel drive), 17/27 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes

With a starting price of around $45,000, the 2013 Cadillac XTS undercuts the base prices of the mid-size – and relatively smaller – BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E Class and the Lexus GS sedans. A fully-loaded Platinum trim with all-wheel drive can breach the $60,000 mark, but even at that price, the Cadillac XTS delivers superb value-for-dollar. A quick glance at Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price will show you the typical transaction price for XTS models in your market area, so be sure to reference it before you start negotiating. Considering the 2013 XTS's strong value proposition and high-quality interior materials, we predict it will preserve slightly above average 5-year residual values.

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2013 Cadillac XTS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.4

Out of 10

Based on 9 Ratings for the 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.8/10

A great car. Even better than I expected.

By Sam (FL) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great looks, driver assist features"

Cons: "Could use more power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I delayed my purchase of the XTS until December when Platinum models with the driver assist package became available. What I got was worth the wait. I've been very pleased with the car. I had no problem getting familiar with the CUE features. The Ipad that came with the car was very helpful in learning how to use the CUE. Practically all of my driving is on city streets with very little on expressways, so I've had trouble reaching the mileage estimates cited by Cadillac. The only problem I've experienced is that the glove box door sticks from time to time. I expect this is something the dealer can fix when I take the car in for service."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best ride ever

By omaha (WI) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Best Driving Car"

Cons: "CUE system can be challinging"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"After driving Cadillac cars for many years, this is a huge change. The styling is good, and the ride and handeling is outstanding. The Bose radio sound is excellent, and the fact that On Star is able to download onto the nav system is an improvement. On the down side, the trunk is small compared to the DTS, the glove box houses the CD player, so the only thing that will fit into it is a pair of gloves. The CUE system presents a learning curve, and I find that some times I have to touch the screen several times to complete a function, and it is distracting while driving. The Heads Up function is a great feature,along with the blind spot feature and back up camera. I have called Cadillac several times and have found them to be helpful and wanting to help in any way they can."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Worth waiting for

By Caddy Guy (NV) on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "A Gorgeous Car That Turns Heads!"

Cons: "Would have preferred a V8"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Having been a regular Cadillac owner over the last 25 years, I waited patiently for this car to go into production after it was promised for the summer of 2010. Well that didn't happen until the summer of 2012, but it was worth the wait. I took deliver in late August, and the wait was worth it. Having owned this car for 6 months now, and the novelty has worn off, and I love this car more than ever! I ordered the "Luxury" upgrade which I strongly suggest. The ride is firm, but comfortable. There's plenty of leg and headroom. The engine delivers in two ways, it gets you up and going as you drive, and the mileage is excellent for this size car...averaging 18.9 MPG in stop and go city driving. That's real world MPG. I don't floor it, but I don't baby it either. The CUE System takes some getting used to, but after several days you'll find it interesting and reasonably easy to navigate. The Bose sound system is good, but the voice commands still don't work any better today than they did on the previous 4 Cadillacs I have owned with this feature. About 50% of the time you have to repeat a command over, and I have excellent language skills. The fit and finish is as good as it gets, and you will find yourself wishing you had some place to go when it's parked in your garage as it's such a joy to drive. Cadillac really got it right with this model. Would I change anything about the car if I could? Maybe a little bigger engine, but I suspect cadillac does that intentionally so they have something better to offer a couple of years from now. The existing 304 HP gets the job done, but I'm still a V8 guy and would love to see a small block 8 offered in the future."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Best Caddi yet and it's my 10th

By Mace (NY) on Saturday, January 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,233

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Comfortable Seats, ride, corning, looks, price CUE"

Cons: "Bigger glove box and door bins MORE POWER"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Car has style outside and the inside cabin is luxury beyond the competition...you have to spend thirty grand more and I still feel as if this car can compete and exceed Lexus-Benx-Bmw-etc.....for those Benz and BMW drivers the ride on those cars are harsh and they don't handle the corners any better than the XTS. I see GM is raising the price already and assume that this car will top out at 72k, I took a luxury model off the showroom floor four weeks after it came out and although I drive very little (retired) the car is smoother than limos. For those that can't get that elusive 28 MPH it's your lead foot. Mine is the same and I often find myself cruising at 85 mph.....had car on track and the car will do 160 which is where the speedometer ends, it gets tighter as you move along at those speeds and was the greatest for ride quality at normal speeds. CUE was hard to learn but once mastered you'll love it. Set your car up in park and don't try changing your settings on the road. I have never had a car that lets you turn off the reverse mirrors, or turn off the passenger reverse mirror etc to give you an idea at how many custom settings there are, from 3D Nav screen, custom interior lighting, and CUE works like an ipad. I will be getting another in two or three years which is my avg on keeping cars."

13 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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XTS Platinum Edition

By Don (LA) on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Exterior and interior styling Heads Up Display"

Cons: "Lack of power CUE needs refinement"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"The CUE system is harder to master than anticipated especially when driving. The XTS is underpowered and definitely needs 50 to 75 more horsepower perhaps as an option. The exterior and interior styling is beautiful and the ride is exceptional. I have owned the car for 5 months and have 4000 miles on it."

14 people out of 14 found this review helpful

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An exceptional car!

By Perry (OH) on Tuesday, August 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excellent interior, finish, build quality, comfort"

Cons: "22 - 23mpg - gas mileage could be better"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned many cars over the years and I thought trading the CTS V for the ZTS was going to be a letdown. Excluding horsepower, the XTS has risen above the V's aewsomeness! It is a gorgeous car - inside and out - and is impressive from every angle. It has a ride that always feels stable and can take a corner better than most smaller cars. It rides like it ison glass and the CUE system is out of this world! I do love this car!"

17 people out of 17 found this review helpful

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See all 9 reviews