TLX vs CT4
Brand preference aside, the TLX and the CT4 are close competitors, both pitched at compact luxury car buyers. Across 4 compared areas, the TLX takes 2. The widest gap shows up under space & practicality. The TLX also costs $10,405 more at launch, which raises the bar for what it needs to deliver.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance TLX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality TLX wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price CT4 wins
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance5.0
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
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 TLX has 26% more cargo space
On cargo (behind rear seats), the TLX posts 13.5 cu ft against 10.7 cu ft for the CT4, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The TLX has 35 hp more power
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 272 hp against 237 hp is a small but genuine lead for the TLX. The TLX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The TLX has 22 lb-ft more torque
The TLX nudges ahead with 280 lb-ft, while the CT4 lists 258 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
If compact matters to you, the CT4 is the one to look at. The TLX is physically larger all round.
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | 187.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 109.3 in |
Engine & Performance
TLX leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the TLX makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The TLX steps ahead thanks to 35 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the TLX is the safer choice.
Total system output
TLX: 272 hp CT4: 237 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
TLX: 280 lb-ft CT4: 258 lb-ft The TLX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
In the fuel economy & range category, the TLX and the CT4 land in almost the same place. For fuel economy & range, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Space & Practicality
TLX leads
In this area the TLX has a lead the CT4 can’t close. Point to the TLX for 26% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. Weighing only space & practicality, the TLX comes out ahead.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
TLX: 13.5 cu ft CT4: 10.7 cu ft The TLX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The TLX and the CT4 list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp (winner) | 237 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft (winner) | 10.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | 187.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 109.3 in |
Price
| Spec | TLX | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,400 | $34,995 (winner) |
“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.
Price & Value
The CT4 came in $10,405 lower than the TLX, a sizable gap of 30%. Spending the extra $10,405 on the TLX gets you 26% more cargo space and 35 hp more power over the CT4.
These are US launch prices, recorded launch; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the TLX if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (13.5 cu ft vs 10.7 cu ft)
- you want more power (272 hp vs 237 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (280 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the CT4 if…
- you’re working to a firm budget and $10,405 matters
- you like a car that takes up less room
- you prefer staying with Cadillac
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the TLX or the CT4?
We’d point most buyers to the TLX. The main exception is if your budget can’t stretch another $10,405.
Is the TLX bigger than the CT4?
Size goes the other way: the TLX is larger (194.6 × 75.2 × 56.4 in), and the CT4 is the smaller option (187.2 in).
Which costs less, the TLX or the CT4?
The TLX launched at $10,405 more than the CT4, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the TLX and the CT4. The TLX has 26% more cargo space, and for most people that’s not a small thing. There’s more, too: the TLX offers 35 hp more power.
The TLX makes sense for anyone who values engine & performance; the CT4 for anyone who values price.
My pick: the TLX, though I’d happily point you to the CT4 if you have better plans for $10,405.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.