2025 Acura TLX vs 2026 Cadillac CT4

$45,400 · Sedan

$35,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

When you're choosing between the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2026 Cadillac CT4, you're primarily weighing raw power and luxury cachet against significant cost savings. The sticker price presents the biggest hurdle: the TLX starts at $45,400, a hefty $9,800 more than the CT4's $35,600 MSRP. However, that extra investment buys you 272 horsepower compared to the Cadillac's 237 hp, a notable 35 hp difference that enthusiasts will appreciate. Daily driving efficiency is neck-and-neck, with both recommending premium fuel; the TLX achieves 25 MPG combined, narrowly behind the CT4's 26 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Acura is the larger vehicle overall at 194.6 inches long versus the CT4's 187.2 inches, though this size difference results in a slightly smaller 13.5 cu ft of cargo space for the TLX against the CT4's 10.7 cu ft, which is somewhat counterintuitive based on exterior dimensions provided.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost and marginally better fuel economy at 26 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX offers more overall cabin size, being 7.4 inches longer and slightly wider, which usually translates to a more comfortable family ride.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura TLX

Enthusiasts will prefer the TLX for its superior output of 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, clearly besting the CT4's power figures.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac CT4

The CT4 presents better immediate value with a nearly $10,000 lower starting MSRP and better highway efficiency at 32 MPG.

Choose the Acura TLX if...

You prioritize performance and want the extra 35 horsepower for spirited driving.
You prefer a front-wheel-drive platform for more predictable traction in certain conditions.
You need the slightly larger trunk space, clocking in at 13.5 cu ft.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

Sticking to a strict budget is critical, saving you $9,800 upfront.
You prefer the traditional feel of rear-wheel drive and its standard setup.
Maximizing fuel economy is important, as the CT4 achieves 32 MPG highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura TLX	Cadillac CT4
Length	194.6"	187.2"
Width	75.2"	71.4"
Height	56.4"	56.0"
Wheelbase	113.0"	109.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/31 MPG	22/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	349.8/492.9 mi.	374.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
ELS Studio Speakers	✓	—
Speaker System	13	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.5 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	55.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.8 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	53.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	✓
Tire Size	P255/40R	P225/45R17
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2026 Cadillac CT4.

How does the power difference between the two sedans translate to real-world driving?

The 2025 Acura TLX packs 272 horsepower versus the 2026 Cadillac CT4's 237 horsepower, giving the Acura a distinct advantage in quick acceleration and highway merging ability. While both require premium fuel, the TLX's superior torque of 280 lb-ft should make it feel punchier off the line.

Is the Cadillac CT4 significantly smaller inside despite the price difference?

Physically, the CT4 is smaller overall, measuring 187.2 inches long compared to the TLX's 194.6 inches. However, the specified cargo capacities show the TLX offers 13.5 cu ft while the CT4 only has 10.7 cu ft, suggesting the Acura might offer more practical storage despite the marginal difference in exterior length.

Which car is better for long highway commutes in terms of efficiency?

The Cadillac CT4 edges out the TLX slightly on the highway, reporting 32 MPG versus the Acura's 31 MPG. While both demand premium fuel, the CT4's 26 MPG combined rating beats the TLX's 25 MPG combined, making the Cadillac marginally cheaper to run daily.

What is the main mechanical difference affecting handling between these two vehicles?

The primary mechanical distinction is the drivetrain: the Acura TLX uses a front-wheel-drive configuration, whereas the Cadillac CT4 comes standard with rear-wheel drive. This will result in different handling dynamics, with RWD generally preferred by driving purists.

If I want the more luxurious experience, should I pay the extra money for the TLX?

Since the MSRP difference is $9,800, you are paying more for the Acura, which is typically positioned slightly more upscale than the CT4 in brand perception. If you prioritize a slightly larger physical footprint (194.6 inches long) and higher standard horsepower, the TLX is the more premium-feeling purchase.

Are the transmissions very different between the 2025 TLX and 2026 CT4?

Yes, the Acura TLX utilizes a more complex 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the Cadillac CT4 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, meaning the TLX has more gear ratios to potentially optimize both performance and efficiency.