Cadillac discontinued the CTS and replaced it with the CT5

General Motors stopped making the Cadillac CTS after the 2019 model year. The CT5 is its direct replacement, launched for the 2020 model year. The CT5 sits in the same market segment — a midsize luxury sedan — and targets the same buyers who chose the CTS. If you own a CTS or are shopping used, the CT5 is what Cadillac built next in that category.

The CT5 is larger than the final CTS generation. It has more interior space, a wider wheelbase, and a taller roofline. Cadillac positioned it as a step up in size and comfort, closer to what competitors like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class offer. The engine options changed too: the CT5 uses turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines rather than the CTS's naturally aspirated V6 and optional turbo.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cadillac CT5 replaced the CTS starting in 2020, occupying the same midsize luxury sedan segment.
  • The CT5 is physically larger than the CTS, with more legroom, cargo space, and a longer wheelbase.
  • Engine choices shifted from naturally aspirated to turbocharged powerplants across both four-cylinder and V6 options.
  • If you are looking at used CTS models, the 2015–2019 years represent the final generation before the CT5 took over.

How the CT5 differs from the CTS in size and performance

The CTS's last generation (2014–2019) was 191 inches long and had a 111-inch wheelbase. The CT5 measures 195 inches long with a 112-inch wheelbase — modest gains that add up in the back seat and trunk. Rear legroom increased by roughly 2 inches, and the trunk grew from 13.6 cubic feet to 16.1 cubic feet. For passengers and cargo, the CT5 feels noticeably roomier.

Power delivery changed significantly. The final CTS offered a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 335 horsepower, or an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 268 horsepower. The CT5 dropped the naturally aspirated engine entirely. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbo four (237 horsepower) or an optional 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (405 horsepower). The turbo four is less powerful than the old CTS turbo, but the twin-turbo V6 is significantly stronger than anything the CTS offered.

Why Cadillac renamed its sedan lineup

General Motors shifted Cadillac's naming strategy starting around 2017. Instead of using letters (CTS, ATS, XTS), the brand moved to a system where sedans use "CT" followed by a number indicating size: CT4 (compact), CT5 (midsize), and CT6 (full-size). This mirrors the naming of Cadillac's SUV line, which uses "XT" (XT4, XT5, XT6). The change made the lineup easier to understand at a glance.

The renaming also signaled a design and engineering refresh. The CT5 was not straightforward a renamed CTS — it was built on a newer platform, received updated technology, and incorporated Cadillac's latest design language. GM used the model change as an opportunity to modernize the entire vehicle, not just rebadge it.

What happened to other CTS variants

Cadillac offered a high-performance CTS-V model from 2009 to 2019. This version carried a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 640 horsepower and was aimed at drivers who wanted a muscle-car sedan. The CTS-V did not carry forward into the CT5 generation. Cadillac has not released a V-series version of the CT5, though the brand has signaled that V-series models will return to its lineup in the future.

The CTS wagon, which was available in earlier generations, also disappeared. Cadillac has not offered a wagon since 2014, and the CT5 is a sedan-only model. Buyers looking for a Cadillac wagon have no current option from the brand.

Used CTS market and what to know if you own one

If you own a CTS, it remains a supported vehicle. Cadillac dealerships still service them, parts are available, and the 2015–2019 models are relatively young. The final generation CTS is known for reliability, though like any used luxury car, maintenance costs can be higher than mainstream brands. Common issues in older CTS models (2009–2014) include transmission problems and electrical gremlins, but the 2015+ generation addressed many of these.

Resale value for a used CTS depends on year, mileage, and condition. The 2019 model year, being the last, may hold value slightly better than earlier years because buyers know it represents the final iteration. If you are considering selling, the CT5's arrival means the CTS market is now entirely used — there are no new ones competing for buyer attention, which can work in your favor if your car is in good condition.

How the CT5 compares to competitors

The CT5 competes directly with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and Lexus IS. It is priced in the same range and offers similar features: luxury interiors, advanced infotainment systems, and a choice of engine sizes. The CT5 tends to undercut its German competitors on price while offering more interior space than the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class.

The CTS, by contrast, was positioned between the compact and midsize segments — it was smaller than a 5 Series but larger than a 3 Series. The CT5 moved Cadillac's midsize offering into a more direct head-to-head competition with the 3 Series and C-Class. This repositioning reflects where Cadillac saw growth in the luxury market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get parts for my CTS from a Cadillac dealer?

Yes. Cadillac dealerships stock parts for the CTS through their parts departments, and many parts are available through online retailers as well. Older CTS models (2009–2014) may have longer lead times for certain components, but 2015–2019 models have readily available inventory. Your dealer can order anything not in stock.

Is the CT5 a direct replacement if I want to trade in my CTS?

The CT5 is the closest match in Cadillac's current lineup, but it is larger and more expensive. If you want something closer in size to your CTS, the CT4 (Cadillac's compact sedan) might be worth comparing. A Cadillac dealer can walk you through how your CTS trades against either model.

Will Cadillac bring back the CTS name?

There is no announced plan to revive the CTS nameplate. Cadillac has committed to the CT naming system for sedans going forward. The brand is also shifting focus toward electric vehicles and SUVs, so a new CTS is unlikely in the near term.

What year did Cadillac stop making the CTS?

Production ended after the 2019 model year. The CT5 launched for 2020. Any CTS on the road today is a used vehicle, with the newest examples being 2019 models.