From iconic SUVs to sleek sedans, Cadillac is a legendary brand that continues to innovate. If you want luxury, technology, and a quiet ride, then Cadillac has a vehicle for you.

So what’s the best Cadillac to buy?

This guide will cover Cadillac pricing, maintenance costs, special features, reliability ratings, comparisons of models—plus a section to help you decide whether a new Cadillac or used Cadillac is right for you.

Whether you’re interested in the status symbol of an Escalade or a powerful sedan like the CT4, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let car shopping stress you out!

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, and the nitty-gritty details of picking a car to take home.

Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about buying a Cadillac.

How much does a Cadillac cost?

Cadillac is a luxury brand, so its features and pricing reflect this. The vehicles emphasize appearance and high performance. Prices for new Cadillacs range widely depending on the year, model, and features.

You’ll pay around $35,000 for a base model sedan like the CT4 and up to $90,000 for a base model SUV like the Escalade. Cadillac’s crossover, the XT4, is priced somewhere in the middle. Higher trim levels and add-on packages can push the price over $100,000.

It’s important to think beyond the price tag. The true cost of owning a Cadillac includes insurance premiums, maintenance fees, and lease payments (if you’re leasing).

Let’s compare three models to understand the true cost of owning a Cadillac.

Cadillac CT4

The entry-level sedan costs $34,590. It’s unarguably handsome with plenty of horsepower to back up the appealing exterior. It runs on a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up to 34 mpg on the highway.

The CT4’s fuel economy means you’ll save on gas. Annual maintenance costs are lower for this sedan than other entry-level luxury sedans, at just over $1,000. This includes things like oil changes, tire inspections, and other normal servicing.

Cadillac XT4

At $36,790, you can take home a Cadillac crossover that can seat five with 237 horsepower. Most of the driver-assistance and technology features are optional (read: pay extra to include), which is why the price is so low.

This model requires similar maintenance but at a slightly higher price. However, the XT4’s maintenance fees still beat other luxury crossovers by several thousand dollars. Reliability for Cadillac crossovers is below average, so you may need to budget for unexpected repairs.

Cadillac Escalade

The truck-based Escalade hearkens back to the old guard of Cadillacs. Priced at $77,790 for the base model, this SUV is rated 8.5/10 by Car and Driver. It’s large, powerful, and bursting with technology—and terrible for the planet.

The biggest drawback is its gasoline consumption, and 20 mpg is simply not good enough to redeem this gas-guzzling model’s eye-popping price tag. Maintenance fees for this luxury SUV are also high, but not as high as other luxury brands.

If you are leasing a Cadillac, be sure to include your monthly payment amount in your budget. This is usually a few hundred dollars depending on the term of your agreement.

Key Takeaway Cadillac is a luxury brand. You’ll shell out some serious cash for the privilege of owning one—but you’ll pay less for maintenance than other luxury brands.

MORE: Do I still owe money on my Cadillac car loan if it breaks down?

What makes Cadillac better than its competitors?

Cadillacs have earned their brand recognition for some key traits:

Luxurious and high-quality finish

Powerful engines

Spacious cabins and cargo space

Innovative technology

Status symbols

Cadillacs are not the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road, but they are definitely some of the most glamorous. People who need a spacious cabin and luxury trim tend to drive Cadillacs.

So, what unique features does Cadillac offer? Innovation, for one.

In the next few years, Cadillac plans to release an electric vehicle called the Lyriq that will be the vanguard of American luxury. And Cadillac’s Super Cruise driver assistance features offer hands-free driving "on compatible roads."

How reliable is Cadillac?

Pros

Modern Cadillacs are known for their high-quality finish, performance engines, and top-line technology. Today’s vehicles look nothing like the old school cruising Cadillacs that your grandpa used to drive—and they’re pretty reliable.

Cons

Performance vehicles are gas-guzzlers. SUVs generate more emissions cumulatively than the entire aviation industry. Plus, after you pay a huge sum to take home an Escalade, you’ll then have to pay to maintain and fuel up your luxury vehicle.

If you want luxury and a high seating capacity, then a Cadillac crossover or SUV could be a good choice for you.

What problems does Cadillac have?

Any Cadillac car buying guide will tell you that many Escalades sold between 2015 and 2020 have some suspension and engine issues. Transmission failure is not uncommon in this SUV—and this is a costly repair job.

Cadillac sedan owners have also reported occasional problems with the front and rear light bulbs, as well as issues with a delaminated CUE screen (Cadillac’s infotainment system).

What area does Cadillac rarely fail?

Braking, safety, and technology are three areas in which Cadillac excels. With a slew of helpful driver-assistance tech—and plenty more as optional add-ons—no luxury vehicle offers such a range of safety features. Their Super Cruise (with automatic lane changing feature) stands out.

On top of that, most Cadillacs get five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

MORE:

What is an NHTSA safety rating?

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What is the best Cadillac?

The highest-rated Cadillac is the second generation Cadillac CTS-V.

Discontinued in 2019, this is a "super sedan" with a 640 horsepower V8. It can hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds in style. One owner said of their CTS-V, "The sound is devilish, and the fit and finish are excellent."

This model was rated 10/10 by Car and Driver and it was originally priced at $85,000.

What is the worst Cadillac?

The worst-rated Cadillac is the 2000 to 2005 DeVille.

This model suffered from low engine performance, reported oil leaks, and front-wheel drive only.

The DeVille is a full-size sedan that was good for cruising but had outdated styling. Originally priced around $46,000, the 2005 DeVille was the last of its line. One owner said, "It’s an oil burner and the climate controls are annoying, but the trunk is huge and the ride feels like floating."

MORE:

Which cars are expensive to tune up?

Should I buy a Cadillac new or used?

Cadillac is a historic car manufacturer, so the market for used vehicles is booming. You can find many options available for fairly low costs. Some sources say that newer Cadillacs lack reliability, but older vehicles can be unreliable if they’ve been poorly maintained.

If you prefer performance, you may want to go for a used Cadillac with a good service record. If luxury is a top priority for you, then a new Cadillac might be better.

Note that used vehicles are typically a better bargain. In addition to being cheaper, sellers of used cars are often more open to negotiating the price. Plus, a used car depreciates more slowly. A new car, on the other hand, loses about 40% of its value within the first three years of ownership (learn more about

actual cash value

Key Takeaway A used Cadillac could be a smart investment if you can find a well-maintained vehicle. For utmost luxury and peak technology, opt for a new one.

MORE:

How to check if a used car is a lemon

How do I decide what car to buy?

You’re in the driver’s seat. Everyone has different values, so the "right car" is one that aligns with your needs.

Some people want a status symbol that screams luxury, while others need room for gear and don’t care about the exterior styling. For others still, it’s all about what’s under the hood.

Does a Cadillac meet my needs?

Start by thinking about the kind of driving you do, what type of ride you enjoy, and what must-have features you need.

Cadillac offers great safety features, luxury finishes, enough room for lots of passengers (including car seats), and it has excellent technological connectivity. It can even tow a heavy load if necessary.

Gas mileage is poor, so Cadillac is not a good choice for eco-friendly (or budget-minded) drivers. But if you want a safe and powerful vehicle that’s on the cutting-edge of luxury, Cadillac might have something for you.

Cheap car insurance for Cadillac

Once you splash out on a luxury Cadillac, it’s time to cut back on spending. The

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