2015 Cadillac ATS 2.0t VS 2020 Cadillac CT4-V | TEST DRIVE

[@zr1rocks]

The exterior is better looking for sure especially in the front but the previous interior was better. Both good but slightly different, previous one seems slightly sportier but newer one more comfortable.

[@sstressfl]

To my surprise the CT4 was noisy. 4 cylinder noisy. The ATS was smoooth and silky quiet. CT4 "felt" like a drop in class.

[@weltonmurray6744]

The lines and the front and rear is better looking on my Ats-v than the new ct4 v and blackwing now those Dimond stitching in the blackwing is awesome other that that even the salesman said naw yours is definitely a better looking car ! You are right your lines are better than the ct4 v. And better performance 👏

[@kvilla32]

Funny thing is my ATS is at the dealership as well and they gave me a CT4 as a loaner. It is great and all but I definitely miss my ATS, that thing was an absolute beast

[@paulcondie2520]

I have a 2016 ats 3.6 premium with performance pkg all blacked out with black chrome pkg and oem black shiny 19 inch wheels. Absolutely love my ats!!? Very underrated. What alot doesn't know is it's well engineered and actually took gms engineers 5 years to build! The alpha chassis and the magnetic ride is like no other!!! Gonna be hard to beat. I think what hurt the ats was the advertising, there was none, lol.

[@sstressfl]

I agree with you. It’s an amazing car and you’re right, I never heard of it until I stumbled upon it for sale at a ford dealership. And seriously, I have never owned anything so well engineered.

[@cameronmillwood572]

Its based off the 2016 camaro ss alpha plat form... I have the coupe with the 8speed tran. Its a beast off the line

[@paulcondie2520]

@@cameronmillwood572 your absolutely right. Mine has 42,000 miles on it and I still get excited every time I drive it. Gonna be hard to get rid of! Lol

[@johnwhitneykokalis9990]

I have the exact same Cadillac but a 2017 and I hate to styling of the new CT4 that replaces it inside and out. The Alpha platform is what all the new caddys sit on and the Camaro also, so the Alpha is the Bomb when it comes to performance chassis.

[@w41duvernay]

UBER driver in DC, moat of my customers were shocked how good my 13 ATS was. YOU are right, no marketing for this car killed the sales on it.

[@pattimalone5659]

I traded in my 2018 ATS coupe for 2020 CT4. I complained about turning my 2 door to 4 door. OMG! I traded my Cadillac for a race car and I fell in love with it. Handling, power, tires, smoother ride, electronics, everything has been improved.

[@sstressfl]

I'm glad you like it! That's what matters. Thanks for sharing, Patti!

[@flintlock777]

Nice review man! Seen you on cadillac forums.

[@sstressfl]

Ryan Burns thanks man! 🙏

[@M.L.1]

Traded a 2016 ATS 2.0t rwd on a 2022 CT4 2.0t rwd. Purchased new one out of state. Driving to pick up new CT4 I was second guessing my decision to get rid of the ATS. Mine was absolutely trouble free. Half way back with the CT4 & I had long forgotten bout the ATS. There's definitely a difference between the 2 vehicles despite the chassis/suspension being very similar.

[@suazzz3070]

I also like my 2013 ATS. I don’t like the trunk on the new one

[@bha5475]

Yes the rear end design is ugly! I do love the new headlight style though.

[@Trades46]

I swear Cadillac deliberately made the CT4 trunk ugly to give the CT5 more breathing space. I would actually pay extra to get the CT5 rear trunk lid to the CT4. I don't need the extra length or space on the CT5.

[@Trades46]

The ATS was one of my favorite GM products when I was a salesperson at a GM dealer. That said I may have a chance to shop a CT4-V next to the IS 350 F-sport or G70 3.3T.

[@sstressfl]

I'd really like to hear about your final decision!

[@Trades46]

@@sstressfl The price on cars these days have gotten ridiculous due to chip shortage & plant shutdowns. I'm likely holding off until next year when things stabilize, but yes for sure.

[@w41duvernay]

As an Uber driver, the ATS was a favorite with many of my customers. People were happy when I picked them up with it. Cadillac has to get rid of that base gauge cluster, it looks cheap.

[@Marz78963]

I'm torn on liking these new CT4's or the V models. Hate the trunk / rear shape on these cars. It's like style wise they focused on the front and sides and just forgot about the rest. I however like my 2014 ATS 2.0t better. And at 99k miles still runs like new. If I ever upgraded it would be for a ATS V.

[@sstressfl]

I still adore my ATS 2.0t as well! Even after driving the new cars, when I get in mine I still prefer its look, feel, engine... everything. It's going to be a hard car to replace. In the future perhaps I'll find another with low mileage. My best!

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

I own the cadillac ats 2.0T and my thoughts are EXACTLY as both of your guys. The ATS is gonna be a REALLY hard car to upgrade. Maybe worth just doing a engine swap once we all get high miles. Cheaper than buying a new car. LOL. 🤷‍♂️

[@gaylonsteenburgh1323]

Agree with you like the ATS better in looks and like the 2.0 turbo .

[@snakewolf71]

I have a 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0T AWD Premium. My Car had only 4 problems since 2013, with 65,434 miles. Upgrades are cold air intake, muffler delete, downpipe, and pedal commander. The last issue I had was oil pump flow control solenoid. In and out one day repair.. No warrenty!

[@sstressfl]

Richard Jr Longden that’s not bad!! 👍

[@snakewolf71]

@@sstressfl it is my daily driver, I saw you video when you went to new England drag way. What was your times and distance?

[@sstressfl]

Richard Jr Longden 14.4 in the 1/4 mile 👍 Bone stock 😎 Right where I expected the AWD 2.0t.

[@bored7772]

got a 2014 cadillac ats 2.0t and i love it, it has a downpipe and a professional transmission tune we did from the ecu before i started to drive it my dad had a intake mod and an engine tune along with the downpipe and transmission tune the thing was a beast probably hit 0-60 in barley under 5 seconds and when he gave it to me he removed the intake mod and engine tune but the car is still a beast. The handling is great and it corners hard especially in sport mode which will make the steering more sensitive i wanna eventually buy this off my dad anyway great video have a good day

[@sstressfl]

They are crazy fun cars. Well engineered. Some of the components are prone to fail, but man, they really built a fun car when they built the ATS.

[@VelleyIndustrial]

Is the CT4 rear axle biased AWD like the ATS? Have you read about the 2.7l engine in the CT4 which has dual volute turbo which allows for cylinder deactivation. I think that car runs on 2cylinders on the highway. I had a CT6 loaner while the CUE was replaced (#1 complaint with all early ATS models). It had more cameras like a Tesla.

[@sstressfl]

I think it's rear axle biased... I never felt any torque steer with the CT4-V. And no I haven't read about the 2.7 liter other than it runs pretty good in a full size truck! :) It feels like a truck motor. Plenty of low end. Does not spin very high before it loses pull. Great for daily driving. And I did not know it had cylinder deactivation until you mentioned it. State of the art stuff man :) The cornerstone of the 2.7L Turbo is an innovative double overhead cam valvetrain that enables: Chevrolet’s first use of Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) on a four-cylinder engine. High- and low-lift valve profiles. Continuously variable valve timing Source media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2018/may/0518--silverado-turbo.html

[@revaholic]

Valuable to have an ATS owner review this. I am curious if you would have preferred the RWD model because reviewers seem to laud its handling and steering. The AWD model sits a little higher so that may have contribued to your feeling that it's taller

[@sstressfl]

Overall my initial thought about the car was that it was like a Malibu... it didn't feel like a Cadillac. My ATS felt like a Cadillac (except when it shuddered and had a vibrating/leaking rear differential). IMO, after test driving the CT5V.... the CT5V is worthy of the Cadillac badge. The CT4-V is a generic GM sedan.

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

just got my 2016 cts to love it!!!

[@sstressfl]

... the CTS is one of the meanest looking Cadillacs! Enjoy :)

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

@@sstressfl it really is. Did they give you any word on your car yet? I hope it's nothing serious.

[@sstressfl]

Nicholas Williams nothing yet! I’ll call soon for an update 🙏

[@submariner6839]

I test drove a 2017 ATS 2.0T. I always loved the design and I thought it looked better than the CT4. I was very, very underwhelmed with the ATS. The dealership had a 2016 CTS and it was much better but had way more miles and was being sold way above Kelly Blue Book. I test drove the CT4 and loved it, it even drove better than that CTS. Even though the numbers are way under the ATS, 237 HP, and 258 torque, you wouldn't know it. It's much more responsive than the ATS. Perhaps the ATS I drove was a lemon. It was a 2017 very low miles (10K). I ended up buying that CT4 AWD luxury. Better interior, better infotainment, more responsive drive.

[@sstressfl]

You did good! I think you’ll enjoy it for many years to come 👍

[@submariner6839]

One year in with my CT-4 and I'm still loving it. Most fun to drive car I've ever owned. Glad to see the issues with your ATS appear to be over. Such a sweet looking ride.

[@Sun_Salt_and_Gasoline]

If you like the 2015 2.0T, you should test drive the 2016 3.6L. The 8 speed transmission is absolutely amazing and the V6 pulls nice. The one thing I don't like about the 2016 is the amount of torque and traction management they put in it, I disabled all of that and the car feels great, ran 13.7sec quarter mile.

[@sstressfl]

The 3.6 and 2.0t are so similar in performance. Any issues with your 8 speed shuddering? Have you had the flush yet? Great ET by the way!!

[@Sun_Salt_and_Gasoline]

@@sstressfl I bought the car with 36k miles on it and it had the shudder, only when fully warmed up (didn't notice when test driving prior to purchase). Car was still in warranty, took it in to have the transmission fluid replaced and shudder went away completely, 30k miles later not a hint of it. Other than disabling the torque management and traction control I have increased tire width to 245 40 18, stock tires were too stiff. The tires made the car a lot more relaxed on the road and it doesn't need anything else. That being said an ATS-V would be the perfect driving machine, as I enjoy driving my ATS more than I enjoy the 1000HP CTS-V. The CTS-V feels like an overpowered tank. I doubt Cadillac will be able to beat the ATS-V with any new car they make in terms of a total package.

[@jimwillingham8052]

Buy a V, much faster.

[@motormusique]

I actually liked the CT4-V on my test drive, good power and handling. However there was a total dealbreaker for me - the engine and specifically the turbo makes this constant high pitched whistling when you're cruising at lower speeds, sounds like a kettle boiling. I cannot imagine living with it - I took a video of it on my channel actually. Did you notice that? By the way if you wanted to be a car journalist you totally have the chops

[@sstressfl]

I had considered it as a trade for my ats. But it was so crude comparatively that it immediately fell of the list. It felt like Cadillac took a big step backward with it. And I don’t recall that specific sound but I do remember that the engine sounded uncharacteristically Cadillac - as a loud 4 cylinder. Whereas the ats was smooth, quiet, and torquey.

[@sidneycrosbyisbeast8]

Just bought a 2015 ats luxury 2.0t... I live up in Northern VT, you need to go a little fan meetup!

[@sstressfl]

Congrats!!! We could start a club lol there are a few more VT ATS owners in this state :)

[@Thekidkiderson]

I agree..I don't like the 2020 body style, I got a 2015 cts lux performance. Best ride I ever bought!

[@sstressfl]

The CTS is one of the most mean looking rides Cadillac has ever produced. Awesome car 👍

[@w41duvernay]

YOU said stiff sidewalls? Is Cadillac using run flats on this CT4?

[@sstressfl]

Yes the ct4 uses run flats just like the ATS :)

[@cmscms123456]

Cadillac builds krap cars now. They's like you to change Cadillacs every 2 years, so you wont notice their long term longevity is krap. When was the last time you saw a 3, 4 or 5 year old Cadillac on the road... driving, under its own power... not on the back of a flatbed tow truck...

[@timothyrudzinski9159]

My 2015 ATS 2.0 turbo was bought new. She has 83,000 miles with minimal repairs and on time maintenance. Premium fuel ONLY.

[@huntermain8679]

I got a 2020 CT5 as a loaner, while my ATS gets a transmission service. I was super excited to drive it, up until I drove it. It's fine, and does what it needs to and nothing else. Styling is great, but the interior is DRAB. I feel bored driving it. It's nice, but has no remarkable traits and lacks excitement. If a Chevy badge was slapped on it, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. I want my ATS back, it's only been 4 days. :(

[@sstressfl]

My exact same experience!!! The ATS is a special car.

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

Such a riveting review loved it

[@sstressfl]

Thank you 🙏

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

@@sstressfl I love my ATS 2.0T and won’t trade it for the ct4 but i have one question why does the 13-14 ATS 2.0t make less power and torque the 15 and up.

[@sstressfl]

@@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049 the 13 and 14 models were poppin pistons and GM revised the fuel and ignition curves to fix it.... why the re-programming made more power in the 15 and up models I'll never know. But it was done to help change cylinder pressures. BTW, a lot of the popped pistons were due to people running overly aggressive aftermarket tunes. You'll see some of the subtle joking in the groups/forums. They would remove the tune after damaging the engine and scream at Cadillac for warranty replacement.

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

@@sstressfl that’s kinda my main question. I was looking at getting a tune and I trust you should I get one and it sounds like stay away lol. I have intake and muffler delete only other thing ima goin to do it hard pipe kit cold side hot side u know again thank you 🙏

[@sstressfl]

@@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049 roll easy! :) Thanks for the chat brother.

[@louiev9950]

If this ct4-v is being compared to an ATS 2.0 model and not the actual V should it even be considered a V

[@cruz.rylan04]

Back when premium was under $3😭

[@sstressfl]

Sigh... I remember those days....

[@macbones6179]

What’s faster ats 2.0 turbo or ats 3.6?

[@sstressfl]

In stock trim car and drive says the 2.0t is a couple tenths quicker.

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

2.0T is slight quicker because the engine is lighter and you got a turbo. Gotta love the sound of that turbo.

[@davidhamlin7932]

I have a CTS 2.0t and head a CT5 loaner and same thing. It felt like a Chevy to me. I don't understand why all the car review people say that it's nicer interior. So annoying

[@dirttherapy24-24]

i test drove a ct5 and i was not impressed, i prefer my CTS

[@sstressfl]

The CTS like the ATS pushed the limits on design and performance. The new models are just too safe in their design and performance. Heck... I’d probably be ok with the performance if they just looked better.

[@VelleyIndustrial]

Your ATS doesn't have a CUE screen. Is it a 'luxury' version?

[@sstressfl]

It’s an awd base model 👍 No cue for me.

[@randomrantsvlogs6288]

Thank you.

[@jeremyjune7002]

Very good review, thank you, good sir.

[@sstressfl]

Thank you!

[@ejmich8136]

You'll like the ct5v its way better. Ct4 is a malibu.

[@unjaded2]

EXACTLY

[@z512345]

I like my 2018 ATS 3.6 better.

[@MannyMarvelous]

I make my videos based out of Springfield actualy!, interesting you had a good time with that dealership, i've only heard horror stories till now. cool!

[@sstressfl]

I subscribe to your channel :) I always support my fellow VT vloggers! And yikes! I have purchased 2 cars from Springfield AutoMart (and 1 from Kelly) and have had good experiences. I'll let you know how the Cadillac fix works out. I hope you're wrong! Either way, it'll all end up on KZbin :D

[@johnwhitneykokalis9990]

The new Caddys look like euro interiors and the body's look hum drum Japan styling. The reason it looks bigger inside is because the center council is designed a lot differently and the dash looks generic and not very progressive like the ATS. When my ATS is all cleaned up it GETS NOTICED, the CT4 gets OVERLOOKED.

[@sstressfl]

All good observations. Overall, the CT4 is not in the same league as the ATS. But I suspect it was a retreat to familiar territory for GM. They should have fixed the ATSs problems and relaunched it with a new advertising campaign. All Cadillacs should be better than Chevy. The ATS should have options like the Camaro but be faster and handle better. They even need a new corvette killer. Faster and more luxurious. Price be darned. Let Cadillac truly be a premium luxury “supercar” brand. Instead the CT4 is just another Chevy with a badge change.

[@tylerc4229]

Ats> ct4

[@jonathanwilliams3949]

Do you think the crc cleaner caused it?

[@sstressfl]

No. I have learned more. The radiator fan quit working on its own. They replaced it. The car is running rich for some reason, and is a common known issue. Cadillac released 6 or so recommended fixes for it. The dealer is testing each one to find the problem.

[@jonathanwilliams3949]

@@sstressfl ok thanks

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

REALLY torn about the new design on these CT4, CT5 and CT6 and one thing for sure the rear end on these cars are UGLY especially compared to the ATS/CTS and especially the XTS. Its like you said they raised the car up some and made it more boxy....almost like they were trying to give it that telsa look.....where the cars so damn big it looks like an SUV. LOL. 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@sstressfl]

I sat up a lot higher. It has a totally diff feel than the ATS. Like I said in the video, like a Malibu! But it was rock solid.

[@Ferrari246GT]

ATS is much better looking , more involving driver's car. I don't like the direction of the new Cadillacs. I know people are moving towards SUNs more & more, but I don't like it.

[@r.serrano9377]

Great vid, keep the ATS. The new series is crap, serious downgrade and they know it. That’s why they paying people to rate them. I’m so disappointed in Cadillac with the route they chose. If they want to go slower than cancel the DPI race team. They should make old people golf carts.

[@sstressfl]

Sorry so long to reply. I have a ct5 loaner with 1000 miles on the odometer. I like it so much but the transmission shudders!! Uhhhg!! Better than the ct4 but still has issues :/

[@sirloin4372]

I could never buy a newer car without touchscreen ent nav. I have 05sts4 1sg and just bought a 13 ats4 2.0t. Zzperfomace get ready to take my money!!

[@sstressfl]

In this case the touch screen is a weak link. Forever greatful for my base radio. And be careful with zzperformance upgrades! the 2.0t will drive and drive in its stock form but it likes to eat itself when additional power is added. If you want to dip into a rich resource from those who have gone before you, check out www.cadillacforums.com/ :) Have fun!

[@sirloin4372]

@@sstressfl thanks for the reply! I’m actually a member on that forum. The 2.0t is a great motor. Problem is the pistons are garbage. I’m going to be running e85 and also running denso plugs that are 1 heat range colder then ac delco that comes with it. Eventually it will be fully built forged internals.

[@sstressfl]

@@sirloin4372 Forged internals are the only way to go with that engine. If you're willing to spend the $ then it should be just fine :)

[@RJ57952]

I have a 2014 ATS 2.0t. Drove the CT5 as a courtesy vehicle for a week. Was not really impressed. The ATS turns better and feels lighter on its feet. The CT5 felt uninspired. The styling on the ATS also looks sharper. Id repurchase the ATS new if i could

[@unjaded2]

this should not be called V series car, the ct5 v is much better ! 325 hp isnt enough to be called a V . all in all it is not a sport car at all . it is more like THE V = VERANO (BUICK). ATS WERE/ARE GREAT VEHICLES. CT4 V ITS A GROCERY GETTER !

[@sstressfl]

I agree that it is not the same speed performance as the previous generation V. But the engine is a pretty well established truck engine and it'll probably last a long time with no failures. And it does handle very well and it the brakes are incredible. It has much of a sports car foundation. However, to me, it just doesn't look sexy enough. If it was a great looking car, it would be an easy purchase, I think.

[@jinlight4253]

ats best sports sedan, bmw3 killer

[@sstressfl]

When it's smooth and running perfectly it is indeed the most incredible sports sedan :)

[@Lianpe98]

so it's just a nice chevy :(

[@sstressfl]

I think so... the brakes and handling are nice 👍 but it sure doesn’t feel Cadillac-fancy to me.

[@gabrielsoicy4814]

2020 ass rear end is ugly :(

[@sstressfl]

lol I hear ya... I dont think I would say its ugly. I dont even think the entire car is ugly. It's just... not exciting to look at.

[@Aaaaa69999]

Not trying to be rude but why buy into such an unreliable brand?

[@sstressfl]

baznitchandsons same reason people buy Harleys 👍 There’s just something about ‘em.

[@paulcondie2520]

Not one issue with my 2016 ats 3.6. yet! Lol

[@FossilWatchFix]

Your claims of the bdand being unreliable arent backed by anything. Cadillac has higher scores then alot of luxury brands like Acura. Check the real numbers www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2020-us-vehicle-dependability-study

[@fademastermarco]

If you have to not try to be rude the you’re being rude