2021 Cadillac CT4

Cadillac gives shoppers four trim choices for their CT4: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and V-Series. The Luxury trim starts at around $33,500. That's competitive for a premium compact sedan, as is the CT4's list of standard features. Safety technology like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and parking sensors and standard, and shoppers can add things like lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitors for an extra cost. The exterior comes outfitted with LED lights, power heated mirrors, and alloy wheels. Cabin passengers get leatherette upholstery and automatic power windows. Those sitting in the front get power-adjustable seats, while the back row split-folds for additional cargo space. Keyless entry, keyless ignition, remote engine start, and dual-zone climate control are standard. The CT4's sportiness shows in the contoured seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel. As for tech features, buyers get an 8-inch touchscreen running Cadillac's infotainment software, plus a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice commands, and an 8-speaker audio system. The Premium Luxury trim is the most comfort-oriented trim level, priced from about $38,000. It adds automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding outside mirrors, larger wheels, leather upholstery, driver's seat memory, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and ambient interior lighting. Those wanting the more powerful V-Series' style and appeal without the added cost can select the Sport trim at around $39,000. Its exterior and cabin come with race-inspired design cues, paddle shifters, and 18-way power front seats. For around $45,000, the V-Series comes with a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension and transmission, a limited-slip differential, summer-performance tires, wireless smartphone charging, and a 14-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system. Cadillac offers a few options for the CT4. Buyers can swap out the standard rear-wheel drive for an all-wheel system for better wet-weather traction. Available tech options include a head-up display, navigation, a 12-inch digital driver display, and an automatic heated steering wheel. Those who commute often will appreciate the Driver Assist and Super Cruise packages.

Most CT4s on the road are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It provides strong fuel efficiency at an EPA-estimated 23/34 mpg city/highway, but it isn't as quick or exciting to drive as other sports sedans. An eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are included. Stepping up to the V-Series adds a 2.7-liter four-cylinder turbo producing 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the CT4's driving performance from that of an average luxury car to something more. Acceleration is rapid, and the V-Series has no issue passing slower cars, but it's still not as fleet-footed as German rivals. The V-Series also gets suspension and chassis upgrades for sharper cornering, plus its own 10-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel estimates dip to 20/29 mpg city/highway.

Step inside the CT4's cabin, and you are greeted by one of the most modern layouts offered in a GM car. The dashboard features elaborate angles for an exciting appeal, with handsome climate control buttons and a metal-ringed starter button. The steering wheel is pleasantly thick for excellent control during hard driving, and many of the car's infotainment features can be accessed without your hands ever leaving the wheel. Cadillac's infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use, residing on an 8-inch touch display. Small knobs below turn the screen on and off and operate the audio volume. Those are helpful when you need to turn down the music quickly. A 12-inch driver cluster is optional, with digital gauges, several driving views, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions. You can also change songs without having to use the infotainment screen. The interior is pleasant and user-friendly, but some of the materials used on the dashboard buttons and elsewhere lack a premium feel. There are some plastics used throughout that feel as though they came out of a less-expensive GM product. In-cabin storage is lacking as well. There are shallow trays in the center console, plus bins in the doors and the glove box, but there aren't extra storage cubbies like in some compact sedans. The front seating area is spacious enough to comfortably seat adults, but the back seats are tight. With just 33.4 inches of legroom in the back, those seats are best for shorter passengers. Cargo space is a bit low, at 10.7 cubic feet. It should still be enough room to fit most owners' needs, and the rear seats fold down for those times that call for extra capacity.