PRICE/AS-TESTED PRICE $48,665/$52,785
MILEAGE 26 MPG (HWY); 18 MPG (CITY)
ENGINE 3.6-LITER V-6
DRIVE WHEELS. REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
TRANSMISSION. 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE 304/273
HOW MANY IT CAN FIT 5
ANTILOCK BRAKES YES
ANTISKID SYSTEM. YES
CUPHOLDERS 4
FOLDING REAR SEAT YES
TRUNK PASS-THROUGH YES
STEERING WHEEL AUDIO YES
DVD PLAYER NO
SATELLITE RADIO YES
POWER SUNROOF YES
LEATHER UPHOLSTERY YES
POWER FRONT SEATS YES
HEATED FRONT SEATS. YES
AUTO-OFF HEADLIGHTS YES
HEATED MIRRORS YES
POWER LOCKS YES
REMOTE ENTRY YES
KEYLESS START YES
UNIVERSAL GARAGE OPENER YES
HANDS-FREE PHONE YES
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2010 CADILLAC CTS SPORT WAGON
If the Cadillac CTS was part of a revamp of the premium General Motors division into a sleeker line, then the new-for-2010 CTS Sport Wagon should add to the allure.
Without being demonstrably big and way too stylish to be called a station wagon, the CTS Sport Wagon is a visual hit. The exterior seems to be very much a sedan as you scan from front to back until you reach the typical tailgate. Of course, even here there is nothing typical about the power liftgate coming with a height-adjustable feature.
Interior dimensions for passengers are largely the same in the wagon as they are in the sedan. The wagon, which seats five people, does come with a low-entry point for passengers and cargo. The front seats will be up for debate, even among family members when shopping the CTS wagon.
The pads seem relatively thin and taut, although that doesn’t mean uncomfortable. As expected, the cabin materials are as regal as they come from GM. An Ultraview Panoramic Sunroof gives an open view of the world to all passengers. Where this wagon stands out is in the cargo area with 25 cubic feet of space behind the back seats and 57 cubic feet when those seats are folded.
The standard CTS engine is a 273-horsepower V-6. Our test car came with the upgraded 304-horsepower V-6. Coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, road performance was never in question. Neither was the handling. You don’t expect a wagon to react like a sedan and it doesn’t, but it does come close in the rear-wheel drive version. All-wheel drive is also available.
We drove high-end premium trim, which starts at $48,665. My test car came with the 19-inch Summer Tire Performance Package ($2,090). Included with the 19-inch wheels (replacing 18-inch wheels) was a sport suspension. This makes for a firm ride so if cushier travels are your preference, stick with the basic package.
As far as wagons go, though, the Cadillac CTS proves to be anything but basic.
David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.
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