Acura RL vs Cadillac CTS
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2019 Cadillac CTS
Overview
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Cadillac CTSBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | Base |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2012 | 2019 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Cadillac CTSBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,200 | $46,995 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Cadillac CTSBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 22 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 24 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 19 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Cadillac CTSBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp (best) | 268 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 3.7 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Cadillac CTSBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft | 13.7 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,083 lbs | 3,652 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in | 114.6 in (best) |
| Length | 195.7 in (best) | 195.5 in |
| Width | 72.7 in (best) | 72.2 in |
| Height | 57.2 in | 57.2 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Cadillac CTSBase |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 6 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura RL | Cadillac CTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $48,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $46,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $52,350 MSRP | Base $86,995 MSRP |
| 3 | Technology Package - in HI $52,350 MSRP | Base $48,995 MSRP |
| 4 | Advance Package $56,150 MSRP | Luxury $52,695 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Luxury $54,695 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Luxury $54,695 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Luxury $56,695 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Premium Luxury $60,195 MSRP |
| 9 | — | Premium Luxury $62,195 MSRP |
| 10 | — | V-Sport $61,695 MSRP |
| 11 | — | V-Sport Premium Luxury $71,795 MSRP |
Acura RL vs Cadillac CTS FAQ
- Which is better: 2012 Acura RL or 2019 Cadillac CTS?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2012 Acura RL vs 2019 Cadillac CTS on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2012 Acura RL or 2019 Cadillac CTS?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2019 Cadillac CTS starts lower at $46,995.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2012 Acura RL or 2019 Cadillac CTS?
- The 2019 Cadillac CTS leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (46,995).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2012 Acura RL or 2019 Cadillac CTS?
- The 2019 Cadillac CTS leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (25).
- Which has better horsepower: 2012 Acura RL or 2019 Cadillac CTS?
- The 2019 Cadillac CTS leads on horsepower in this comparison (640).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2012 Acura RL or 2019 Cadillac CTS?
- The 2019 Cadillac CTS leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2012 Acura RL vs 2019 Cadillac CTS?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Cadillac CTS (5/5 NHTSA overall).