2025 Lincoln Navigator vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear end and a 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 escalate with customizations, the result was a unique and personalized Porsche experience.

The interior of the Cayenne was thoughtfully designed, with a balance of digital and mechanical controls. The cabin featured multiple screens, yet essential functions like HVAC and volume controls remained mechanical. The shifter toggle was mounted on the dashboard, creating additional storage space. The centre console, however, was noted for its tendency to slide with slight pressure. Despite this minor flaw, the cabin was praised for its overall layout and functionality. The Cayenne offered a blend of luxury and practicality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and customizable SUV.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator adopted a more understated glamour, moving away from its previous glitzy appearance. The Black Label Special Edition package added blacked-out wheels and details, with the illuminated star logo on the grille and light bars providing a touch of elegance. The Navigator's design was simpler and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint colour exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator featured a clean, minimalist cabin design, trading shiny switchgear for improved quality perceptions. However, some ergonomic challenges arose, such as the need to adjust vehicle settings through the touchscreen.

The Navigator's interior was adorned with quality materials, though some cheaper-looking elements remained. The Black Label trim offered luxurious features like power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, along with a dual-touchscreen entertainment system. The Navigator L variant provided additional cargo space, accommodating more passengers and luggage. The Black Label Special Edition Package, with its Sunrise Copper paint and Enlighten interior theme, commanded a premium price in Canada. Despite some ergonomic shortcomings, the Navigator impressed with its spaciousness and luxury features, making it a strong contender in the full-size SUV segment.

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 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for most drivers. For those seeking more performance, the Cayenne S offered a V8 engine with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though it was available only as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options were also available, with up to 729 hp for peak performance enthusiasts. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, making it a formidable performer.

The Cayenne GTS excelled in handling, with components borrowed from the Turbo GT, including increased negative camber for precise turn-in. The SUV was 10 millimetres lower than the previous model, enhancing its agility. Equipped with Pirelli P Zero tires, stiffer roll bars, and an active suspension, the Cayenne GTS offered a sporty yet comfortable driving experience. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, though they required some acclimation. The Cayenne's versatility shone through, offering a sporty drive in Sport and Sport Plus modes while maintaining comfort in Normal mode. The Cayenne's ability to deliver a thrilling driving experience without sacrificing daily comfort set it apart from its competitors.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator continued to utilize a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered a towing capacity of up to 3,950 kilograms with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator's 4WD system provided 22.6 centimetres of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities. During testing, the Navigator demonstrated impressive acceleration despite its three-ton curb weight, with the twin-turbo V6 delivering a satisfying sound.

The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension offered various driving modes, including Normal and Excite, though the latter amplified the already rough ride quality. The 24-inch wheels and 285/40 tires contributed to road shock transmission into the cabin. The steering wheel's size and shape were noted as less than ideal for a large SUV, though the Navigator offered good grip and body motion control on mountain roads. The brakes performed well, handling the vehicle's weight with ease. The Navigator excelled on open roads, providing a quiet and composed ride, especially with the BlueCruise system engaged for hands-free driving.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled or massaging. Two-zone climate control, soft-close doors, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting were standard. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Turbo GT trim featured stainless steel pedal pads and illuminated carbon fibre door-sill guards. While the options list was extensive, buyers needed to pay extra for most features.

The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row offering ample headroom. However, it lacked a third-row option, unlike some competitors. The Cayenne's towing capacity matched that of a mid-size pickup truck, with a payload capacity of over 635 kilograms. Cargo space was slightly smaller than rivals, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with seats folded. The coupe version offered less space, and plug-in hybrid models further reduced cargo capacity.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and luxury, though taller passengers found rear seats less accommodating. The Navigator featured Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated, with massage functionality in Black Label trims. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system offered stress-relief programs through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. Second-row captain's chairs were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with a dual-touchscreen entertainment system. However, thick front seats limited knee room in the second and third rows.

The Navigator L variant provided ample cargo space, with a new 40/20/40-split third row for flexibility. The Split Gate tailgate design allowed access to the cargo area, though reaching items near the third-row seatbacks was challenging. The Navigator's cargo volumes were generous, with the Navigator L offering even more space. Despite some limitations, the Navigator impressed with its luxurious interior and versatile cargo options.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster with up to seven views, including the classic Porsche five-circle design. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display housed the Porsche Communication Management system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed control of navigation and media, with a screen filter preventing driver distraction.

The Cayenne's screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The system included night-vision assist, though standard HD-Matrix Design LED headlamps reduced its impact. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard, ensuring devices remained charged and cool.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch centre touchscreen. The system integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, some controls, like air vent adjustments, required navigating the touchscreen, posing a distraction while driving. The Google Assistant worked well for basic commands but struggled with more complex requests.

Pairing an iPhone 16 and using wireless Apple CarPlay was straightforward, with the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system delivering a satisfying sound experience. The Navigator offered internet browsing, video streaming, and gaming through the Vivaldi web browser and Lincoln Connect 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Phone As A Key allowed smartphone-based vehicle access, while Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplified trailer maneuvering. The Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, but its tech offerings were comprehensive.

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 provided advanced traffic incident preparation, though it was not tested. The Cayenne lacked hands-off/eyes-up driving assist features, and neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated its safety.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator boasted an extensive list of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centring assistance. The Navigator also featured intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and Turn Signal View for enhanced safety.

BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system, was standard with a four-year subscription, offering driver-signaled automatic lane changes and in-lane repositioning. The latest version, BlueCruise 1.4, worked on more roads with fewer interruptions. The Navigator's safety features impressed, though the IIHS and NHTSA had not yet conducted crash tests.