2024 Acura TLX vs 2025 Cadillac CT5

The 2024 Acura TLX, though subtly refreshed, retained its elegant design with a frameless grille and the removal of the radar emitter, enhancing its sophisticated appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and air intakes added to its striking front fascia, while the restrained character lines along the sides maintained a sleek profile. The TLX Type S model, with its Berlina black split-spoke rims and Pirelli tires, exuded a sporty vibe. Inside, the TLX offered a luxurious experience with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was a focal point, though the busy centre stack with its push-button shifter and rotary drive-mode selector required some acclimatization. The Type S model, with its red leather upholstery and ambient lighting, emphasized its performance-oriented nature.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac CT5 presented a refreshed look with vertically stacked headlights and bold running light bars. The Premium Luxury trim, equipped with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and AWD, offered a powerful driving experience. The interior featured a new 33-inch display, enhancing the cabin's modernity. The CT5's infotainment system, with Google Built-in technology, provided seamless connectivity and user-friendly controls. The cabin, adorned with carbon fibre trim and semi-aniline leather, exuded luxury, though some inexpensive plastics detracted from the overall feel. Despite its shortcomings, the CT5's platform ensured a lively drive, though the Premium Luxury trim leaned towards comfort rather than sportiness.

The 2024 Acura TLX A-Spec was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided a performance-oriented driving experience, capable of distributing power effectively to the rear wheels. The TLX Type S, with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, produced 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, offering blistering acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds. The adaptive dampers, robust stabilizers, and Brembo brake calipers enhanced its performance credentials, while the multiple driving modes allowed for a tailored driving experience.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5, in its Premium Luxury trim, featured a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, the optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, provided a more exhilarating drive. The 10-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD added to its versatility, though at a cost. The CT5's fuel economy was less impressive, with the V6 averaging 12.6 L/100 km during testing. Despite its softer ride, the CT5's platform ensured a rewarding drive, though it lacked the tautness of its sportier variants.

The 2024 Acura TLX, measuring 4,942 millimetres in length, straddled the line between compact and midsize sedans. Its wheelbase of 2,870 mm was closer to compact sedans, resulting in limited rear-seat legroom of 886 mm. The trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, adequate for a compact sedan but lacking compared to midsize competitors. The TLX's long hood contributed to its visual presence but compromised interior space. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, making the driver the happiest occupant.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5, as a road-tripper, offered reasonable comfort with its flat front seats equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good legroom and thigh support, though headroom was limited. The CT5's interior storage was adequate, with a wireless smartphone charger conveniently located. The trunk, with 337 litres of cargo space, was tight, and the uneven floor made it challenging to load large items. However, the enclosed trunk hinges allowed for efficient use of space.

The 2024 Acura TLX featured a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad as standard. The dual 12.3-inch displays offered crisp graphics, though the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for the infotainment system required acclimatization. The TTI's one-to-one positioning was clever but over-engineered, and its compatibility with phone projection systems was lacking, leading to a frustrating user experience.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5's standout feature was its new 33-inch panoramic display, housing three screens with Google Built-in technology. The infotainment system offered seamless connectivity with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps via Google Play. The CT5 also included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 15-speaker premium audio system. The user interface was intuitive, and the system could be controlled via touchscreen, physical controls, or voice recognition. Additional features included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Teen Driver technology.

The 2024 Acura TLX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The TLX received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, though the IIHS had not yet announced its Top Safety Pick+ status for 2024.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 featured a robust set of driving assistance systems, including a surround-view camera system and active blind-spot monitoring. The highlight was Super Cruise, offering hands-free driving on approved roads. The CT5 received top five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, including rollover resistance, showcasing its safety credentials.