MPG-o-Matic Cadillac CTS V6 DI Review Summary: The 2009 Cadillac CTS V6 DI Performance Sedan delivers a killer combination of comfort, performance, and features. When driven conscientiously with a light foot, the CTS V6 DI provides solid fuel economy for a luxury sedan.
The 2009 Cadillac CTS V6 DI doesn’t just set the standard for American performance luxury sedans. It provides worthy competition for the imports. The rear-wheel-drive CTS is worlds apart from the wallowing thirsty Cadillacs of the days of yore.
The CTS DI’s 3.6-liter direct injected V6 engine produces 304 horsepower (HP) and 273 foot pounds of torque. The V6 can be mated to a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.
The official mileage estimates for the 2009 Cadillac CTS V6 DI are 17 city / 26 highway miles per gallon (MPG), with the six-speed automatic.
We rolled up well over 700 miles on our automatic-equipped White Diamond Premium CTS DI review unit and were able to beat the official estimates, with an average of 29 MPG on the Interstate highway and 23.1 MPG combined. The CTS’ drive train responds well to a light footed approach and packs plenty of punch when you need it.
You’ll get the best mileage results in the CTS by using the Driver Information Center’s Instant Fuel Economy display. With an eye on the instant MPG display and a light touch on the throttle, you should be able to maintain a 30 MPG average on the highway.
Cadillac CTS V6 DI Highway MPG Testing
Cruise control on @ 68 MPH – 27.8 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed between 60-72 MPH – 30.3
Test period temperatures ranged from the forties through the sixties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).
Well, there she sits buddy justa gleaming in the sun
There to greet a working man when his day is done
– B. Springsteen, Cadillac Ranch
The Cadillac CTS DI fully qualifies as the modern decompression chamber, turning the commute into something else, altogether.
From the city, over the highway, and out to the country, the CTS soaks it all up, while providing an unique driving experience.
The CTS’ crisply designed interior delivers both style and comfort. Our test unit with the performance collection option package, which includes leather surfaces, heated front seats with lumbar support, high intensity headlamps, fog lamps, headlamp washers, sport suspension, limited slip differential, and Bluetooth, among other features.
Sitting in the back seat is like slipping on a favorite baseball glove. A center pass through looks to accommodate skis, but not snowboards.
The optional Ultraview sunroof is generously sized.
While road warriors will appreciate the trio of 12-volt power outlets, it’s the optional USB-equipped audio and navigation package that steals the show, with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, XM satellite radio with traffic, 40GB hard drive, and excellent iPod support, with controls on both the touchscreen and steering wheel. The system provides full control via playlist, artist, album, and song.
All-in-all, the Cadillac CTS V6 DI is proof positive that the American automakers can compete in the luxury performance market. Test drive the CTS against its competition from abroad and you just might be pleasantly surprised.
Fuel requirements:
Regular-grade gasoline.
Final Assembly Point:
Lansing, Michigan
Parts Content:
70% – U.S./Canadian
Country of Origin:
Engine – United States
Transmission – Unite States
2009 Cadillac CTS
Daniel Gray
2009-05-07
“The 2009 Cadillac CTS V6 DI delivers a killer combination of comfort, performance, and features. When driven conscientiously with a light foot, the CTS V6 DI provides solid fuel economy for a luxury sedan.”
– by Daniel Gray
I am thinking of purchasing something that might be easier to enter & exit than my 2005 Chrysler 300C. I’m thinking these autos are built quite similar and I’m looking at the wrong vehicles. What led me to this site was I was following the 2009 VW Jetta TDI which gets around 48 mpg and stumbled upon this article. I’ve always wanted a Cadillac and being 69 years old, now is the time or it will never happen. I’m still thinking about taking one for a spin and see how it feels.
M.C. – By all means go take a CTS DI for a test drive. I don’t know how it compares to the 300C with regard to entry & exit. The Jetta TDI is a wonderful car, as well … but the CTS DI compares more closely to it’s cousin, the Audi A4 (another sweet ride).
I am thinking about getting a CTS DI that has 304 HP, with your chip, if if produce 30 HP that should give me around 334 HP correct? What else can I do to get the HP to 360 HP, without killing the gas mileage?
@Dennis – we don’t sell chips or tunes. A quality aftermarket intake and exhaust might get you partway there. It all depends on how much you have to spend.
“The rear-wheel-drive CTS is worlds apart from the wallowing thirsty Cadillacs of the days of yore.”
Most CTS users report 17-19 mpg. Yet the old Northstars could get up to 30 mpg on the highway without the use of cruise control, but to get close on a CTS you need all downhills and cruise control all the way.
I got a 2009 CTS got it in May 2019 haven’t had it a year yet. I love it! First Cadillac I owed, had 110,370 miles on it when I got it, has 123,037 miles now. Blue Diamond paint, very good condition. rides nice has great power and looks real nice body style. I’ll have it for years to come!