TLX vs A5
Few matchups in the compact luxury car class come up as often as the TLX against the A5. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A5 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance7.1
- Fuel Economy & Range4.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The A5 has 15 lb-ft more torque
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the A5: 295 lb-ft against 280 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
A5 leads
On engine & performance, the difference is modest, and it favors the A5. The A5 pulls ahead with 15 lb-ft more torque. The A5’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. Bottom line for engine & performance: the A5 has the edge.
Torque
TLX: 280 lb-ft A5: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Both the TLX and the A5 cover fuel economy & range equally well on paper. Treat fuel economy & range as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | AWD (quattro) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | A5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | TLX | A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,400 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A5 if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Audi does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the TLX or the A5?
On the specs compared here, the A5 makes more sense for most buyers; the TLX doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The TLX and the A5 are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. I think the A5 makes its strongest case with 15 lb-ft more torque.
If you’d rather have strength in the things a spec sheet can’t capture, go with the TLX. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the A5.
My pick: the A5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.