Pros
- Handling/roadholding
- Acceleration
Acceleration
7/10
The V6 engine provides strong acceleration from a stop and has outstanding passing power. Cadillac claims a V6-powered STS will reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which feels accurate to us. No AWD or V8 models have been made available for testing.
Fuel Economy
6/10
No opportunity to measure. V6 STS models use regular-grade gas. Cadillac recommends premium for the V8.
Ride Quality
8/10
STS blends absorbency and firm composure to good effect with the base suspension and standard 17-inch tires. The optional Performance Handling Package is almost as comfortable, but triggers mild jitter on coarse or rippled surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking
7/10
Any STS corners with poise and modest body lean. Compared to midsize cars from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, however, the steering on this Cadillac feels somewhat vague and over assisted. Reassuring brakes provide short, straight stops.
Quietness
8/10
Road and wind noise are both well muted. The V6 sounds refined when accelerating.
Controls
8/10
STS has relatively few buttons compared to other premium cars--a big plus. All controls are easy to reach, though some markings are confusing. The available navigation system absorbs audio functions, but doesn't complicate their use.
Details
7/10
Interior materials quality is good when compared to domestic-branded premium sedans but falls shy of the standards set by German and Japanese rivals.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
7/10
Good headroom and legroom, but some testers feel hemmed-in by the wide center console and high windowsills. The standard power tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps dial in a comfortable driving stance.
Room/Comfort (Rear)
5/10
Disappointing for a car this large. With the front seats set far back, legroom is limited and foot space is tight. The seat itself is well contoured and offers good back support, though a longer seat bottom would enhance long-distance comfort. Headroom is just adequate.
Cargo Room
3/10
Trunk space is unexceptional for STS' exterior size. The trunk hinges don't intrude into the cargo area, and liftover is low. However, a small opening limits the size of items that can be loaded. Small-item storage is limited to a small center console and less-than-generous glovebox.
Value Within Class
6/10
STS impresses dynamically, and the availability of all-wheel drive is an asset. Inside, STS disappoints with subpar rear-seat space and materials that are not in step with class pacesetters--or other Cadillac models for that matter. On any model, extra-cost items can quickly add to the price, making a judiciously optioned V6 model the best value in this line.
Highlights
The 2010 Cadillac STS is largely unchanged, though a high-performance model is no longer offered. STS is available in V6 and V8 models. The high-performance STS-V has been discontinued. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. V6 models have a 302-horsepower 3.6-liter engine. V8 models use a 320-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. A lane-departure and blind-spot alert system are offered, as is an active-steering system designed to turn the front wheels into a skid when the rears lose traction. Also available are heated and ventilated front seats, a navigation system with voice recognition, and a wireless cell-phone link. The Platinum Edition Package has specific interior and exterior trim.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium-Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium-Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37, Jaguar XF, and Volkswagen CC. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A6, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo V70.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, Infiniti G37 convertible, Lexus ES 350, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Cadillac CTS gains a 4-door wagon body style for 2010.