2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, presenting a modern and robust appearance. The flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive “shark fin” C-pillar aligned it more closely with Chevrolet's larger models like the Suburban and Silverado. Each trim level offered unique exterior styling, with the base LT featuring chrome or an optional Midnight Edition high gloss black treatment. The RS trim sported black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new Activ trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The interior of the Equinox was equally impressive, with a new layout that removed the traditional cowl and relocated the shifter to the steering column, creating a more open centre console. The RS trim featured a sporty interior with red highlights and contrast stitching, while the Activ trim offered a lighter “Maple Sugar and Black” theme. Overall, the Equinox's cabin avoided a cheap feel, offering a choice of textures that felt intentional rather than compromising.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, available as a standard SUV or a sporty Coupe, offered a range of trims from the base model to the high-performance Turbo E-Hybrid. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, featured high gloss black trim, larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. The 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray and red brake calipers added to its sporty appearance. Inside, the Cayenne allowed for extensive customization, with options for colour, trim, and even seat belts. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a shifter toggle mounted on the dashboard for additional storage space. The centre console's tendency to slide with slight pressure was a minor drawback in an otherwise well-thought-out interior. Overall, the Cayenne's interior offered a blend of luxury and functionality, with plenty of options for personalization.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox continued with its single engine offering, a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The base LT FWD model came with a CVT, while AWD versions featured an eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed was an improvement over the previous six-speed, offering quicker gear changes and reduced noise. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but the engine's limitations became apparent during highway merges. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, with selectable drive modes available on the RS and Activ trims. The Equinox could tow up to 680 kilograms with AWD, and the new drive modes enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.0-litre V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT offered 650 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive provided quick acceleration, with Porsche estimating a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds. The GTS trim offered a balance between sporty and comfortable driving, with precise steering and an active suspension system. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the Cayenne's various drive modes allowed for a versatile driving experience. The Cayenne's performance was impressive, with the ability to tow 3,500 kilograms and a range of options to enhance its driving dynamics.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada, with additional amenities available in a package for the RS and Activ trims. The Evotex seats provided a premium feel, and the flat roof allowed for consistent headroom throughout the cabin. The moonroof added light to the rear seats, and the flat floor made the back row more comfortable for three passengers. The cargo space was slightly reduced, with 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with them folded down. A hidden storage compartment added some utility, but the overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte options, with standard features like eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control. The GTS trim included a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for leather or Race-Tex throughout the interior. The Cayenne's options list was extensive, allowing for customization of nearly every aspect of the cabin. The Cayenne could accommodate five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. The standard Cayenne offered 772 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,708 litres with the rear seats folded. The coupe version had slightly less space, and the PHEV models had reduced cargo capacity due to the battery.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured Google Built-In as standard, along with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration projected onto the driver information display, allowing for simultaneous infotainment activities. The voice control system had some issues with volume, but the infotainment system's touchscreen was larger and more functional than previous models. Standard tech features included Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a six-speaker audio system, with wireless charging available on higher trims.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Spotify, Apple Music, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for additional media control and streaming. The head-up display provided pertinent information, though it was dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area, ensuring devices stayed cool while charging.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package that added features like rear pedestrian alert and HD surround vision. Most safety features were standard, including rear park assist, side blind-zone alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limitations and provided a report card of driving behaviour.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system offered advanced features, but it was not available on the test drive. The Cayenne had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS for safety.