There are pretty many options for any shopper hoping to land a swell lease deal in the sports sedan segment. Even in this crowded segment strongly dominated by European models, the Cadillac CT5 and the Acura TLX stand out as top non-European alternatives.
The Cadillac CT5 and the Acura TLX lacks the rich history of the Mercedes and the BMWs in the class. Still, these American and Japanese brands have paved the way into the heart of many shoppers looking to lease a car in this category, thanks to their power-thirsty engines and engaging driving manners without compromising on luxury and versatility. But then, which of these two incredible options makes for a better small sports sedan to lease.
What’s New?
There are few American luxury sedans on the market, so the Cadillac CT5 is quite a special sedan for many American shoppers. Besides that, this Caddy’s largest sedan, introduced in 2020, boasts excellent driving dynamics and a swath of features for the money.
For the 2022 model year, the most outstanding improvement in this Cadillac is the new GM’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology with two fresh optional packages, exclusively available in the Sport and Premium Luxury trims. These two packages come with a long list of convenience and upscale features, including a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster display, leather-wrapped Super Cruise steering wheel, and 360-degree camera system—all in the Super Cruise 1 package. In the Super Cruise 2 package, you get features like a leather-wrapped Super Cruise steering wheel, Navigation Package, Bose Premium Audio Package, Climate Package, and Lighting Package.
Aside from the newly available GM Super Cruise tech features, everyone looking to lease a 2022 Cadillac CT5 will surely appreciate the more standard safety and convenience features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and improved automatic emergency braking.
The Acura TLX is back in the 2022 Acura lineup with no changes. Well, the TLX got a redesign just last year, so it comes as no surprise that Acura’s small luxury sedan comes with no significant changes.
The 2022 TLX still remains a solid choice in the luxury sedan class. If you’re hoping to break into this class, leasing a 2022 Acura TLX might just be the right place to start. Although it’s not the best in the class, this Japanese luxury car boasts excellent exterior styling and an upscale interior with loads of desirable features. Besides the undeniable road presence that comes with leasing the 2022 TLX, the new TLX also affords enhanced performance and upgraded technology. Compared to its close rivals in the compact luxury sport sedan segment, leasing the 2022 TLX offers excellent value for your money.
Powertrain & Transmission
When it comes to power, the 2022 CT5 offers more powertrain options than the 2022 TLX. However, comparing the base powertrains, the new Acura TLX is a bit more powerful, providing 35 more horsepower than what the new CT5 offers.
The Acura TLX and the Cadillac CT5 offer the same transmission. Both sport sedans send power through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2022 CT5 comes with a standard turbo-four and a twin-turbo V-6 for higher trims. The base model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that coughs out 237 horses and 258 lb-ft torque.
If you find the base CT5 with the 2.0-liter turbo-four a little underpowered, you should consider opting for the optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 in higher trims that generate 335 hp/405 lb-ft in the Premium Luxury trims and 360 hp/405 lb-ft in CT5-V trim.
A performance-oriented model also joins the 2022 Cadillac CT5 lineup—CT5-V Blackwing— with a monstrous supercharged V-8 under the hood and pushes out 668 hp/659 lb-ft.
Unlike the CT5 with many engine options, the 2022 TLX offers a sole powertrain. This 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine churns out 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. However, the TLX, like the new CT5, offers a performance-based model, a TLX Type S with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 355 hp and 354 lb-ft.
Handling & Performance
The 2022 TLX may not be the best on the track, but it does so much better than the 2022 CT5. When it comes to handling and performance, you’re better off leasing the 2022 Acura TLX than a 2022 CT5 lease deal.
It may be in the sport sedan category, but don’t expect so much of an engaging driving experience when you lease the new Caddy.
While it provides a soft and well-cushioned ride, the CT5 is less athletic than most of its close rivals, including the 2022 TLX. Its handling feels uninspiring, just as it lacks a responsive steering feel.
On the other end, the 2022 TLX may offer so so handling, but you can count on getting a more satisfying driving experience with this sport sedan, thanks to its exceptional chassis tuning. This Acura offers a blend of relaxed ride quality and energetic performance.
If you wish to see a more athletic side of either model, the performance-based 2022 CT5-V Blackwing and the 2022 Acura TLX Type S are there for you.
Fuel Economy
From the base powertrains, leasing the 2022 Cadillac CT5 will give you fewer stops at the gas station than the 2022 TLX. The 2022 CT5 with the base powertrain and RWD gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
The 2022 Acura TLX with the base powertrain and FWD earns an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Interior, Cargo
The best part of the 2022 Cadillac CT5 lease deal is its plush ride and super spacious and comfy rear seats. The 2022 TLX has a bigger dimension than the 2022 CT5. Unfortunately, that does not equate to more comfy rear seats. The CT5 offers a more comfortable and supportive rear seat than most close rivals, including the 2022 TLX. Nevertheless, both offer spacious and comfortable seats with ample space for cargo.
While both sport sedans offer a similar list of standard and optional features, the 2022 TLX sports a more fantastic cabin with more high-end materials and a great fit and finish.
The 2022 Cadillac CT5 and 2022 Acura TLX may not be the best in the competitive compact luxury sport sedan class, but they are excellent alternatives with value pricing. To lease any of these at the most satisfying lease rates, contact VIP Auto, 1204 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305Â https://viplease.com/.
