Cadillac remains a popular brand even if it no longer boasts the large following it used to. Buying a new Caddy off the lot is expensive, but repairs can cost even more. So you might want to check out a few alternatives, including some Audi and even Toyota models. 

In fact, Consumer Reports recommends you skip the Cadillac CT6 and choose the Toyota Avalon instead. Here’s why.

Why would Consumer Reports suggest you skip the 2017 Cadillac CT6?

It’s hard to imagine Consumer Reports would recommend you skip the Cadillac CT6. The consumer site has offered plenty of praise for this full-size sedan. In fact, CR’s expert reviewers reported that the CT6 “nearly aced our tests.” They even said it offered a comfortable ride no matter the road conditions. 

Its 3.5-liter V6 engine generates 335 hp, more than enough power to perform quick acceleration. The CT6 can also get 22 mpg overall, which isn’t bad for a large sedan. But there’s one big strike against it. 

When it comes to reliability, the Cadillac CT6 gets in an abysmal rating of 1 out of 5. Unfortunately, its above-average performance doesn’t compensate for its numerous trouble spots over the years. In fact, 17 problem areas reportedly plague the CT6, the transmission being one of the more concerning issues. 

What is the ‘under the radar’ alternative that CR recommends?

The Cadillac CT6 offers luxurious amenities at high-end prices. But why spend so much money when you run a high risk of having to shell out more to fix the issues you take on with this sedan? Luckily, some alternatives offer close to the same experience but with better reliability. 

There’s a choice Consumer Reports says you might not have thought of before. It’s the 2018 Toyota Avalon. True, it isn’t a luxury vehicle. But if you choose the Limited trim, you’ll get an upscale sedan that offers much of what you’d get with the CT6. 

The best part of choosing the Avalon is that Toyota has a much better reputation for reliabillity. CR awarded the Avalon a perfect reliability score of 5 out of 5. That means there haven’t been as many issues reported with this sedan as there have been with the CT6. 

What does the 2018 Toyota Avalon offer?

Toyota’s full-size sedan offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which gets around 24 mpg overall. Though that’s not terrible gas mileage, you would do better to choose the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid motor that boasts 36 mpg. However, that Avalon model will cost you about $2,000 more up-front. 

Paired with the V6 motor is a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination pushes the Avalon from 0 to 60 in 7.0 seconds flat. However, with the hybrid powertrain, you get a continuously variable transmission instead. In the same 0-to-60 run, the hybrid takes 8.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. 

It also doesn’t offer quite as much control as you’d get with a sedan like the Chevy Impala. But making up for those shortcomings is the Avalon’s quiet, comfortable ride. It’s also “lavishly furnished,” CR reports. Braking performance is excellent, too, with short stopping distances on both wet and dry surfaces. 

Spending up to $37,000 for a used 2017 Cadillac CT6 is high if you end up facing several problems over time. Going with the reliable 2018 Toyota Avalon will bring you peace of mind and still give you luxurious amenities.