2022 Acura TLX vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a notably wider track width both at the front and rear. The TLX's design featured thin headlights, a distinctive five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. The interior was well-crafted, with soft surfaces and a non-touchscreen infotainment system that required some acclimation.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 was a rarity on Canadian roads, often turning heads with its unique styling. The CT5-V variant, dipped in a light grey metallic colour called Rift, featured 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. The CT5-V was positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance Blackwing model, offering a sporty yet luxurious experience. Inside, the CT5-V combined high-quality materials with some less impressive details, such as hard plastic panels. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating and functional storage areas. However, the trunk space was limited, requiring careful packing for longer trips.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the TLX offered smooth and responsive performance. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, making it a formidable track performer. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling. However, the exhaust note was subdued, and the summer tires emitted extra noise on highways.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V housed a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds. The CT5-V featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered several driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track. The Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes enhanced its performance capabilities. However, the CT5-V was not a quiet car, with noticeable road noise and suspension racket on imperfect surfaces. Despite these drawbacks, the CT5-V excelled in balance, body control, and grip, providing an enjoyable driving experience.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, space was tight for four passengers, with limited legroom in the back seat. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The TLX's infotainment system featured a unique touchpad interface, requiring some acclimation. Trunk space was mediocre at 382 litres, with limited room for luggage. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 offered a roomier interior compared to its platform siblings, the CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro. The CT5-V's front seats were adjustable and provided good comfort and support. However, entering and exiting the rear seats was challenging due to the door frame design. The rear seat offered decent knee clearance and foot room, but the plastic front seatback panels detracted from the overall quality. The CT5-V's trunk space was limited to 337 litres, requiring careful packing for road trips. However, Cadillac provided some hidden storage options to maximize space.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were too small to read easily. The TLX offered a head-up display, heated rear seats, and a premium audio system with 17 speakers. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch. Higher trims linked climate control to navigation for automatic adjustments based on the sun's position.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 excelled in technology, with a user-friendly Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose 15-speaker audio system, and wireless smartphone charging. The CT5-V offered optional features like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and Performance Data Recorder. However, the lack of an embedded navigation system limited voice recognition capabilities. Cadillac's decision to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in future models may impact its appeal.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with a standard Cadillac Smart System, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package offered hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, though it required driver attention and had some limitations.