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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.7L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S10) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 21 / 31 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,250 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 356 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $32,022–$43,209 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2021 Cadillac CT4 earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Reliability at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.9/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.0/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.3/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.7/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $32,022–$43,209, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Cadillac CT4 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Cadillac CT4, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $32,022 starting price is about 16% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the CT4 model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $36,245 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $36,245 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $35,190 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $34,134 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $33,078 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $32,022 | |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $30,967 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Side/window / Curtain 05/08/2021 · 21V611000 | General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 vehicles. The roof rail side-curtain air bags may not have been installed correctly, which could result in an improper air bag deployment during a crash. |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Srs malfunction warning lamp/light 10/06/2021 · 21V421000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of… |
| Exterior lighting / Lighting control module / Software 08/12/2022 · 22V903000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime… |
| Power train / Automatic transmission 06/03/2025 · 25V148000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Cadillac models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.