Cadillac
CTS
Infiniti
Q60
Cadillac CTS vs Infiniti Q60: 2017 Comparison
The short answer
The Cadillac CTS offers power, while the Infiniti Q60 excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Cadillac CTS if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Infiniti Q60 if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
CTS
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and specific powertrain. The third-generation CTS (2014-2019) and its high-performance variants (CTS-V, V-Sport) receive significant praise for their handling dynamics, competitive performance, and value proposition when compared to German rivals. The Alpha platform is frequently cited as providing world-class handling, with some owners stating these models handled better than direct competitors.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version. High-performance V-Sport and CTS-V models are highlighted for their engaging driving experience and competitive performance.
Known issues
- ⚠Transmission problems: Includes shuddering, slipping, delayed engagement, and complete failure. Affects the 8-speed automatic (8L45/8L90) in later models and older automatics in earlier models. Very frequent.
- ⚠Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system failures: Screen delamination, unresponsive touchscreen, phantom touches, and complete failure requiring costly replacement. Very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical system issues: Battery drain problems, faulty sensors, malfunctioning modules (TCM, ECM communication loss), anti-theft system malfunctions, and accessory failures (heated/cooled seats, steering wheel buttons). Very frequent.
Q60
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation Q60 (2014-2016, essentially a rebadged G37) is consistently praised for its reliability, with the naturally aspirated 3.7L V6 (VQ37) engine described as "bulletproof" and the cars considered "extremely reliable." The second-generation Q60 (2017-2022) with the twin-turbo 3.0L V6 (VR30) receives praise for its powerful engine, especially in Red Sport trim (400 hp), attractive exterior styling, and comfortable grand touring character. However, this generation faces recurrent criticism for its dated and low-quality interior with a poorly reviewed dual-screen infotainment system, uncommunicative and "dog shit" steering feel (even with the Direct Adaptive Steering system), sluggish transmission tuning, and concerns over the long-term reliability of the turbocharged powertrain compared to the older V6.
Best version to buy
For the first generation (2014-2016), the Q60 with the 3.7L V6 is the recommended choice for proven reliability. For the second generation (2017-2022), the 3.0T Red Sport trim is highlighted for its significant power advantage (400 hp).
Known issues
- ⚠Dated, low-quality interior: hard plastics, dual-screen infotainment system criticized as outdated and poorly designed, interior materials compared unfavorably to mainstream sedans. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Uncommunicative steering: lack of feedback, described as "dog shit" and non-communicative, even in Sport+ mode for models with Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Turbocharged engine (VR30) reliability concerns: mixed reports on long-term reliability; mentions of belt snapping issues, sensitive turbos, and fuel injector problems; 2017 model year specifically flagged for issues. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Infiniti Q60 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Cadillac CTS, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Infiniti Q60 are a dealbreaker, the Cadillac CTS is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Cadillac CTS or the Infiniti Q60?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Infiniti Q60 than the Cadillac CTS. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Cadillac CTS or the Infiniti Q60?
The Cadillac CTS seats more passengers than the Infiniti Q60 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Cadillac CTS is classed as a Sedan, the Infiniti Q60 as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Cadillac CTS or the Infiniti Q60?
The Infiniti Q60 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.1 L/100km combined versus 13.8 L/100km for the Cadillac CTS, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Cadillac CTS or the Infiniti Q60?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Cadillac CTS than the Infiniti Q60. See the known issues comparison above.