2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

In Southern California, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out amidst a sea of Asian and German luxury cars. Its rarity on the roads of Los Angeles drew attention, with many passersby giving it a second glance. The CT5-V test vehicle, coated in a unique light gray metallic color called Rift, featured 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish that shimmered in the sunlight. The car's design was a blend of black, body color, chrome, and wheel-matching finishes, with Cadillac achieving a harmonious balance in its proportions and details.

The 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, was also a rare sight on the roads, partly due to supply chain constraints and a shift in consumer preference towards SUVs. The TLX Type S, dressed in Tiger Eye Pearl paint, boasted a performance wheel and tire package, making it an eye-catching vehicle. Acura's latest TLX design was based on a concept vehicle, introducing a new design language that emphasized a long, low, and lean profile. However, this dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space, suggesting that those prioritizing comfort might opt for Acura's RDX or MDX SUVs instead.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V was powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed the base engines of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class but fell short compared to the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. Weighing 3,974 pounds, the CT5-V could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, although it felt slower than it sounded. The car's 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with an electronic limited-slip differential, powered the rear wheels, with an optional all-wheel-drive system available. The CT5-V offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, each adjusting the car's dynamics to suit different driving conditions. Despite its performance capabilities, the CT5-V was not a quiet car, with noticeable road noise and a lack of refinement on imperfect surfaces.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in most versions, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The TLX Type S, however, came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, provided mechanical torque vectoring and enhanced performance. The TLX Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. Despite its performance enhancements, the TLX Type S's brake-by-wire system, based on technology from the discontinued NSX sports car, proved less satisfying on twisty roads. Nevertheless, the TLX Type S was a delight to drive, offering a fast and engaging experience with excellent grip and handling.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 offered a spacious and comfortable interior, built on the same platform as the smaller Cadillac CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro. The CT5-V's front seats, wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, were 18-way power-adjustable, with optional genuine leather and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seats, reminiscent of a BMW 3 Series, provided decent knee clearance and good foot room, although the door frame's cut made entry and exit challenging. The CT5-V's trunk, however, was a disappointment, offering just 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with a narrow and small design.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a premium interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts, available in Ebony, Red, and Orchid colors. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, with automatic heating and ventilation. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with narrow rear doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more akin to a compact car than a midsize model, but a flat trunk floor and enclosed trunk hinges helped maximize the available space.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 excelled in making technology accessible and user-friendly. Its Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system. The CT5-V also offered wireless smartphone charging, Alexa Built-in, and natural voice recognition. While the test car lacked an embedded navigation system, the CUE system's simplicity and logical layout made it easy to use. Cadillac's approach to stereo volume and radio tuning controls was particularly commendable, with intuitive placement on the center console and steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a touchpad and buttons on the center console. This setup proved distracting and less intuitive than a traditional touchscreen. Standard infotainment features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with system upgrades available depending on the trim level. However, the TLX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the TTI occupied valuable center console space that could have been used for additional storage.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came equipped with the Cadillac Smart System, offering a range of safety features and driving assistance systems. Standard features included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with automated lane-change functionality. However, drivers still needed to remain attentive and ready to take control when necessary.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured AcuraWatch, a suite of driver aids including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The TLX also offered adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability and Traffic Jam Assist. The Type S model included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility (ACE) body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).