Changes to the 2022 Cadillac Models

The big news for Cadillac’s entry-level CT4 sedan for 2022 is the addition of a Blackwing high-performance variant atop the model line. The new CT4-V Blackwing is equipped with all sorts of performance goodies. First and foremost, there’s a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Other go-fast equipment includes a standard 6-speed manual transmission (a 10-speed automatic is optional), sport-tuned chassis and suspension with adaptive damping, Brembo performance brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential, among other upgrades.

Inside, the CT4-V Blackwing features a high-performance steering wheel with carbon-fiber accents, an AKG premium audio system with 15 speakers, and a performance data recorder. Cadillac claims a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.9 to 4.1 seconds, depending on the transmission, and a top speed of 189 mph. The starting price for the CT4-V Blackwing is $59,990, including the $995 destination charge.

The rest of the 2022 CT4 lineup sees only minor changes. Super Cruise 1 and Super Cruise 2 packages, allowing hands-free semi-autonomous driving on certain roads, are now available on the Premium Luxury and Sport trim levels. Additionally, one new extra-cost exterior paint color is available on the CT4 Sport: Blaze Orange Metallic.

The CT5 sedan is very similar to the CT4 in terms of feature packaging, but there are some key differences. For example, the slightly larger CT5 has a fastback roofline, whereas the CT4 has more traditional sedan styling. The two cars share a base engine, but the CT5 offers two optional V6 engines rather than exclusively 4-cylinder power like the CT4. Also, the CT5 has a standard 10-inch touchscreen, while the one in the CT4 measures only 8 inches. However, perhaps the most significant difference between the two models is seen in the Blackwing variants.

The CT5-V Blackwing has a hand-built, supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 668 hp and 669 pound-feet. It works with a standard 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission to propel the car from zero-to-60 mph in a claimed 3.4 to 3.6 seconds, depending on the transmission. That’s a full half-second quicker than the CT4-V Blackwing. According to Cadillac, the CT5-V Blackwing can break the 200-mph barrier. Notably, the CT5-V Blackwing has the largest factory-installed brakes in the brand’s history, with an available lightweight carbon-ceramic brake package. Starting price for the CT5-V Blackwing is $84,990, including the $995 destination charge.

Changes to the rest of the Cadillac CT5 lineup (Super Cruise packages and one new paint color) exactly match those made to the smaller CT4.

The Escalade was completely redesigned for 2021, featuring several industry and segment firsts. As such, changes for the 2022 model year are minimal. On the safety front, Cadillac makes Buckle to Drive standard across the board. This safety system restricts the driver from shifting out of Park if the driver’s seat belt is not buckled. Also, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning is now standard on the Luxury trim level. Platinum trim gets standard puddle lamps that project the Cadillac crest, and there are three new extra-cost exterior metallic paint colors: Mahogany, Galactic Gray, and Wilder.

Cadillac’s smallest crossover SUV, the XT4, soldiers into 2022 with no significant changes. Except for three new extra-cost metallic paint colors—Latte, Galactic Gray, and Rosewood—the 2022 XT4 is a complete carryover from the prior year.

Changes to the Cadillac XT5 midsize crossover SUV for 2022 are primarily aesthetic. The XT5 Sport gets red-painted front and rear brake calipers, new color-keyed floor mats for all seating rows, and two new extra-cost metallic paint colors debut: Latte and Rosewood. The only mechanical changes are standard Brembo front brakes for all trims, and 20-inch, 12-spoke wheels with Pearl Nickel finish on the Sport trim level.

New items for Cadillac’s 3-row, 7-passenger XT6 crossover SUV are almost identical to those of the smaller XT5. The family-sized SUV gets new Brembo brakes up front, red front and rear brake calipers on the Sport trim, a 21-inch multi-spoke wheel design available on the Sport, and new Latte and Rosewood metallic paint colors. Otherwise, the XT6 is strictly carryover.

Cadillac is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on November 18, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.