2013 Cadillac XTS

2013 Cadillac XTS

Episode 3146
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Cadillac has made steady progress in transforming itself from a premium domestic brand to a global luxury car player. The sporty CTS and the SRX crossover can hold their own against all comers. But, now it’s time for Caddy to play with the big boys - the large luxury sedans that define truly great brands. In Cadillac’s corner, it’s the all new XTS. So, let the games begin.

The 2013 Cadillac XTS has a lot on its plate. It will carry the torch against leading-edge large luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS, and Audi A6. But, it must also appeal to customers of the two cars it will replace, the full-size DTS and mid-size STS. That’s also probably why the XTS’s overall length of 202 inches is shorter than the DTS and longer than the STS. But, even as an in-betweener, it’s still longer than global rivals. Targeting V6 competitors, the XTS comes amply equipped with the CTS’s direct injection, 3.6-liter V6, though it puts out slightly less power here at 304-horsepower and 264 pound feet of torque. Like the GS the XTS connects with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The E-Class has 7-speeds and the A6 sports 8. But despite fewer gears, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are very respectable at 17-City and 28-Highway. And, unlike competitors, the XTS gets by fine on Regular gas.

Although oriented as a pure luxury car, that doesn’t mean the XTS rides like a floaty luxo-boat. Magnetic Ride Control with rear air springs is standard. Combined with the dual-path HiPer Strut front suspension, ride can be as firm or as soft as you want it to be. Plus, the optional Haldex all-wheel drive system with limited slip differential varies torque at each rear wheel for a further handling boost. However, the front or all-wheel-drive XTS is not a car that you can really push through the corners, but it is one that does feel smooth, comfortable, and very solid when driven at a spirited pace. 

To us, the high point of the XTS is the interior with a level of comfort and high-tech features that will surprise even the most ardent skeptics. Looking both elegant and futuristic, the multi-dimensional layout features attractive wood trim and plenty of tightly wrapped cowhide with exposed stitching.  The XTS is also the launch vehicle for Cadillac’s new CUE interface. The Cadillac User Experience consists of an 8-inch center screen with the same captive touch technology used on tablets and smart phones, with the most natural voice recognition system we’ve yet tried. And speaking of tablets, all XTS’s will come with an iPad preloaded with a CUE app to help owners learn how to use it with minimum distraction.

The gauge cluster appears on a 12-inch screen of its own. There are multiple configurations, but if you find it distracting, the available Head-Up Display gives you plenty of info while letting you keep your eyes totally on the road. An 8-speaker Bose system with HD radio is standard, but you can upgrade to a full Studio Surround sound system with 14-speakers. Keeping up on the technology front, a whole raft of safety features are available, including the usual blind spot and lane departure warnings, but also automatic front and rear braking and a Safety Alert Seat that will vibrate to alert the driver of potential problems. When not vibrating, the front seats are incredibly comfortable, as you would expect in a Cadillac, and are covered in varying grades of leather, depending upon which trim level you choose. And not only can you fit 3 full-size adults in the back, all their luggage as well as the XTS’s trunk will swallow an enormous 18-cubic-feet of belongings with ease. And, in order to ease fueling, Cadillac has also added a capless fuel filler.

Though there are some remaining art and science sharp lines, the XTS has a much softer overall look than the CTS. The latest evolution is more polished, more mature, less intent on making a statement, and more focused on just being confidently luxurious. A large multi-dimensional grille is the centerpiece of a wide front end that includes standard HID headlights with adaptive lighting available.19-inch wheels are standard as well, 20’s optional and they underline a profile that is very smooth looking, if a bit chunky. There’s less departure from tradition in back, as tail fin tail lights and a large wreath and crest are proudly displayed. Dual exhaust cutouts are trimmed in chrome. 

When it comes time to visit your local Cadillac dealership, you’ll need to bring at least $44,995 for a Standard front-wheel-drive XTS, of which we doubt many will be sold. Most buyers will opt for either the Luxury or Premium Collection, while some will go all out and pony up $59,080 for the Platinum Collection XTS. So, how do we think the XTS will fair on the world stage? If you are a died-in-wool Mercedes-Benz or Audi leasee, we doubt that the 2013 Cadillac XTS will draw you stateside. But, if brand loyalty is less your style, and you’re seeking a distinctive large luxury ride with able performance and a knock-out interior, not to mention tech-savy electronics, then the XTS should exceed your needs. Like the CTS, SRX, and upcoming ATS, the XTS is another layer in building a world class foundation for Cadillac.

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.6-liter V6
  • Horsepower: 304
  • Torque: 264 lb-ft.
  • EPA: 17 mpg city/ 28 mpg highway
Honda Prologue Reinvigorates Brand’s Electric Efforts

2024 Honda Prologue

Honda Shows Up Late To EV Party, Brings Best Appetizer

Episode 4329
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Except for some very limited run vehicles over the years, Honda has largely been sitting out the EV revolution. But that all changes now their first high volume effort, the Prologue. So, let’s find out if it is indeed the start of a great run for Honda.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not only the brand’s first serious battery electric effort, but it’s also a substantial midsize five-passenger SUV, coming in about 3-inches longer than the internal combustion Passport. Though it’s worth noting, they got here with the help of General Motors and their Ultium EV platform.

So, Honda came to play, both with ultra-competitive pricing and segment leading 296 miles of range. That’s with the standard single-motor front-wheel drive EX rated for 212 horsepower, but top Elite doesn’t sacrifice all that much, coming in at 273 miles. The additional rear motor raises total output to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft torque.

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Relatively low output numbers in the EV game, but the Elite’s all-wheel drive setup delivered plenty enough acceleration to get our blood pumping during some early and very wet drive time through the recent historic downpours in Northern California.

And while Honda did get here with the help of GM and their Ultium chassis, the multi-link suspension bolted to it has been optimized by Honda for a “dynamic driving experience.” It was indeed plenty of fun to drive, nimble for its size with responsive steering, though we were also happy to find it comfortable and safe feeling in those weather conditions. It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

Comprehensive drive modes address just about every aspect of the driving experience, from power delivery to steering response and even braking power; but also changes things up inside with lighting and displays as well as active sound control.

For now, all Prologues come with an 85-kWh battery that will accept up to 150-kW fast charging for 65 miles of range for every 10 minutes on charge.

It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

As we’ve come to expect from Honda, the Prologue’s interior is minimalistic and practical, though not fully simplistic as there is plenty of tech on display, including the very high-mounted 11.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a Google-based operating system built into it like in the latest Accord Touring, and you can still use your Apple Carplay and Android Auto phones, both of which connect wirelessly.

Just below that display is some refreshingly easy to use traditional climate controls, and behind the steering wheel is a hoodless 11-inch tablet-style gauge display. Honda worked with Bose to develop an EV-specific sound system with 12 speakers. The standard EX’s system works with six speakers.

Being an EV means more space inside for both front and rear passengers than a vehicle built around a conventional drivetrain. Though with a substantial dual-level center console it doesn’t have the open floorplan of some EVs. The top layer of that console houses dedicated cell phone storage, mega-sized cupholders and Honda’s first use of a pocket-type wireless phone charger, which is standard. There’s space in back for 23.7 cubic-feet of cargo; 54.5 cubic-feet with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded; plus, more space under the cargo floor.

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And while length and ground clearance are in the ballpark with the Passport, the Prologue’s wheelbase is nearly a foot longer, and it sits much lower, with a design theme that Honda calls “neo-rugged.” Its slick shape and smooth body panels are clearly designed for enhancing aerodynamics, yet the overall design doesn’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Aero-optimized 19-inch wheels are standard, with Elite rolling on 21s, a first for Honda. Roof rails, panoramic roof, and power liftgate are standard on all but the base EX.
With the launch of this new generation of Honda comes new badging that looks to the past with throwback-looking Honda script now spelled out across the back. The Prologue and future Honda EVs also get a new “e” series logo.

Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety features are included on most Prologues, with just rear pedestrian alert and a Surround Vision camera system reserved for Elite.

Pricing starts, before incentives, at just $48,795 for a front-wheel-drive EX, top Elite comes with all-wheel drive and starts at $59,295.

Like most brands, Honda has big plans to deliver a full array of battery electrics in the near future, making significant investments here in the U.S. to make it happen. It may have taken a little help from General Motors to get them started, but Honda is in the EV game for real now, and it arrives at a great time when competition in the midsize SUV EV ranks is getting serious. So, the 2024 Honda Prologue does indeed look like the start of something special for Honda, and for all of us.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Horsepower: 288
  • Range: 273 miles
  • Battery Size: 85-kWh
  • Torque: 333 lb-ft
  • Peak Charging Rate: 150-kW