2018 Cadillac XTS Review: Reliable Full Size Luxury Sedan With Reasonable Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter
Jul 26, 2023

The 2018 Cadillac XTS lasts around 200,000 miles with some relatively minor stereo system and wind noise issues reported. At $23,900 to $48,550, it’s a decent value for a large sedan with plenty of room and some upscale interior materials.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
The available twin-turbo engine is very sporty, there’s tons of passenger room and the trunk fits more cargo than the competition.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The handling is loose, the touchscreen is tricky to learn how to use and the base V6 engine isn’t very powerful for the car’s weight.

Is the 2018 Cadillac XTS a Good Used Car?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Cadillac XTS since it offers a lot of the old-school luxury features found in big sedans from the past. Owner reviews praise the reasonable ownership costs, smooth suspension, and the available technology.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are very nice, the seats are extremely comfortable and supportive, cargo space is also fantastic in the trunk.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2018 Cadillac XTS, avoid models from 2013, while 20142019 are all reliable choices.
  • Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the base V6, while the turbocharged V6 offers a good amount of power for a large sedan.
  • Safety 8/10 – The 2018 XTS comes standard with a rearview camera, while more advanced optional upgrades include lane-keep assist, along with adaptive cruise control.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 22 MPG, giving 418 miles of range from the 19 gallon tank. Gas costs are $17 lower than average at $209 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2018 Cadillac XTS is cheaper than a lot of other large luxury sedans, making it a decent value for shoppers looking for a car with plenty of room.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Nancy G
Thoughts about my car that I would like to share with others.
My car very much. Basically the reason I like it is because I get very good gas mileage for that type of car. It also performs very well and is very comfortable to drive and also to ride in. Both my husband and I like to drive the car. It is a sporty looking car and very nice looking.
accountCircle Fran R
LEARN about all the gadgets before you take it on the road
Too many push buttons. No real complaints. Easy too handle
accountCircle Lisa S
Awesome car, best buy ever made.
Great car for long trips and everyday use. Very comfortable and lots of bells and whistles. Would definitely buy again. So far no mechanical issues. Love the leather interior and the night lighting inside the vehicle. Also at night the lights on the outside when you click your key fob!!
accountCircle Brian S
Great performance and comfort. A unique combination of characters.
Car has no problems since my ownership I purchased this auto more than two years ago, and except for normal wear and rare I have needed absolutely nothing to be repaired or fixed. The quality control in General Motors seems to me to be getting much better than it was a few years ago.
accountCircle Robert M
It is mechanically reliable, stylish, and fun to drive..
I have no complaints about my car. It is stylish, economical to operate, and fun to drive. I expect that I will own it for about 2 years.
accountCircle Bill G
Heated seats and steering wheel for winter use is a plus
Best vehicle I have ever owned, would recommend anyone buying it. Very comfy and heated seats, never had an issue with it
accountCircle Karen T
XTS Is the best of both worlds
Absolutely love my XTS. I get an SUV that drives like a Cadillac. Plenty of room, comfortable, leather isn't hot, easy to drive. I travel a lot and it is able to handle the turns especially when I go to the mountains. I love having the ability to throw groceries in the back as well as the ability to put lumber or eve the Christmas Tree back there
accountCircle Arthur H
My Cadillac XTS is wonderful
My Cadillac is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The performance and comfort levels are amazing. Having the extra horsepower makes all the difference in the world when traveling across country to visit relatives. The technology the car has is superior to most others and it makes driving much safer.

What Do Critics Say About the Cadillac XTS?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2018 Cadillac XTS offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
  • Edmunds rates the 2018 XTS at 4.1/5, enjoying the optional strong turbo V6 engine, but doesn’t like the narrow trunk opening.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the XTS a 4.5/5, praising the old-school driving feel with plenty of passenger room, but owners don’t like the loose steering.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Cadillac XTS Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Cadillac XTS include the stereo system freezing, excessive wind noise in the cabin, along with premature brake wear on the front brakes. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to some other large luxury sedans on the market, leading to average repair costs.

The stereo system freezing is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Cadillac XTS, showing up in the first 10,000 miles. There are some software updates for Cadillac’s CUE system, which improves reliability. Most dealerships will install these software updates for free, while others charge around $50.

Excessive wind noise in the cabin has also been reported by 2018 XTS owners at around 20,000 miles. The driver side window seal is known to get pinched and damaged, allowing wind in. Replacing the window seals costs around $300, depending on local labor rates.

Premature brake wear on the front pads is another problem, some 2018 Cadillac XTS owners report at roughly 15,000 miles. The XTS is a fairly heavy sedan, which leads to the brakes wearing out faster than on some smaller cars. Replacing the front brake pads costs around $200, depending on local labor rates.

There are no recalls on the 2018 Cadillac XTS, which is better than other large sedans. No recalls simply means that none of the issues with the car have been very widespread or affected safety.

How Long Will the 2018 Cadillac XTS Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Cadillac XTS can last around 200,000 miles, which is a bit shorter than the long-lasting Lexus LS. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other luxury sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $835 per year.

As a used 2018 Cadillac XTS reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the camshaft position sensor for $110, the active suspension air spring costing $525, along with the water pump which costs $700.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great for a sedan, offering a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a premium 14-speaker Bose stereo system.

Standard safety technology is basic, with a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.

Optional driver assistance features include:

  • Front parking sensors
  • Lane departure warning
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Following distance indicator
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Surround-view parking camera
  • Head-up display
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Automatic parking assist
  • Lane keep assist
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Forward collision warning
  • Reverse automatic braking
  • Safety alert seat which notifies the driver by vibrating
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Adaptive cruise control

Is the 2018 Cadillac XTS a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Cadillac XTS is a decent value for a large luxury sedan since it offers plenty of passenger room and some high-quality interior materials. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,900 to $48,550, making it less than a BMW 7 Series or Audi A8. When new, the price range was $46,295 to $72,495. Depreciation is similar to other large luxury cars, losing about 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Cadillac XTS?

There are five models of the 2018 Cadillac XTS offered, from the entry-level Base through to the fast and well-equipped V-Sport Platinum. The XTS comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

Base is the entry-level model with:

  • 19-inch wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Keyless ignition and entry
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Power-adjustable front seats
  • Leather upholstery
  • 60/40-split folding rear seats with a cargo pass-through
  • Rearview camera
  • Bluetooth and OnStar (with 4G LTE data and Wi-Fi hotspot)
  • 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Eight-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio

Luxury is a step up, adding:

  • Automatic wipers
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Extended wood trim
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Navigation system
  • Heated rear seats
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Automatic parking system (FWD models only)
    • Optional Driver Awareness package with various safety features

Premium Luxury adds more features such as:

  • Driver Awareness package standard
  • 20-inch wheels
  • Adaptive suspension
  • Adjustable front-seat thigh support
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Head-up display
  • Upgraded driver-configurable gauge cluster display
  • 110-volt power outlet
  • Front-seat memory settings
  • 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control

Platinum is the most luxurious model with:

  • Electronic limited-slip differential
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Simulated-suede headliner
  • Upgraded leather upholstery
  • Extended leather trim (center console, dash panel)
  • 22-way power-adjustable massaging front seats
  • Deluxe rear armrest with audio and sunshade controls
  • Advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation

V-Sport Platinum is similar to Platinum but with:

  • Turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine (410 hp)
  • All-wheel drive standard
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
car
Livery Package
304 HP 22 MPG
car
Stretch Livery
304 HP 22 MPG
car
Funeral Coach
304 HP 17 MPG
car
car
car
Premium Luxury
304 HP 20 MPG

What Engines Come In the Cadillac XTS?

  • The base engine is a 3.6L V6 that produces 304 horsepower at 22 MPG. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 6.5 seconds.
  • For those seeking more power, there’s also a twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 available in the V-Sport trim, offering a substantial 410 horsepower at 18 MPG. This model also uses a six-speed automatic transmission. Impressively, this engine sprints from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

What Colors Does the Cadillac XTS Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Cadillac XTS?

The 2018 Cadillac XTS is a beacon of comfort in the luxury sedan segment. From its plush seats to its superior ride quality, it was designed with passenger comfort as a priority. The XTS features spacious interiors with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and back rows, accommodating adults of all sizes. The seats are well-cushioned, enveloped in high-quality leather, and with available features like heating, ventilation, and massaging, they provide a truly luxurious experience.

Beyond just seating, the XTS’s ride comfort is excellent. The vehicle features an advanced suspension system that effectively absorbs bumps and irregularities on the road, providing a smooth and comfortable journey. The cabin is also remarkably quiet, thanks to Cadillac’s meticulous engineering and noise-cancellation technologies that insulate you from exterior noise, allowing for quiet, relaxed conversations or immersive music experiences.

How Much Storage Space Does the Cadillac XTS Have?

The 2018 Cadillac XTS is a premium sedan that combines luxury and practicality. One of its key features is its expansive storage space. The vehicle provides a generous 18 cubic feet of trunk space, which exceeds what many other cars in its class offer.

This sizable space is perfect for various types of cargo. For instance, you can easily fit multiple large suitcases for a family vacation or a substantial amount of grocery bags for a big shopping trip. Additionally, if you are an avid golfer, the XTS trunk can comfortably accommodate at least a couple of golf bags. Therefore, whether it’s for daily use or long trips, the 2018 Cadillac XTS provides ample storage space to meet your needs.

VehicleHistory Image

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The first generation of the Cadillac XTS was introduced for the 2013 model year.

2015: Standard 4G LTE with WiFi, optional lane keep assist, along with improved power seats.

2016: Wireless phone charging is standard on all models, new grille on Platinum model, Apple CarPlay added to CUE infotainment system.

2017: Revised gauge cluster, upgraded 20-inch wheels for V-Sport models, and teen driver mode.

2018: Minor exterior styling changes with new front bumper, LED headlights, and more sound insulating materials.

2019: Larger high-power wireless device charging pad, final model year for the XTS.

How Does the Cadillac XTS Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Cadillac XTS is a nice old-school spacious luxury sedan that is cheaper than a lot of the German competitors, making it a decent choice for people looking for an upscale cabin with plenty of room.

The Cadillac CT6 is a smaller sedan from Cadillac, which is about $1,000 less. Steering is more responsive in the Cadillac CT6, while the Cadillac XTS has more passenger room. We recommend the Cadillac CT6 for most people since it’s more fun to drive, but both are very similar and worth test driving to see which you prefer the feel of.

The Chrysler 300 is another luxury sedan which costs about $4,000 less. Performance is better in the Chrysler 300, while the Cadillac XTS has more passenger room along with better safety technology available. We recommend the Cadillac XTS, although both are similar, and worth trying out.

Ranks #6 Luxury Large Cars by Owners

1
Tie
car
5
1
Tie
car
5
6
car
4.77

Do Owners Recommend the Cadillac XTS?

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Deviney S on May 29, 2021
Beautiful. Classy. Elegant.
No issues! Love the vehicle! Great ride! Great gas mileage. No road noise. Roomy. Comfortable. Quiet. Great dealership and always helpful. Love the technology included. I love the spacious trunk space. Love the seat adjustments. Great paint quality. Great attention to detail.
accountCircle Robert M on March 8, 2021
It is mechanically reliable, stylish, and fun to drive..
I have no complaints about my car. It is stylish, economical to operate, and fun to drive. I expect that I will own it for about 2 years.
accountCircle Gerard R on January 27, 2021
Go caddy man! Its for young people too.
My car is comfortable to ride. It has a lot of options to make it an enjoyable driving experience. It is also all wheel drive and handles most driving conditions. It gets good gas mileage and have not had any major repairs. The car is made with quality.
accountCircle Debra on November 25, 2020
The whole car inside and out
I had 3 Toyotas and one Ford F-150 and now I have a 2018 XTS and the only car I will own after this is the Cadillac CT6 GM is Really Getting it Together
accountCircle Brian S on October 22, 2020
Great performance and comfort. A unique combination of characters.
Car has no problems since my ownership I purchased this auto more than two years ago, and except for normal wear and rare I have needed absolutely nothing to be repaired or fixed. The quality control in General Motors seems to me to be getting much better than it was a few years ago.
accountCircle Lisa S on October 22, 2020
Awesome car, best buy ever made.
Great car for long trips and everyday use. Very comfortable and lots of bells and whistles. Would definitely buy again. So far no mechanical issues. Love the leather interior and the night lighting inside the vehicle. Also at night the lights on the outside when you click your key fob!!
accountCircle Bill G on July 21, 2020
Heated seats and steering wheel for winter use is a plus
Best vehicle I have ever owned, would recommend anyone buying it. Very comfy and heated seats, never had an issue with it
accountCircle Dawn D on January 25, 2020
Luxury and comfort is what Cadillac is known for.
I love my Cadillac xts luxury edition. I love the ride and comfort of this car and all the wonderful extras that Cadillac is known for. This is my second Cadillac. I would highly recommend this car for anyone looking for a luxurious drive. The car performs well around town as well as in the highway.
accountCircle Arthur H on January 21, 2020
My Cadillac XTS is wonderful
My Cadillac is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The performance and comfort levels are amazing. Having the extra horsepower makes all the difference in the world when traveling across country to visit relatives. The technology the car has is superior to most others and it makes driving much safer.
accountCircle Karen T on November 3, 2019
XTS Is the best of both worlds
Absolutely love my XTS. I get an SUV that drives like a Cadillac. Plenty of room, comfortable, leather isn't hot, easy to drive. I travel a lot and it is able to handle the turns especially when I go to the mountains. I love having the ability to throw groceries in the back as well as the ability to put lumber or eve the Christmas Tree back there
accountCircle Selina D on July 2, 2019
My love of the Cadillac brand goes years back.
This car is great it drives very smooth and overall I have no complaints. It is extremely spacious inside as well as the trunk. We have gone on several road trips in this car and my kids had plenty of room in the back with no complaints. The Navigation system is so awesome and user friendly. The only complaint I actually have is the touch screen radio it sometimes lags which can be frustrating while driving.
accountCircle Nancy G on April 12, 2019
Thoughts about my car that I would like to share with others.
My car very much. Basically the reason I like it is because I get very good gas mileage for that type of car. It also performs very well and is very comfortable to drive and also to ride in. Both my husband and I like to drive the car. It is a sporty looking car and very nice looking.
accountCircle Fran R on January 17, 2019
LEARN about all the gadgets before you take it on the road
Too many push buttons. No real complaints. Easy too handle
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.