Tesla Model S vs. Cadillac CTS
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model S and Cadillac CTS contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Tesla Model S and the Cadillac CTS.
When we compare the Tesla Model S's and the Cadillac CTS's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model S has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Cadillac CTS has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model S's and the Cadillac CTS's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2019 Tesla Model S ranges from $33,661 to $51,920 while a used 2019 Cadillac CTS is priced between $19,499 to $32,600.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model S loses 59.5 percent of its value and the Cadillac CTS loses 57 percent of its value. This means the Cadillac CTS retains 2.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model S.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Tesla Model S is 8.1 out of 10 while the Cadillac CTS's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Tesla Model S being ranked 2 out of 26 Best Electric Cars and the Cadillac CTS being ranked 8 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Tesla Model S is 9.4 out of 10. For the Cadillac CTS the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Tesla Model S an advantage in reliability compared to the Cadillac CTS.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Tesla Model S’s base engine makes 518 horsepower, and the Cadillac CTS base engine makes 268 horsepower. The Model S is rated to deliver an average of 102 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 259 miles. The CTS is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 570 miles.This gives the Tesla Model S the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Cadillac CTS the advantage in maximum range. The Model S uses electricity, and the CTS uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Tesla Model S has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Cadillac CTS has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear head room. The Tesla Model S and Cadillac CTS are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Cadillac CTS has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$76,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$46,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$60,362
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$25,070 - $121,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$42,473
Price Range:
$33,661 - $51,920
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
121
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
52,512
# Good or Great Deals:
57
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,957
Price Range:
$19,499 - $32,600
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$36,628
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$20,448 - $72,699
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
87
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
62,067
# Good or Great Deals:
32
Tesla Model S Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
9.4 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Cadillac CTS Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model S
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Cadillac CTS
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
6.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
3 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
199.4
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.6 - 17.8
Tesla Model S Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 15Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 26Cadillac CTS Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Tesla Model S Trim Levels
100D, 75D, Base, Extended Range, Long Range, P100D, Performance, Standard Range
Cadillac CTS Trim Levels
2.0T, 2.0T Luxury, 3.6L Luxury, 3.6L Premium Luxury, 3.6L TT Vsport, 3.6L TT Vsport Premium Luxury
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
6 years / 70000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
518 hp
Torque:
487 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.110 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
102 / 105 / 103
Range (city/hwy):
259 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
75 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
12 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 30 / 25
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
418 / 570 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity:
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Standard/Optional Features
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
26.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
13.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4723 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
196 inches
Wheelbase:
116.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3652 lbs
Width:
80.8 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
195.5 inches
Wheelbase:
114.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/45R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Obsidian Black Metallic / Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Red
Red Multi-Coat
Silver
Midnight Silver Metallic / Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Raven / Stellar Black Metallic
Blue
Dark Adriatic Blue Metallic
Red
Red Obsession Tintcoat
Silver
Radiant Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Tricoat
Gray
Satin Steel Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Cream
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Gray
Not available
Silver
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Jet Black w/Jet Black Accents
White
Not available
Gray
Light Platinum w/Jet Black Accents
Silver
Light Platinum w/Jet Black Accents
