2013 Cadillac ATS: A Closer Look & Specs

Born in America. Frolics at the Nurburgring. Here's a closer look at the sleek 2013 Cadillac ATS compact luxury sport sedan specs with full gallery.

Also, watch our 2013 Cadillac ATS video on Vimeo.

If you’re shopping for a used, 2013-era compact luxury sedan with some American pedigree, the Cadillac ATS is a worthy contender. It was redesigned for the 2013 model year, and sports a rear-wheel-drive architecture with what Cadillac says is one of the lowest curb weights in the segment (ringing in at under 3,400 pounds or 1,542 kg, making it a lightweight 4-door. It also came with two exceptional engines: a 2.0L turbo making 272 hp and a larger 3.6L putting down 321 hp.

2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0T and 3.6L Engines & Performance

2013 Cadillac ATS black
2013 Cadillac ATS. Photo: Amee Reehal

The 2013 Cadillac ATS was tested at Nurburgring in order for its then-new engineering features to be as finely balanced as possible. The ATS featured a 50/50 weight balance, a first-time 5-link independent rear suspension and multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension, adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control damping, underbody aerodynamic shields, and more.

The main idea was to provide a car that wasn’t just about luxury and having a powerful engine under the hood but one that was more balanced and well-tuned to compete with its high-end European competition. The ATS came with available AWD, Brembo brakes, and a number of different options for powertrains. Its total curb weight came in at just 1,542 kg (3,400 lbs), one of the lowest in the car’s segment at the time.

2013-Cadillac-ATS
2013 Cadillac ATS. Photo: Amee Reehal

For the engine, the standard offering was one of two 4-cylinder units, as well as an optional V6 engine as the main lineup. The first and standard powertrain is a 2.5L 4-cylinder unit getting up to 202-hp.

The second 4-cylinder unit is a 2.0L turbocharged unit that delivers up to 272-hp, and paired with a manual transmission. The high-end V6 has a 3.6L displacement delivering up to 321-hp. The 2.5L 4-cylinder and 3.6L V6 were both paired with 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The 2017 Cadillac ATS-V we reviewed sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and an finds an innovative, all-new 464-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 under the hood.

ATS Interior Overview

2013 Cadillac ATS interior
2013 Cadillac ATS. Photo: Amee Reehal

True to Cadillac fashion, the ATS was meant to be a driver-focused car with a well-appointed interior and plenty of additional features. The pedals and the gear shifter were all placed to optimize the driver experience, especially in the 2.0L turbocharged powertrain version, which interestingly was offered with a manual transmission, a solid nod to its Nurburgring track DNA.

2013 Cadillac ATS seats
2013 Cadillac ATS. Photo: Amee Reehal

The instrument cluster was also laid out in a cockpit-style, with integrated screens spanning the main instrument panel, doors, and center stack. They featured LED lighting to help all the features stand out, day or night. The 5.7-inch instrument panel and full-color head-up display (HUD) are all reconfigurable, so drivers can set it to suit their individual needs better.

Interior detailing featured a number of different materials, including a lot of real wood, metal, carbon fiber, and more, all in a wide range of color and style choices. Tech features for the interior include Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, an SD memory card slot, keyless access, push-button start, and SiriusXM satellite radio. 

On the Road: How does Cadillac’s compact sedan perform?

Owing to its low curb weight and huge amount of consideration given to balancing the mechanical features, the ATS offers a well-proportioned, smooth and yet dynamic and fun ride. That’s not necessarily typical of other cars in its class. It’s large and powerful, yet precise and agile, not a combination that’s easy to create.

The inclusion of the 5-link independent suspension, in particular, helps to reduce roll center motion and also reduces “squat” (the way the car tips backward when you accelerate hard) when pulling away from a standstill. The 17-inch wheels offer excellent traction, as do the optional 18-inch ones, but at the same time aren’t too large to make the ride uncomfortable or bumpy.

2013 Cadillac ATS Specs

  • Segment: Compact 4-door sedan (5-passenger)
  • Engine: 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter
  • Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • Horsepower: 202-hp @ 6,200 rpm
  • Torque: 191 lb. ft. @4,500 rpm
  • Cargo Capacity: 10.4
  • Rear Shoulder Room: 53.9
  • Rear Headroom: 36.8
  • Length: 182.8
  • Curb Weight: 3,500
  • Rear Legroom: 33.5 

2013 Cadillac ATS Photos

Photos: Amee Reehal

Up Next:
Author:
News Editor
News Editor
Bringing the latest news including release dates, pricing announcements, product updates. With some glossy concepts and special edition rides in the mix.