2021 Cadillac CT5 — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Cadillac CT5 is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 25–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Cadillac CT5 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Cadillac CT5: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 31 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 3L 6-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S10) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 99 cu ft (2,803 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 28 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 23 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 209 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2021 Cadillac CT5 across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 26 mpg (US), or 25 to 31 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (21/31) | 242 | $3,300 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/32) | 209 | $3,150 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/26) | 260 | $3,900 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/28) | 251 | $3,750 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 99 cubic feet (about 2,803 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Cadillac CT5
Running Costs: 2021 Cadillac CT5
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Cadillac CT5 at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Cadillac CT5 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Cadillac CT5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Power train (1), Exterior lighting (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 25V148000, reported 6 March 2025. Risk: Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 22V903000, reported 8 December 2022. Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 21V611000, reported 5 August 2021. Risk: Air bags that do not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 21V421000, reported 10 June 2021. Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Cadillac CT5. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (12), Structure (6), Unspecified (4). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 11 complaints across the 7 Cadillac CT5 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Cadillac CT5
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 4 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (12 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Lighting (1 recall campaign) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Cadillac models in our database average about 27 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Cadillac CT5's 31 mpg is 4 mpg above that make average. Its 209 g/km CO₂ figure is 39 g/km lower than the 248 g/km Cadillac average.
Of the 7 Cadillac CT5 model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 4th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined, against a high of 32 mpg). See every Cadillac CT5 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Cadillac CT5
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Cadillac CT5: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s10).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 25 to 31 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Cadillac CT5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Power train (1), Exterior lighting (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Cadillac CT5?
Among the 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (12 complaints), Structure (6 complaints), Unspecified (4 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Cadillac CT5 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 99 cubic feet (about 2,803 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.