Few used cars make a stronger case for themselves than the third-generation Cadillac CTS Vsport. Twin-turbo V6 power, a curb weight under 4,000 lbs, genuinely athletic handling, and a cabin that oozes American luxury — and today, clean examples regularly trade for what you’d spend on a new Toyota Corolla, sometimes less. The Cadillac CTS was eventually phased out in favor of the CT5, but before it went, the Vsport trim represented the sweet spot of the lineup: serious performance without the full-on drama of the supercharged CTS-V. That combination of depreciated price and genuine capability makes this one of the most compelling bargains on the used market right now. If you’ve been sleeping on this car, here’s why it deserves a second look.
The 2014-2019 Cadillac CTS Vsport
2014 Cadillac CTS vSport front 3/4 view. drivingCadillac
Engine
3.6-liter Twin-Turbo V6
Horsepower
420 hp
Torque
430 lb-ft
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Driven wheels
RWD or AWD
The Vsport trim arrived as the crown jewel of the range when it launched alongside the all-new third-generation CTS in 2014. It, along with the XTS Vsport, introduced a new twin-turbo V6 that put up healthy numbers and bridged the gap between the standard CTS and the supercharged V8-powered CTS-V that followed for the 2016 model year.
This engine proved so capable that a variation of it still lives on in the CT4-V Blackwing. It propelled the CTS to a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, channeling power through an 8-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or all four. Underpinning all of that was the excellent Alpha platform — also new with this generation of the CTS, though it actually made its debut in the ATS in 2013. It’s the same architecture credited with making the sixth-generation Camaro the best-handling car in the pony/muscle segment, and it continues to underpin the CT4 and CT5 today.
2014 Cadillac CTS vSportCadillac
Really the only downside of the CTS Vsport — to some buyers — is the interior technology. While the design and materials are genuinely nice, the Cadillac CUE infotainment system was below average by the standards of its era, with many owners complaining about the lack of a rotary controller and the heavy reliance on capacitive touch buttons throughout the center stack. Viewed through a modern lens, though, it’s easier to forgive. Touchscreens became the industry standard, so Cadillac was simply ahead of the curve. Capacitive touch remains a frustration in plenty of new cars, too, so it’s hardly a deal-breaker unique to this one.
2014 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon interiorCadillac
If you’re anticipating the infotainment being a pain point, we’d recommend targeting a 2016 or newer CTS, which features improved software and one of the earliest factory integrations of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That means your modern smartphone experience should feel just as seamless here as it would in a brand-new CT5. It’s a reminder of how well CarPlay and Android Auto future-proof a car — even if GM has been moving away from supporting them in its latest models.
What You’ll Pay For One In 2026
2014 Cadillac CTS vSportCadillac
The 2014 to 2019 Cadillac CTS Vsport stands out as one of the most compelling performance sleepers on the used car market today. Slotted just beneath the fire-breathing, V8-powered CTS-V, the rear-wheel-drive Vsport quietly packed a 420-horsepower, 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6, an electronic limited-slip differential, and standard Magnetic Ride Control.
While it carried a steep original MSRP of around $60,000, aggressive depreciation has since transformed the Vsport into a staggering bargain. In the current US market, values for a used CTS Vsport generally range from $12,000 to $22,000. Early examples from 2014 to 2016 with higher mileage can easily be found near the bottom of that range, frequently changing hands between $12,000 and $15,000. Late-model examples from 2018 or 2019 in excellent condition with reasonable odometer readings command a bit more, typically landing between $17,000 and $22,000 — less than you’d pay for a new Hyundai Elantra with a 147-hp naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
For driving enthusiasts, this price bracket offers immense value in today’s used car market. By blending razor-sharp chassis dynamics, luxurious interior appointments, and a highly responsive twin-turbo powertrain for less than the cost of a basic commuter car, the CTS Vsport remains an undeniable sweet spot for savvy buyers seeking world-class performance without the associated premium.
The Cheapest New Car With 400 Horsepower
2027 Nissan ZNissan
Since the CTS Vsport makes so much power for so little money, we wanted to explore how much you’d have to spend to reach the same power output in a new car. Our research pointed to the Nissan Z as the most affordable way to get 400 hp. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels via your choice of a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic. The 0-60 mph sprint takes 4.3 seconds with the automatic (or 4.5 seconds with the manual), and top speed is limited to 155 mph.
All that can be yours for a base price of $42,970 for the 2026 model year — roughly the cost of three well-loved Cadillac CTS Vsport sedans. On that note, the cheapest way to get a new Cadillac sedan with over 400 horsepower is the CT4-V Blackwing, which starts at $63,600, or roughly the price of 4.25 used CTS Vsport sedans. It uses a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 making 472 horsepower.
What Makes the CTS Vsport Special
2014 Cadillac CTS vSportCadillac
Ultimately, what makes the CTS Vsport special is the sweet spot it occupies — one that doesn’t even exist in the current CT5-V lineup. The Alpha platform paired with more than 400 horsepower produces a car that’s genuinely dynamic and agile, delivering real driving thrills without the intensity of the full supercharged-V8 CTS-V.
When I spent a week with one of these Vsports back in 2015, I came away completely blown away by what Cadillac had pulled off in both the handling and powertrain departments. The usual go-to picks in this segment — BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes-Benzes — may feel a touch more luxurious or polished to some buyers, but in my experience, none of them match the outright athleticism the Vsport delivers. For enthusiasts who prioritize driving dynamics in their luxury sport sedan, the CTS Vsport is absolutely worth tracking down for a test drive. Find one, and you’ll also stand apart from the sea of used German sedans with something far rarer and more distinctive — the underdog that, in my opinion, never quite got the recognition it deserved.
Sources: Cadillac
