Cadillac CT4 2021 Review

What's the CT4? This is probably something most people don't know the answer to. Cadillac has rejiggered the name of its sedans recently, and consequently there's not a whole lot of equity behind the 2021 CT4. Effectively, it's Cadillac's entry-level sedan that's priced below the larger CT5 and meant to rival the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Cadillac certainly has the basics right for the CT4. It boasts a decent collection of technology features, two available turbocharged engines, optional all-wheel drive, and a V-Series trim level that boosts the car's sport sedan credentials. But we've found the CT4 lacks the polish and refinement those rival sedans often deliver to make them more compelling picks. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth review of the 2021 CT4.

Which CT4 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Cadillac CT4 is available in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport and the top-flight V-Series. Each comes well equipped, but the higher-level trims open up the available options. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is offered as an option. Feature highlights include:

Luxury The base Luxury trim comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (237 horsepower, 258 lb-ft) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include:

• 17-inch wheels
• Proximity keyless entry and ignition with remote start
• LED headlights
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Premium Luxury The Premium Luxury trim is similar to the Luxury but with more of the CT4's available options detailed below. It has the 2.0-liter engine as standard. Optional is a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder (310 hp, 350 lb-ft) matched to a 10-speed automatic. Other features include:

• Auto-dimming mirrors
• 18-inch wheels
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Leather upholstery

Sport As the name implies, the Sport trim (only available with the 2.0-liter engine) gives the CT4 a more sporting and athletic look and feel with:

• Brembo brakes
• Body-colored exterior trim such as door handles and rear spoiler

V-Series The top-tier CT4 V-Series basically combines the Premium Luxury and Sport trims. It also packs a more powerful version of the 2.7-liter engine (325 hp, 380 lb-ft) as well as:

• Mechanical limited-slip differential for improved traction
• Performance traction management, an improved traction and stability control system
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Adaptive suspension dampers (enhance ride comfort and handling; rear-wheel-drive CT4s only)

Notable option packages for the CT4 include:

• Technology package
• Air ionizer
• Digital instrument cluster
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
• Bose Premium Audio package
• Bose audio system
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Integrated navigation system
• Climate package
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Driver Assist package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the CT4 and the car in front)
• Enhanced forward collision mitigation system
• Driver Awareness Plus package
• Lane keeping assist (steers the CT4 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Super Cruise (a semi-automated driving system that allows for hands-free driving on select highways; late availability)