2025 Lexus GX vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard SUV form and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim level, which was the focus of this review, featured distinctive high gloss black trim and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes to cool its V8 engine. The exterior was further enhanced by tinted headlights and red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite grey wheels. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, allowing owners to tailor everything from the colour scheme to the seat belts. Despite the potential for high costs, the customization ensured a unique vehicle. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential functions and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, showcasing a completely new look compared to its predecessor. Its exterior drew inspiration from classic Land Rover designs, featuring a boxy shape and a bold front grille accented by LED headlights. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle stood out with its 33-inch tires, matte grey 18-inch wheels, and a rugged brown colour named Earth. Inside, the GX maintained a clean and elegant design, with high-quality switchgear and chic dashboard and console layouts. The seats, upholstered in stitched black and tan faux leather, offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The spacious interior provided ample headroom and excellent visibility, making it a comfortable choice for both drivers and passengers.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engine options, each delivering impressive performance. The base model featured a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S offered a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though it was only available as a coupe. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience. The Cayenne GTS could accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 275 km/h. The vehicle's handling was exceptional, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity, thanks to components borrowed from the Turbo GT. The GTS trim also featured Pirelli P Zero tires, stiffer roll bars, and an active suspension system, making it agile and athletic despite its weight.

The 2025 Lexus GX came equipped with a twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 engine, generating 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This power was distributed to all four wheels through a full-time 4WD system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The GX could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds, a significant improvement over its V8-powered predecessor. The GX's performance was robust, with ample power throughout the rev range, making highway merges effortless. However, the transmission occasionally lagged in selecting the optimal gear for acceleration. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 15.3 L/100 km in the city and 11.2 on the highway, with a combined rating of 13.5 L/100 km. Despite its weight, the GX exhibited impressive off-road capabilities, with features like a low gear range, centre differential lock, and downhill assist control, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of customizable options, allowing buyers to tailor the interior to their preferences. However, standard features were limited, with eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control as basic offerings. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather upholstery. The Cayenne could accommodate five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom in the second row. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with the seats folded down in the standard model. The coupe version offered 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck at 3,500 kilograms.

The 2025 Lexus GX excelled in interior space, offering generous dimensions for passengers. Front headroom measured 1,001 millimetres, while the second row provided 1,095 mm. Legroom was ample, with 1,047 mm in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The GX's cargo space was a standout feature, with 291 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 1,138 litres with the third row stowed, and a massive 2,177 litres with both the second and third rows folded. The Overtrail packages, which omitted the third row, offered 2,563 litres of cargo space with the second row folded. The GX's towing capacity was impressive at 4,111 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for adventurers.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display running the Porsche Communication Management system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne also offered a head-up display, although it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard features.

The 2025 Lexus GX boasted a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with haptic feedback and smooth operation. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, with seamless pairing. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, while the Mark Levinson Premium Audio system was included with higher packages. Six USB-C ports provided wired connectivity and charging, and the Executive and Overtrail+ packages included cooled armrest storage.

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. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2025 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, road sign assist, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Overtrail+ package added pedestrian detection. A 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras enhanced visibility. The GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA but featured 10 airbags for occupant protection.