The 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon balances the sporty dynamics of the CTS sedan with the utility of a luxury wagon. The CTS have been named as “Best Buy” by Consumer Guide and included in Car & Driver’s “10 Best Buy” for more than just a year being in the market. This vehicle was created as an alternative to larger utility vehicles but still promises the same stylish good looks and competent handling as its sedan counterpart but with the added feature of utility and cargo space of a wagon.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Wagon | Base Price: $38,465.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (68 liters) | MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy |
| Length: 192 in. (487 cm) | Width: 72.5 in. (184 cm) |
| Height: 58 in. (147 cm) | Wheel Base: 113.4 in. (288 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4031 lbs (1828 kg) | Max Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs (453.6 kgs) |
| Luggage Capacity: 58 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 3.0 liters |
| Horsepower: 270 HP | Max RPM: 7000 RPM |
| Torque: 223 lb-ft @ 5700 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds* | 1/4 Mile: 12.5 seconds* |
*CTS V Sport Wagon
| Option:CTS Sport Wagon Luxury | MSRP: $41,520; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:CTS Sport Wagon Performance 3.0L | MSRP: $41,765; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:CTS Sport Wagon Performance 3.6L | MSRP: $43,665; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:CTS Sport Wagon Premium | MSRP: $49,265; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:CTS V Sport Wagon 6.2L V8 | MSRP: $62,360; MPG: 14 city / 19 hwy |
Performance
The Sports Wagon is a five-passenger wagon available in five trim levels namely 3.0 Base, 3.0 Luxury, 3.0 Performance, 3.6 Performance and 3.6 Premium. These five trim levels constitute the two engine options of the sports wagon. Base and Luxury trims are equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that generates 270-horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 223pound-feet of torque at 5,700 rpm. Performance and Premium trims feature a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 304-horsepower at 6,400rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. All trims are has a standard six-speed automatic or manual transmission.
Interior & Exterior
Standard feature on the 3.0 includes a 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, power lift gate, dual zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, an tilt/telescoping steering wheel, premium vinyl upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an audio system with CD changer that comes with an eight-speaker audio system and an auxiliary audio jack.
On the other hand, it is equipped with 18-inch wheels, performance brakes, upgraded “FE2” sport-tuned suspension and adaptive HID headlamps. The 3.6 Performance features a bigger V6 engine and a stereo with digital storage and USB/iPod audio interface equipped with a 10-speaker surround-sound system.
The 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon actually is 0.3 inch shorter than the sedan even though wagon typically has elongated rear end. Its design maintains a seamless profile right down to the integrated roof rails in place of the traditional bars to allow extra exterior cargo space. The sculpted vertical LED taillights at the back extend along the tailgate. Using light-pipe technology is designed for quick illumination and stunning presence.
The interior features have received good reviews and feedbacks with its long list of technology and convenience features. The combination of wood and LED ambient interior lighting gives an upscale feel to the interior. In addition, the sophisticated audio system and elegant upholstery makes its more modern and stylish. The rear seats fold flat, creating more than 58 cubic feet of storage for cargos. The floor rails are lifted. However, there have been issues on the seating comfort. Some reviews mentioned about the rear seat having less knee room.
Safety & Reliability
Although the CTS Sport Wagon has not yet been tested by the federal government, the scores of the 2010 model are still applicable. The 2010 model has earned four stars when it was tested.
The CTS Wagon has a predictability rating of 9.0 out of 10.0 given by J.D. Power. This is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from studies particularly on the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Wagon also carries a five-year/100,000-mile warranty as compared to other luxury wagons whose warranties are only good for four years or 50,000 miles.
The Competition
The 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon can be compared to the Audi A4 Avant (MSRP $36,300; 21 city / 29 hwy) which is $2,300 less in price but with only 211-horsepower, it is not as powerful as the 2011 CTS Sport Wagon. The BMW 3-series Sport Wagon (MSRP $37,150; 17 city / 26 hwy) which also offer a smooth and sporty ride and is $2,000 less in price.
Here are the lists of the Pros and Cons of the 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon:
Pros:
- Elegant Cabin
- Capable, Secure handling
- Large cargo space
- Strong engine choices
- User friendly-high tech features
- Class-leading warranty
Cons:
- Potentially awkward driving position
- Cargo room is not as big as competitors
- Not as compact and agile as the rivals
- Poor rear visibility
Overall Rating
70 out of 100
What others say:
“The CTS is quick off the line, and it offers plenty of “sport” in terms of steering feel.”Car Connection
“The handsome 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is not just an alternative to other wagons but also an enticing choice for those considering compact luxury crossovers.”Edmunds
