2025 Acura TLX vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$45,400 · Sedan

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura TLX enters the ring brimming with accessible power, delivering 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque right off the line, making it the performance leader by a significant 35 hp margin over the 2026 Cadillac CT5. The TLX provides a spirited front-wheel-drive experience starting at an MSRP of $45,400. Conversely, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 appeals with its classic, engaging rear-wheel-drive architecture and slightly superior efficiency, boasting 26 combined MPG versus the Acura’s 25. While the CT5 asks for $3,200 more at $48,600, it offers better mileage and a slightly taller profile at 57.2 inches. Despite its lower horsepower rating of 237 hp, the Cadillac features a tighter turning radius advantage due to being 0.8 inches shorter in length. The contest pits Acura's accessible punch against Cadillac's traditional handling focus.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac CT5

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 wins for commuters by offering marginally better fuel economy at 26 combined MPG compared to the TLX's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura TLX

The 2025 Acura TLX provides greater utility for families with 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CT5's 11.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura TLX

The 2025 Acura TLX excites driving enthusiasts more with its substantial advantage of 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura TLX

The 2025 Acura TLX offers significantly more horsepower for $3,200 less than the base 2026 Cadillac CT5.

Choose the Acura TLX if...

You prioritize raw power, as the TLX boasts 272 hp, which is 35 hp more than the CT5.
You need maximum usable storage space, evidenced by its 13.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
You want the lowest entry price point, with an MSRP of $45,400.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You prefer the dynamic feel of traditional rear-wheel drive architecture.
Slightly better efficiency matters, as the CT5 achieves 23/32 MPG City/Highway.
You prefer a slightly narrower body width for tight parking situations, measuring 74.1 inches wide.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura TLX	Cadillac CT5
Length	194.6"	193.8"
Width	75.2"	74.1"
Height	56.4"	57.2"
Wheelbase	113.0"	116.0"

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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	10-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	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	349.8/492.9 mi.	391.0/544.0 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
ELS Studio Speakers	✓	—
Speaker System	13	15
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.5 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.8 in.	53.7 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	53.7 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	245/45R18
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 CT5.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 TLX and the 2026 CT5?

The 2025 Acura TLX is the clear performance frontrunner, generating 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 delivers 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, giving the Acura a distinct advantage in straight-line speed.

How does the cargo capacity compare for these two sedans?

Families needing more trunk space will favor the 2025 Acura TLX, which offers 13.5 cubic feet of cargo room. The 2026 Cadillac CT5 provides less utility with only 11.9 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.

Which car offers a lower initial purchase price?

The 2025 Acura TLX presents better upfront value, starting at an MSRP of $45,400. The 2026 Cadillac CT5 has a higher starting MSRP of $48,600, creating a $3,200 price gap.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy between the two models?

The difference is minimal, but the 2026 Cadillac CT5 is slightly more frugal, achieving 26 combined MPG. The 2025 Acura TLX is rated at 25 combined MPG, though both recommend premium unleaded fuel.

Do the drivetrain layouts affect driving dynamics?

Yes, the 2025 TLX uses front-wheel drive, prioritizing stability in certain conditions, while the 2026 CT5 features rear-wheel drive, often preferred by enthusiasts for a sportier, balanced feel.

How do the exterior dimensions differ between the two sedans?

The Acura TLX is slightly longer at 194.6 inches and wider at 75.2 inches than the CT5. Conversely, the Cadillac CT5 is slightly taller, measuring 57.2 inches high compared to the TLX's 56.4 inches.