2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in two distinct styles: the standard SUV with a squared-off rear end and the sporty Cayenne Coupe. The lineup ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, boasted high gloss black trim, a distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe featured an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from colour choices like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. While the pricing could become steep, the customization ensured a unique vehicle. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for added storage space.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was available in five trim levels in Canada: EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro, with base prices ranging from $53,840 to $66,540. The X-Line trim added features like increased ground clearance and a self-levelling rear suspension, while the X-Pro trim included 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity. The X-Pro trim, tested here, featured comprehensive standard equipment and off-roading capability. The Midnight Lake Blue paint added to its MSRP, but the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro treatments diminished some of the SUV's personality. Despite this, the Telluride maintained its distinctive design and upscale details. Inside, the black-over-Terracotta interior contrasted with the blue exterior, featuring simulated wood trim, metallic accents, and chevron-pattern Nappa leather. The dual-screen display on the dashboard added a technologically advanced look, although some markings were hard to discern in daylight.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base 3.0-litre V6 produced 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, while the Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp. The Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for peak performance. The GTS trim, with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed transmission powered all four wheels, allowing the GTS to reach 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and agile handling. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, maintaining its V8 charm.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adjusting to driver behaviour. While some competitors switched to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 provided smooth and ample power. It achieved a fuel economy of 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres over nearly 2,000 kilometres of driving, aligning with the Natural Resources Canada rating. The X-Pro trim's all-terrain tires excelled on rough roads but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The Telluride's off-roading capability was impressive, with a ground clearance of 21.3 cm in the X-Line and X-Pro versions. Brake pedal behaviour was occasionally sticky in traffic, but overall, the Telluride provided a pleasurable driving experience.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte features, with the base model including standard eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five people, with a comfortable second row. It could tow up to 3,500 kilograms and had a payload capacity of over 635 kilograms. Cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with seats folded in the standard model. The coupe version offered 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively, while plug-in hybrids had slightly reduced cargo space.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. Door armrests featured narrow trays, and USB-C charging ports were embedded in front seatbacks. The second row offered reclining captain's chairs, a rear climate control zone, and ample legroom. The third-row seat, when folded, provided 601 litres of cargo space, with a hidden compartment under the load floor. Folding the third-row seats expanded cargo space to 1,304 litres, and flattening the second-row seats increased it to 2,455 litres. While not class-leading, the Telluride offered ample space for most needs.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided information, although it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Kia Telluride, in all Canadian trims except the base EX, featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on higher trims. The head-up display alerted drivers to blind spots, and the Blind Spot View Monitor showed live video feeds. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the data port was USB-A. The voice recognition system was basic, but the SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity provided entertainment options. The 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. The advanced adaptive cruise control system, InnoDrive, was not tested. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous highway driver assistance system, was standard. Higher trims added features like reverse automatic braking and front cross-traffic alert. The lane-centring assist system was occasionally problematic, but the Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.