Cadillac ATS (2012–2019) Overview: Specs, Generations and Best Versions
A guide to cadillac ats generations from 2012–2019: coupe and sedan bodies, 202–340 hp engines, and which versions stand out by the numbers.
The Cadillac ATS is a coupe produced from 2012 to 2019 with outputs from 202 to 340 hp. Anyone comparing cadillac ats specs will find a compact luxury car offered with manual and automatic gearboxes, rear-wheel drive or 4x4, in sedan and coupe bodies — a fit for drivers who want a sporty premium car with a wide choice of drivetrains.
Cadillac ATS generations
1 generation (2012–2014)
The first generation was built from 2012 to 2014 as a sedan, with power ranging from 202 to 340 hp across 9 modifications. Both Automatic and Manual gearboxes were offered, with RWD and 4x4 drivetrains. The 3.6 AT (340 hp) with 4x4 topped the range with a 3564 cc engine, while the 2.0 MT (276 hp, RWD) reached 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds from a 1998 cc engine.
1 generation, restyling (2014–2019)
The restyled first generation ran from 2014 to 2019 in coupe form and expanded the lineup to 15 modifications, keeping the 202–340 hp spread. The 2.0 MT (276 hp) improved acceleration to 5.5 seconds, and the 3.6 AT (325 hp) gained 4x4 drive with a 5.6-second sprint. The 3.6 AT (340 hp) with 4x4 remained the most powerful version.
Which Cadillac ATS to buy
- 2.0 AT (276 hp) (1 generation): the most economical choice at 8.2 l/100km with a 5.9-second 0–100 km/h time.
- 3.6 AT (340 hp) (1 generation): the most powerful version at 340 hp with 4x4 drive and 10.7 l/100km.
- 2.0 MT (276 hp) (1 generation, restyling): the quickest manual at 5.5 seconds to 100 km/h, with 8.9 l/100km.
- 3.6 AT (325 hp) (1 generation, restyling): a late 4x4 version accelerating in 5.6 seconds from a 3564 cc engine.
For a used purchase, the restyled cars built from 2014 to 2019 are the newer stock and offer the widest choice, with 15 modifications against 9 in the pre-restyling range. The pre-restyling 2012–2014 sedans are the oldest examples, so within the same version the later 2014–2019 cars are the simpler starting point.
Which Cadillac ATS to avoid
The 3.6 AT (325 hp) of the first generation (RWD, 2012–2016) is outshone by the restyled 3.6 AT (325 hp): the newer car adds 4x4 drive at the same 325 hp, though the older RWD version is quicker at 5.3 seconds versus 5.6. A clearer case against it is the 3.6 AT (340 hp): the same 3564 cc engine with 15 hp more and 4x4 in both generations, so the 325 hp RWD version mainly appeals if its 5.3-second sprint matters most.