TLX vs CT5
The TLX and the CT5 sit in the same compact luxury car class, but Acura and Cadillac don’t always agree on what matters most. 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 TLX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality TLX wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price TLX wins
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance5.0
- Fuel Economy & Range5.0
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 35 hp more power
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The TLX’s 272 hp beats the CT5’s 237 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The TLX has 13% more cargo space
The TLX wins this narrowly, 13.5 cu ft against 11.9 cu ft, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The TLX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The TLX has 22 lb-ft more torque
The TLX has a modest edge on torque: 280 lb-ft against 258 lb-ft for the CT5. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
- TLX 194.6 in × 75.2 in × 56.4 in
- CT5 193.8 in × 74.1 in × 57.2 in
Size is a tie. Anywhere the TLX fits, the CT5 should fit too, and vice versa.
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | 193.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | 74.1 in |
| Height | 56.4 in | 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 116 in |
Engine & Performance
TLX leads
No contest in engine & performance: the TLX is the stronger of the two. In its favor, the TLX has 35 hp more power. The TLX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If this section decides it for you, choose the TLX.
Total system output
TLX: 272 hp CT5: 237 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
TLX: 280 lb-ft CT5: 258 lb-ft The TLX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
On paper, the fuel economy & range comparison ends all square. Don’t let fuel economy & range decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Space & Practicality
TLX leads
The space & practicality numbers lean toward the TLX, not dramatically but consistently. The TLX wins here with 13% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the TLX is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
TLX: 13.5 cu ft CT5: 11.9 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
The TLX and the CT5 differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft (winner) | 11.9 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | 193.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | 74.1 in |
| Height | 56.4 in | 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 116 in |
Price
| Spec | TLX | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,400 (winner) | $47,595 Priciest in class |
“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
Price barely moves the needle here: the CT5 launched $2,195 higher. If value matters, the TLX makes a strong case: it saves $2,195 and wins more of the comparison.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked launch. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the TLX if…
- you want more power (272 hp vs 237 hp)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (13.5 cu ft vs 11.9 cu ft)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (280 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($2,195 less)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the TLX or the CT5?
On the specs compared here, the TLX makes more sense for most buyers; the CT5 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the TLX bigger than the CT5?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the TLX and the CT5 is too small to matter.
Which costs less, the TLX or the CT5?
The TLX is the cheaper option, launching at $2,195 less than the CT5 (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the TLX’s and the CT5’s) so you don’t have to. Start with the headline difference (the TLX has 35 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place. It also helps that the TLX has 13% more cargo space.
I think of the TLX as the one for engine & performance and the CT5 as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the TLX.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.