2023 Acura TLX vs The Competition

Acura TLX vs. Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Cadillac CT5

Drivers searching for a premium midsize luxury sedan now have more choices than ever before as the segment continues to expand. Fortunately, Motorcars Acura is here to help clear up the confusion and make your buying decision simple. We’ve assembled this insightful comparison which compares the striking Acura TLX against its biggest rivals including the Lexus ES, Cadillac CT5, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Once you see how the TLX measures up against the competition, you’ll realize why buyers across the country continue to choose Acura.

Acura TLX vs The Competition – Quick Comparison

2023 Acura TLX

VS

2023 Lexus ES

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2023 Cadillac CT5

2023 INFINITI Q50

2023 Audi A4

$39,650*

Base MSRP*

$42,490 $43,550 $38,195 $42,650 $40,300
Standard

Power Sunroof

Standard Standard Optional Standard Standard
22**

City MPG**

25 22 23 20 26
Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control

Standard Requires Higher Trim Not Available Standard Requires Higher Trim
15.8 gallons

Fuel Tank Capacity

15.9 gallons 17.4 gallons 16 gallons 20 gallons 15.3 gallons

2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 Lexus ES

2023 Acura TLX
2023 Lexus ES

2023 Acura TLX Base FWD

VS

2023 Lexus ES 350 Premium

$39,650*

MSRP*

$42,490
22**

City MPG**

22
31**

Highway MPG**

32**
25**

Combined MPG**

26**
Standard

Heated Exterior Mirrors

Requires Higher Trim Level
Standard

Heated Front Seats

Optional
60/40

Folding Rear Seat

Not Available
42.4 inches

Front Leg Room

42.4 inches
58.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room

55.9 inches
55.0 inches

Rear Shoulder Room

54.3 inches

From the start, drivers will immediately notice the tremendous value found on the Acura TLX. Comparing equivalent trim levels, the TLX offers a $2,840 lower starting MSRP than the Lexus ES.

Standard features found on the Acura TLX continue to illustrate why it’s the better choice than the Lexus ES. Heated exterior mirrors and heated front seats are included as standard on the TLX. Lexus shoppers will have to shell out additional cash for costly options or step up to a higher trim level.

Inside the TLX, drivers can enjoy 60/40 folding rear seats to help accommodate longer cargo such as a pair of skis or a snowboard. The rear seat of the Lexus ES cannot fold down. There’s also greater front leg room, front shoulder room, and rear shoulder room inside the Acura TLX to help all passengers get comfortable.


2022 Acura TLX vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

2023 Acura TLX
2023 Cadillac CT5

2023 Acura TLX Base FWD

VS

2023 Cadillac CT5 Luxury

$39,650*

MSRP*

$38,195
22 / 31 / 25

MPG** (city/hwy/combined)

23 / 33 / 27
Standard

Power Sunroof

Optional
Jewel Eye LED

Headlamp Type

LED
Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control

Not Available
Standard HomeLink

Garage Door Transmitter

Standard
Standard

Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror

Not Available
Driver / Passenger

Heated Front Seats

Optional
Standard

Memory Seats

Not Available
Split 60/40

Folding Rear Seat

Split 60/40
13.5 cubic feet

Maximum Cargo Volume

11.9 cubic feet

The next challenger to go up against the Acura TLX is the Cadillac CT5 Sedan. The Cadillac GT5 offers a slight discount compared to the Acura TLX, and offers comparable fuel economy. However, the Acura TLX offers standard features that are simply not available on the Cadillac CT5 at any price.

Superior technology is the main reason to choose the TLX over the CT5. Features like Jewel Eye LED headlights and Adaptive Cruise Control system each provide confidence and improved safety when behind the wheel of the Acura TLX. Additional standard features like a HomeLink garage door transmitter and auto-dimming rear view mirror add even more convenience on the TLX.

Shifting our attention inside of both vehicles, there are several key differences worth noting. Highlighting the superior refinement found inside the TLX, the front seats come standard with both heating and memory functions to allow drivers to personalize their comfort preferences. A standard power sunroof is an additional example of features the Cadillac CT5 cannot match. Superior cargo volume makes the Acura TLX the better option for those living active lifestyles.


2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2023 Acura TLX
2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2023 Acura TLX Base FWD

VS

2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300

$39,650*

MSRP*

$43,550
272 HP / 280 LB-FT TQ

Horsepower / Torque

255 HP / 295 LB-FT TQ
10-Speed Automatic

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic
Standard 10-speaker Acura Premium Audio System

Premium Audio

Optional Burmester Premium Audio System
Standard

Traffic Sign Recognition

Requires Higher Trim Level
Standard

Auto High-Beam Headlights

Standard
Jewel Eye LED

Headlamp Type

LED
Standard

Lane Keeping Assist System

Requires Higher Trim Level
Standard

Traffic Jam Assist

Requires Higher Trim Level
Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control

Requires Higher Trim Level
13.5 cubic feet

Max Cargo Volume

11.6 cubic feet
6 Years / 70,000 Miles

Powertrain Warranty Coverage

4 Years / 50,000 Miles

Next, the Acura TLX goes up against the formidable Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan. While the C-Class is a familiar foe among compact luxury sedans, the TLX is now ready to challenge one of its most established rivals. How exactly will Acura compare to Mercedes-Benz? Let’s find out.

Right from the start, the TLX enjoys a significantly lower starting price that’s $3,900 less than the equivalent C-Class. Better still, the TLX has the performance advantage over the C-Class as well thanks to greater horsepower, torque, and a more sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission included as standard. A premium audio system included as standard also provides a far superior listening experience inside the TLX.

Standard driver-assist technologies further elevate the Acura TLX above the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Features included as standard are Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Be prepared to step up to a far more expensive trim level at Mercedes-Benz in order to receive similar features. Both vehicles include LED exterior lighting with active high beam assist, but only the Acura TLX can boast the unique Jewel Eye LED headlight design. Lastly, a greater cargo capacity and greater powertrain warranty coverage make the Acura TLX a much smarter choice than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.


2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 INFINITI Q50

2023 Acura TLX
2023 INFINITI Q50

2023 Acura TLX Base FWD

VS

2023 INFINITI Q50 LUXE RWD

$39,650*

MSRP*

$42,650
22**

City MPG**

20
31**

Highway MPG**

29
25**

Combined MPG**

23
13.5 cubic feet

Maximum Cargo Volume

13.5 cubic feet
60/40

Folding Rear Seat

Requires Higher Trim Level
58.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room

56.7 inches
55.0 inches

Rear Shoulder Room

56.1 inches
54.6 inches

Front Hip Room

53.2 inches
55 inches

Rear Hip Room

52.5 inches

The next competitor, the INFINITI Q50, is closely matched with the Acura TLX, but is ultimately bested by the Acura in several key areas. The Acura TLX starts out at $3,000 less than the INFINITI Q50, but offers more room where it matters most – and better fuel efficiency.

The Acura TLX delivers two more miles per gallon in every metric – city, highway, and combined. It’s a more fuel efficient vehicle that will spend less time – and less money – at the gas pump. As fuel costs continue to climb upward, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you picked the more efficient vehicle.

When it comes to hauling people and their things, the Acura TLX also maintains some advantages over its rival from INFINITI. The Acura TLX is slightly wider inside than the INFINITI Q50 in most cases, resulting in improved passenger comfort. You’ll find more front and rear hip room in the Acura TLX, as well as greater front shoulder room, although we will concede that the INFINITI Q50 offers slightly more rear shoulder room.

The most glaring omission from the INFINITI Q50 options list is the lack of a folding rear seat. While both vehicles offer identical trunk volume, the Acura has the ability to fold its seats flat to accept longer or awkwardly shaped items, while the INFINITI lacks this capability unless you’re willing to pay extra for a higher trim level.


2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 Audi A4

2023 Acura TLX
2023 Audi A4

2023 Acura TLX Base

VS

2023 Audi A4 Premium 40 TFSI® quattro® S tronic®

$39,650*

MSRP*

$40,300
272 HP / 280 LB-FT TQ

Horsepower / Torque

261 HP / 273 LB-FT TQ
10-Speed Automatic

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic
18-inch

Standard Wheel Size

17-inch
Standard

Memory Seats

Optional
Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control

Requires Higher Trim Level
Standard

Lane Keeping Assist System

Optional
Standard

Keyless Entry

Optional
42.4 inches

Front Leg Room

41.3 inches
13.5 cubic feet

Maximum Cargo Volume

12.0 cubic feet

The final comparison is between the Acura TLX and the Audi A4. The prices here are extremely close, but the differences become apparent when it comes to equipment.

The Acura TLX has a more powerful engine, as well as a more sophisticated 10-speed automatic, compared to the 7-speed automatic found in the Audi. You’ll also find larger wheels fitted to the Acura TLX as standard, which considerably increases the curb appeal of the TLX.

The Acura TLX is also loaded with standard features like memory seats, adaptive cruise control, and a lane keeping assist system. These options are either optional on the Audi A4 or require a higher trim level – both of which cost more money. In fact, as standard, the Audi A4 doesn’t even include keyless entry, a feature most of us take for granted on modern luxury cars.

Lastly, you’ll find more legroom up front in the Acura, as well as a roomier trunk. It’s clear from this comparison that, for the money, the Acura TLX is a far better value all around. Also, keep in mind, no matter how many options you select for the Audi A4, it will always have less space for you and your things.


Winner -- Acura TLX

Drivers searching for a premium midsize luxury sedan now have more choices than ever before as the segment continues to expand. Fortunately, Motorcars Acura is here to help clear up the confusion and make your buying decision simple. We’ve assembled this insightful comparison which compares the striking Acura TLX against its biggest rivals including the Lexus ES, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Cadillac CT5. Once you see how the TLX measures up against the competition, you’ll realize why buyers across the country continue to choose Acura.

Prices shown are Acura suggested retail prices only and do not include taxes, license or destination and handling charge. Acura vehicle accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Dealers set their own prices. Please consult your selected dealer.

**Based on 2023 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 only) and other factors.