Used 2016 Cadillac ATS for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Cadillac ATS cost?

Prices have softened 11.18% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 279 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable selection to compare.

Is the 2016 Cadillac ATS a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Cadillac ATS earns a 4.2/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Performance, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its superb handling, smooth ride, and tech features, and the overview points to a compact luxury sedan that feels polished and rewarding to drive. It also stands out as a car that can work well if you want a sedan with competent road manners and a more modern infotainment setup. Even so, the same owner feedback flags a cramped interior and some infotainment frustrations, so it fits you best if driving feel matters more than maximum cabin space. The market also shows 29.7% of listings as good or great deals, which is a healthy sign of value opportunities.

Is the 2016 Cadillac ATS reliable?

Owners rate it 4.2/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a car that many drivers find dependable enough to enjoy over time, with strong praise for its smooth ride and overall driving experience. The expert notes also emphasize competent chassis behavior and a well-sorted road feel, which supports the impression of a car you can count on for daily use. The 2016 update adds cylinder deactivation to the new V6, and the cost-effectiveness notes suggest the model is positioned to deliver more car as you move up the range. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that lower trims may feel less satisfying if you expect premium refinement everywhere.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Cadillac ATS?

At 47% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a car with a lower price or a higher trim. Focus on signs of prior bodywork, interior wear, and infotainment behavior, since owner feedback points to cabin and system frustrations. If possible, compare multiple listings side by side so you can judge condition rather than relying on price alone.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base 2.5-liter setup is offered in Standard or Luxury trims, while the 2.0-liter turbo adds Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium choices; the 3.6-liter V6 comes in Luxury, Performance, and Premium only. The base setup is the most limited, so you should expect fewer powertrain and equipment choices there.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter four makes 202 hp and is described as the least compelling engine, while the 2.0-liter turbo delivers 272 hp and the 3.6-liter V6 brings 333 hp with linear power delivery and stronger overall capability. The V6 also adds cylinder deactivation for better fuel economy.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes airbags, disc brakes, traction control, and antilock braking. Optional driver aids include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alerts, automatic seatbelt tightening, lane-departure warnings, and cross-traffic alerts, with a heads-up display available in Performance and Premium models.
• Infotainment: The ATS gains Apple CarPlay and uses an 8-inch touchscreen. The system is improved, but the controls can still feel confusing, so you should test the interface carefully.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter four returns 21 mpg city / 33 highway, the 2.0-liter turbo automatic rear-wheel-drive version returns 21/30, the all-wheel-drive turbo returns 20/28, and the V6 returns 20/30.

Which 2016 Cadillac ATS trim should I buy?

The 2016 Cadillac ATS is offered in 7 trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Performance, Premium, Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium.

Here's the short version:

• Standard: This is the entry point, but it is the most limited choice and makes the most sense only if you want the lowest-cost way into the ATS.
• Luxury: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it opens up more of the ATS experience without jumping straight to the priciest versions.
• Performance: Choose this if you want a stronger equipment mix and are willing to pay more for a more complete ATS.
• Premium: This is the most appealing choice if you want the richest feature set, including Magnetic Ride Control and the available heads-up display.

The safety content notes that blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alerts, automatic seatbelt tightening, lane-departure warnings, and cross-traffic alerts are optional, and the heads-up display is available in Performance and Premium models.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Cadillac ATS?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 279 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.18% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 47.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,150, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Cadillac ATS's resale value?

The current average of $11,150 sits slightly below last year's $12,553.

That decline suggests the ATS has become more affordable for buyers, which can make it harder for a future seller to command a premium unless the car is especially clean or well equipped. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in strong condition, you may be better positioned to limit depreciation pain later. Higher-trim examples with desirable equipment should be easier to market than base cars with fewer features.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.2/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Cadillac ATS safe?

The Cadillac ATS earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Superior rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes airbags, disc brakes, traction control, and antilock braking. Optional driver-assistance features include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alerts, automatic seatbelt tightening, lane-departure warnings, and cross-traffic alerts. A heads-up display is available in Performance and Premium models. The main caveat is that several useful safety aids are optional rather than standard, so you should verify equipment carefully on any used listing.

Should I buy a 2016 Cadillac ATS or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 47% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.18% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.2/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 update adds a new V6 with cylinder deactivation and Apple CarPlay.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $10,631, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $11,150 average.
• It reflects Cadillac’s reinvention with a more deliberate, thoughtfully executed driving experience.

The bottom line: If you want the better-equipped and more modern version, the 2016 is the stronger pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the value-oriented alternative.

How does the 2016 Cadillac ATS compare to the 2016 BMW 3 Series?

Our experts score the 2016 Cadillac ATS 7.5/10 and the 2016 BMW 3 Series 7.5/10. The ATS leans more toward sharp styling, stronger standard power in this comparison, and a more modern infotainment update with CarPlay. The 3 Series counters with better fuel economy, more listings, and a higher accident-free share, so it may appeal more if you want broader inventory and a slightly cleaner market pool.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.