Likes - Seductive styling
- Comfortable seats and luxurious cabin
- Excellent road manners
Dislikes - Compromised functionality in cargo space
- Limited rear visibility
- Packing on the options puffs up the price
Tech Specs - Standard engine: 3.0 liter V6 270 hp
- 3.6 liter V8 304 hp 273 hp
- MPG: 18 city/26 highway
What's New/Changed - Completely new addition to the CTS model
The Vehix View - The Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is a stylish, athletic performer. But packrats may want to look elsewhere.
First Impressions
Here in America, station wagons, with their taint of suburban impotence, are to crossover vehicles (with their higher ride height and pseudo-SUV profile) what Walmart is to Target. Similar in content, purpose and form, one is considered a hipper alternative to the other.
While every carmaker has jumped onto the crossover bandwagon to fill the gaping hole created by consumer disenchantment with SUVs, it's no wonder that station wagons badged with an American marque are found few and far in between. Europeans, however, understand the appeal of increased cargo space combined with competent handling in a more compact package, which is why German carmakers offer sporty wagon variants of their sedans.
General Motors, working hard to make Cadillac a global luxury player, is betting that the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon (view photos) it plans to sell across the pond will also help American consumers realize the errors of their ways. And with its handsome, sharply chiseled visage, dramatic sheet metal folds and creases, and seductive silhouette, I'm hoping that they'll succeed.
Pricing, Trims and Options
The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon starts at a reasonable $36, 730 for the Base model, but can reach upwards of $53,620 for the top-of-the-line Premium trim with the bigger engine. You'll get almost every possible convenience; such as navigation; 19-inch wheels; and performance cooling, brakes and suspension.
Interior Features
Step inside the cabin of the CTS Sport Wagon and you're greeted by a tastefully appointed interior, with soft-touch materials on exposed surfaces and subtle brightwork accents. I was pleasantly surprised by upscale touches like the stitched leather dash, huge panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, rocking Bose 5.1 surround sound system and clever pop-up navigation system that leaves a sliver of the screen exposed to reveal stereo information when the navi is switched off.
The big story for the Sport Wagon, though, is cargo space; with the rear seats in use, you get 25 cubic feet, while lowering them reveals 53.4 cubic feet. While that's comparable to the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon, the Caddy is heftier and outwardly bigger than either, so you'd expect a bit more room for your gear. Unfortunately, I found that functionality has been sacrificed for style. The sloping hatch and tapered hindquarters resulted in a small cargo opening, and although things were helped a bit by the useful cargo organizer, I was a bit flummoxed to discover that it was unable to accommodate a full-size stroller.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
As befitting a luxury sedan, the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon boasts a comprehensive array of standard active and passive safety features; including a full suite of airbags for front and rear passengers, traction and stability control, and four-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist. The standard OnStar communications system can call for help to your exact location in the event of an accident, as well as remotely unlock the doors should you leave the keys inside.