2022 Cadillac CT4 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

When shopping for a new compact luxury sedan, drivers should make it a point to go test drive the 2022 Cadillac CT4. They’re bound to appreciate this car’s athletic performance and sharp exterior styling. Several advanced technologies are offered, including Cadillac’s world-class Super Cruise system. Drivers who crave more comfort can take advantage of the car’s premium amenities. Keep reading to learn more about why the new CT4 deserves some serious consideration.

What’s New for 2022?

This year, a high-performance CT4-V Blackwing model has been introduced. It’s the most powerful and best-handling trim in the lineup. Every trim also receives wireless smartphone charging as standard equipment. To make the CT4 an even better buy, Cadillac has added a few more standard safety technologies.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Cadillac CT4 – The Pros

1. An Affordable Luxury Car

Drivers who don’t want to pay big bucks for a new luxury sedan should check out the CT4. It has an appealing starting price of roughly $34,000. A satisfying list of standard equipment helps make the CT4 an even better bang for the buck. Amenities, such as dual-zone automatic climate control and synthetic leather upholstery, help create an upscale atmosphere. Buyers will also receive a feature-packed infotainment system and a long list of accident-avoidance technologies.

2. Base Powertrain Is Recommended for Daily Commuting

The car’s base powertrain is a good pick for folks who commute on a daily basis. Motivation comes from a turbo four-cylinder engine, which develops a decent 237 horsepower. Most of the engine’s 237 lb-ft of torque is available at a low RPM, which means drivers can enjoy effortless acceleration around town. An eight-speed automatic transmission also helps the CT4 to feel responsive. Fuel economy tops out at a rather economical 34 mpg.

3. Powerful CT4-V Models

Folks who crave more driving fun should opt for one of the available CT4-V models. The standard CT4-V comes equipped with a specially tuned turbo four-cylinder engine, which is rated to kick out 325 horsepower. For more muscle, buyers can step up to the all-new CT4-V Blackwing model. Its twin-turbo V6 engine dials up performance with 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. Road tests show the CT4-V Blackwing rips a speedy 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds.

4. CT4-V Blackwing Offers a Manual Transmission

Many of today’s high-performance sedans no longer give drivers access to a traditional manual transmission. Luckily, a six-speed manual gearbox comes standard on the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. It gives driving purists a sense of control that you can’t get from a modern automatic transmission. Some automotive reviewers describe the car’s manual transmission as being spectacular. Not only does the gearbox have a sporty feel, but it also provides active rev matching for more accurate shifting.

5. Very Adept Handling with a Good Ride

The 2022 Cadillac CT4 is among the most athletic sedans in the class. On curvy roads, it feels stable and surefooted. A performance-tuned suspension with Magnetic Ride Control is found on the CT4-V trim. Activating the Sport mode stiffens the suspension for an especially agile performance. Fortunately, Cadillac also engineers the CT4 to handle pothole-riddled roads. It softly absorbs rough pavement without punishing passengers. Even the more aggressive CT4-V Blackwing model features a comfortable Touring mode.

6. Sharp Exterior Styling

Sharp exterior styling makes the 2022 Cadillac CT4 a genuine head-turner. A distinctive front fascia helps give the sedan a signature appearance. Cascading LED running lights add a special touch. Drivers seeking a more powerful look will be interested in the Sport trim, which features a blacked-out performance grille and other racy exterior treatments. Expect the powerful CT4-V trims to have an even more commanding road presence. The quad exhaust tips with performance-tuned valves sound just as aggressive as they look.

7. Excellent Super Cruise System

The new 2022 Cadillac CT4 offers one of the best cruise control systems in the business. Super Cruise allows CT4 owners to experience hands-free driving. Real-time cameras and GPS enable the system to read the road, even when approaching curves. It can steer the car and maintain a set following distance. The latest version of Super Cruise can even perform lane changes on demand. When using Super Cruise, long drives become a lot less tiresome.

8. Much-Improved CUE Infotainment System

In the past, the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system was ranked among the market’s worse interfaces. Thankfully, this system has improved drastically. Some automotive journalists now put it in the segment’s upper echelon. Testers praise the latest touchscreen for its quick processing and user-friendly operation. Natural voice recognition makes it even more rewarding to use. Because wireless smartphone connectivity comes standard, there’s no need to use a USB cable.

9. Comfy Front Seating

The 2022 Cadillac CT4 scores extra points for its comfy front seats. They do a great job of alleviating fatigue on long trips. Available heating and ventilation functions help promote a more relaxing drive. Upgraded seats with lumbar massage are offered as well. Back pain sufferers will especially appreciate the extra kneading of the muscles. There’s also ample space in the front for taller people.

10. Competitive Powertrain Warranty

When buying a Cadillac CT4, new owners will receive a competitive powertrain warranty. It covers the car for up to 70,000 miles. It’s always good to have an extra degree of protection. By comparison, both Audi and Mercedes-Benz provide a shorter 50,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Cadillac CT4 – The Cons

1. May Not Be Roomy Enough for Your Family

The Cadillac CT4’s compact design may be an issue for some buyers. While its front seats are very accommodating, the same can’t be said for the sedan’s backseat. There’s around 33.4 inches of rear legroom, which will not be enough space to satisfy taller passengers. Families who need more room may need to step up to the midsize Cadillac CT5.

2. Features a Small Trunk

This isn’t the best car for drivers who need to haul around a lot of extra stuff. Its small trunk will force road-trippers to pack lightly. The CT4’s trunk only provides 10.7 cubic feet of cargo space. While this sedan can handle two midsize suitcases with no trouble, drivers won’t have much room for additional gear.

3. All-Wheel Drive Not Offered On All Trims

Folks living in places that experience wintry weather may need the CT4’s optional AWD system. While the AWD system is effective, it’s not offered on the high-performance CT4-V Blackwing model. This could be bad news for people who require an all-weather sports sedan. They can either settle for the less potent CT4-V or shop for an alternative.

4. Exhilarating CT4-V Blackwing Model Sacrifices Fuel Economy

There’s much to like about the all-new CT4-V Blackwing. While this model packs a lot of power, it comes up short in the fuel economy department. Drivers can anticipate getting only 16 mpg in the city. This could be a concern for commuters who spend a lot of time in urban areas.

5. Interior Does Not Feel As Luxurious As Some Rivals

The 2022 Cadillac CT4 does not feel quite as upscale as its European counterparts. Inexpensive-looking cabin materials somewhat take away from its luxuriousness.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Cadillac CT4 vs 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

In the eyes of some people, the new 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is just as engaging to drive. However, BMW lists the 2 Series Gran Coupe with a steeper MSRP. Some car shoppers will also prefer the CT4’s exterior styling. A longer powertrain warranty gives the CT4 another edge over its German rival.

2022 Cadillac CT4 vs 2022 Audi A3

Car reviewers rave about the Audi A3’s high-tech interior. However, its base engine is not as powerful. The CT4 also comes standard with a greater number of driver-assist safety technologies. While these sedans are similarly priced, Cadillac protects the CT4’s powertrain for an extra 20,000 miles.

2022 Cadillac CT4 vs 2022 Acura ILX

The ILX is one of the segment’s least expensive models. However, it can’t match the CT4’s driving fun. Only one powertrain is available for the ILX, which develops 201 horsepower. Not only does the CT4 pack more muscle under the hood, but it also delivers similar fuel economy. High-end features, such as Cadillac’s Super Cruise system and massaging front seats, are only offered on the CT4.

Conclusion

The 2022 Cadillac CT4 offers a lot of driving enjoyment for the money. It comes loaded with a good amount of standard equipment. A head-turning exterior design also helps this sedan to make a grand entrance. For serious driving enthusiasts, Cadillac offers the mighty CT4-V Blackwing model.

Although the new CT4 is an excellent buy, car shoppers should take note of its weaknesses. A small trunk and meager rear legroom limit this sedan’s ability to accommodate growing families. All the available powertrains also require the use of premium gasoline.