2020 Cadillac CT5 vs 2020 Acura TLX

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. It boasted sleek and elegant lines, with only minor quibbles such as the chrome spear on the rear roof pillars. The CT5's design was a significant improvement over previous CTS models, offering a more refined and proportionate appearance. The test car, with its standard 18-inch wheels, maintained a balanced look, while the optional Red Obsession Tintcoat paint added a touch of extravagance.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura TLX, following a design refresh, presented a handsome yet somewhat anonymous appearance. The A-Spec option package enhanced its styling with sporty visual upgrades, including 19-inch wheels and revised bumper designs. The limited-edition TLX PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, featured a dazzling Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents, elevating its aesthetic appeal. The TLX's design improvements made it a more attractive option in the midsize sedan segment.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between an unrefined 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more powerful twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The latter, available on the Premium Luxury and standard on the CT5-V, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, and 360 hp and 405 lb-ft in the CT5-V. The V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided exhilarating acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, the transmission's behavior in Sport mode occasionally detracted from the driving experience, making the car less enjoyable to drive at its limits.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition featured a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. This powertrain offered a smooth and steady build-up of power, transforming the TLX into a thrilling ride in Sport and Sport+ modes. The SH-AWD system enhanced the car's driving dynamics, allowing it to pivot and lunge out of corners with ease. The TLX's transmission was well-behaved, and the paddle shifters added to the driving enjoyment. The TLX provided a comfortable and quiet ride for daily driving, with impressive handling capabilities and a firm yet not overly stiff suspension.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a significant improvement over the previous CTS, offering true midsize spaciousness. The Premium Luxury Platinum's front seats provided 18-way power adjustment, lumbar massage, and automatic heating and cooling, ensuring all-day comfort. The rear seat offered ample legroom and air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. Interior storage was generous, with a smartphone tray, wireless charging, and a sizable center console. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, with a non-flat floor and enclosed hinges.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered a compelling cabin experience with high-quality materials and outstanding front seats. The interior featured supple leather, heated and ventilated seats, and ample room for both front and rear passengers. Rear occupants benefited from air-conditioning vents and available heated cushions. While storage space was frequent, the trunk was compact, measuring 14.3 cubic feet, which was more in line with compact cars than midsize sedans.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's infotainment system, known as Cadillac User Experience (CUE), featured a 10.0-inch high-definition touchscreen with stereo knobs and piano-key controls. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Near Field Communication for easy smartphone pairing. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. The CT5 also featured a high-definition surround-view camera system, a rearview-camera mirror, and a head-up display, although the speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2020 Acura TLX's infotainment system was less user-friendly, with a dual-screen setup that caused distraction and frustration. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom display was, leading to confusion. The system lacked a tuning knob, and the navigation graphics were outdated. The voice-recognition system was subpar, and the layout of climate controls was cumbersome. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system provided good sound quality, and the car included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a sophisticated suite of safety technologies, although they were not available on the base Luxury trim. The test car's safety features worked effectively, with subtle lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control that maintained a safe following distance. The CT5 earned five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2020 Acura TLX, while equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance systems, showed its age in terms of safety ratings. It received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick. However, it achieved five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The TLX's safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, lacked the refinement and sophistication of more modern systems.