2023 Acura TLX vs. 2023 Cadillac CT5

2023 Acura TLX vs.
2023 Cadillac CT5

While many car buyers these days are focused on utility vehicles – crossovers and SUVs – the market for upscale midsized sedans remains vibrant. Two attractive and well-qualified contenders in this category are the 2023 Acura TLX and the 2023 Cadillac CT5. But how do these premium five-seaters stack up against each other? Let’s dive into what separates them and which does what better.

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Drivetrain

From our point of view, the base drivetrain is the greatest mechanical separation between the TLX and CT5. Yes, both offer optional upgrades to all-wheel drive, but the respective manufacturers take two very different approaches to their model’s standard configuration: the TLX comes with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the CT5 has rear-wheel drive (RWD). The more casual driver may not appreciate the distinction until they’re driving in challenging weather. At that time, they’ll realize that FWD offers a distinct advantage on snowy or slick roads because the weight of the engine above the car’s front axle adds extra traction. On the other hand, RWD vehicles are left more vulnerable to slippery road conditions.

Further, energy is used more efficiently in a FWD car because the drive wheels are adjacent to the engine. On the other hand, sending energy from the engine to the rear wheels (via the drive shaft) zaps more power.

Engines

The 2023 TLX and CT5 may appear to be more closely matched under the hood, as the base engine for each is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant. However, appearances can be deceiving. The TLX’s standard engine makes 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft of torque against the 235 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque of the CT5. Clearly, Acura’s engineers have figured out how to do more; the TLX executes a zero to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, compared to 6.6 seconds for the CT5 (based on Car and Driver testing). In other words, buyers who prefer sharp acceleration will get more enjoyment out of the TLX.

Both nameplates are available with an upgrade. The Acura TLX Type S gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, which propels the car to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the CT5-V has an optional twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that makes 360 horsepower and 405 lb.-ft. of torque. Interestingly, the Cadillac is only 0.10 seconds quicker despite its extra horsepower and torque. For what it’s worth, the Premium Luxury trim level of the CT5 is also available with a detuned version of the V6 that makes 335 horsepower. (We’ll also mention that Cadillac makes the CT5-V Blackwing, but its near six-figure price tag isn’t comparable to anything in the TLX lineup.)

Trims

Let’s move on to the trims for the TLX and CT5. This is vital because more trim choices means buyers can more readily find a vehicle that matches their preferences and needs. The 2023 Acura TLX comes in five versions: Base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and Type S. Acura also offers a limited-edition Type S PMC Edition, hand-built at Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The 2023 Cadillac CT5, on the other hand, is limited to four trim choices: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and V-Series.

Cost of Ownership

Savvy car buyers consider more than just purchase price. Understanding long-term vehicle ownership costs can help save money over time. Edmunds examined how things might add up over five years for a 2023 TLX and CT5, using the least-expensive trim with 15,000 miles driven per year.

Edmunds estimated that maintenance for the TLX runs $5,862, compared to $6,484 for the CT5. The gap continues with repairs, running $1,158 for the TLX and $2,126 for the CT5. But it’s better market value that really makes the Acura shine. Edmunds forecasts that the TLX will decline in value over five years by $21,919, which is far less than the CT5’s projected depreciation of $26,292. Add all these factors together, and the TLX is $5,963 cheaper to own than the CT5.

**Based on current year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.