The Cadillac CT4 and its performance version, the Cadillac CT4-V, were unveiled in 2019 for 2020. They replaced the Cadillac ATS and ATS-V, which were retired after 2019. The new 2020 Cadillac CT4-V offers a “dynamite” engine that is still easy to use every day. Here’s a look at what makes it unique and how it compares to a few other vehicles.

The engine in the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V

The Cadillac CT4-V has a mid-range, daily-driver performance engine. As the performance version of the CT4, it still has plenty of power. Cars.com describes it as a “dynamite” engine. The car has a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. It’s a very responsive engine, reaching peak torque at a low 1,800 rpm. For comparison, the 2020 Cadillac CT4 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 237 hp. The engine from the CT4-V is also available for the top CT4 trim.

It’s paired with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The smooth shifts help to keep the engine in optimal power. What Cars.com calls “a sonorous exhaust note” gives the powerful engine an even sportier sound.

The CT4-V has fantastic handling and magnetic ride control shock absorbers and sport suspension tuning, providing excellent balance. Its electric power steering lets drivers adjust the degree of weight.

How it compares to the Chevrolet Silverado’s engine

The CT4-V’s engine is nearly the same as the one used in the Chevy Silverado. The engine was originally designed for use in General Motors’ trucks and rear-wheel-drive luxury vehicles. There are different results in the engines appearing in the Silverado and the CT4-V, though. The Silverado’s engine is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and generates 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, which is less than in the CT4-V. It’s also able to tow 5,000 pounds, which the CT4-V cannot.

Comparisons with competitors

All the subcompact luxury vehicles are snug inside, but Cars.com found that the Cadillac CT4-V comes out on top for “balance, poise, handling, ride and powertrain response.” It may be a bit tighter in the rear seats, but it has as much cargo room as the Audi S3 at 10-cubic feet. That is a bit less than in the BMW M235i Gran Coupe, though. The quality of materials is improved in this new Cadillac CT4-V. Cars.com feels it rivals the quality of Audi and BMW, coming in just a notch below Mercedes-Benz.

With its powerful engine, the Cadillac CT4-V doesn’t measure up as well as its competitors in fuel efficiency. The EPA rates the all-wheel-drive CT4-V at 20 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined. The Audi S3 comes in at 22 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG combined. The BMW M235i is rated for 23 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG A35 gets 24 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined.

The 2020 Cadillac CT4-V’s 325 hp engine beats out its main competitors. The Audi S3’s engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 288 hp. The BMW M235i has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, generating 301 hp. And the Mercedes-AMG A35 provides a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, with 302 hp.

Buyers looking for a subcompact luxury vehicle that supplies a powerful engine and plenty of everyday driving fun will enjoy the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V. What it lacks in space, it makes up for with its “dynamite” engine.