2025 Porsche Cayenne vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in both a standard SUV form and a sporty Cayenne Coupe, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal. The GTS trim, in particular, stood out with its high gloss black trim, unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through the 21-inch anthracite grey wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe featured an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from the vibrant Carmine Red interior to various trim and seat belt choices. Despite the potential for high costs, these options ensured a unique and personalized driving experience. The cabin was thoughtfully designed, with mechanical controls for essential features and a well-organized layout, although the sliding centre console was a minor drawback.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly crafted with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, although some materials reflected its price point. However, the ergonomics were less than ideal, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these design-related complaints, the CX-90 maintained a sense of sophistication and offered a compelling alternative to mainstream midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, each capable of delivering 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, and the plug-in hybrid options reached up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and agile handling. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the Cayenne transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, available in standard and high-output versions. The standard-output engine produced 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kg. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially when cold. Despite these issues, the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, with a firm suspension that communicated road conditions effectively.

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 massaged, and two-zone climate control. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample second-row headroom, even in the coupe version. It could tow up to 3,500 kg and had a payload capacity of over 635 kg. Cargo space was slightly 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 reduced cargo space.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests and window shades. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. Storage options were limited, with a shallow bin under the centre armrest and minimal door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with seats folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with 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 for navigation and media control. The head-up display provided essential 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 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while the native Mazda Connect platform required a centre console knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and a new Google built-in infotainment system was anticipated for future models. The CX-90 included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with blind-spot alerts.

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

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, safe exit warning, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control system with lane-centring assist was available on higher trims, although it had some limitations.