2024 GMC Acadia vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2024 GMC Acadia was built on a significantly modified version of its predecessor's platform, resulting in a larger and more imposing vehicle. It was 27 centimetres longer and 8 centimetres taller than the 2023 model, with styling that emphasized its increased size. The front end featured a more upright design and a broad grille, reminiscent of GMC's full-size SUVs and pickup trucks, framed by distinctive LED headlights. The wheel arches and door skins had intricate detailing that added definition to the vehicle's bulk, although this was mostly visible in specific lighting conditions. At the rear, quad exhaust tips, inspired by the C8 Corvette, added a sporty touch.

The 2024 Acadia was available in three trim levels: the base Elevation, off-road AT4, and luxe Denali. The Elevation trim came standard with 20-inch wheels in Canada, with 22-inch wheels optional on both Elevation and Denali. The AT4 featured model-specific 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Denali models were known for their intricate grille detailing, while AT4 models sported red tow hooks and blacked-out trim. Inside, the Acadia's interior was redesigned to accommodate larger screens and create a sense of spaciousness. The AT4's interior materials were preferred over the Denali's, which, despite its leather seats and unique stitching, did not feel as luxurious as expected.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in both standard SUV and sporty Coupe forms, with trim levels ranging from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, featured high gloss black trim, a unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch wheels, and the Coupe version included an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from interior colours to seat belt choices. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for additional storage space.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and 3.6-litre V6 engines, offering more power than both. Despite the absence of a V6 option, the turbo-four engine provided strong and consistent performance, enabling a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) with an available towing package. The engine's coarse note was a minor drawback, particularly in the high-end Denali trim. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with the AT4 model featuring a twin-clutch system for off-road driving. The AT4 also included a ride height lift, special suspension tuning, skid plates, and a Terrain drive mode for off-road conditions.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.0-litre V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 horsepower, while the Turbo GT offered 650 horsepower, available only as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 horsepower. The GTS trim, with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive ensured quick acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS trim offered precise steering, a low centre of gravity, and an agile suspension system, making it a joy to drive. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided excellent stopping power, while the vehicle's drive modes allowed for a comfortable commute or sporty performance.

The 2024 GMC Acadia's interior was designed for spaciousness, with more headroom across all three rows than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. It also offered more first-row legroom, although the Kia and Toyota provided more legroom in the second and third rows. The Acadia's cargo space was impressive, with 651 litres behind the third row, 1,623 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,761 litres with both the second and third rows folded. An underfloor storage bin and a presence-based power liftgate added to its utility. Small-item storage was reasonable, although the touchscreen-controlled headlights were less intuitive.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with standard features like eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control. Higher trims added options like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for personalization of interior materials and features. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row and ample headroom. It could tow up to 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) and had a payload capacity of over 635 kilograms (1,400 pounds). Cargo space was smaller than some competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with the seats folded in the standard model. The Coupe version offered less space, and plug-in hybrid models had reduced cargo capacity.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with an optional 16-speaker Bose system and an 8-inch head-up display. The infotainment system included Google built-in apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, providing a user-friendly experience. The touchscreen layout was logical, with climate control readouts and physical buttons for easy access. The instrument cluster offered multiple configurations, although small drive-mode icons could be overlooked.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the Porsche Communication Management system. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were included. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control available for many functions. A head-up display provided essential information, although it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne also featured night-vision assist and four high-speed USB-C charging ports, along with a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2024 GMC Acadia received mediocre safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with an Acceptable rating for its moderate overlap front test and collision prevention system, and a Marginal score for its headlights. Standard driver assist features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. The optional Super Cruise driver-assist system allowed for hands-free driving on certain roads.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested, and no hands-off driving assist was available. Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.