2025 Porsche Cayenne vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

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 distinct exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, boasted high gloss black trim, a unique 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 the colour of the cabin to the trim and seat belts. While the pricing could escalate with customizations, it ensured a unique vehicle. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle, although the sliding centre console was a minor drawback.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, available in six trims in Canada, featured Mitsubishi’s Super All-wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system as standard. Its front design was bold, with a thin upper eyebrow functioning as a daytime running light and a large, square headlight below, highlighted by a chrome bezel. Subtle changes to the front end for 2025 included a smooth upper grille and light modifications to the diffuser. Inside, the top GT Premium trim offered quilted leather seats and soft-touch surfaces, with physical controls for the HVAC system. The Yamaha speaker faces in the doors added a touch of elegance, although some plastic pieces attempted to mimic high-end materials. Overall, the interior was a step up from the exterior design.

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 those seeking peak performance. The GTS trim, with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and AWD. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity. The optional carbon ceramic brakes required some adjustment but offered strong stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, retaining its V8 charm.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While comparable to competitors like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V, the Outlander lacked power for an enjoyable drive. The CVT, divided into eight steps, mimicked a standard automatic but suffered from a droning sensation. The Outlander’s fuel economy was below class leaders, with a rating of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 248 horsepower, 332 pound-feet of torque, and a fuel rating of 3.6 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with 61 kilometres of all-electric range. The S-AWC AWD system, developed from rally racing, provided stability on curvy roads, with retuned suspension for comfort and reduced body roll.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered limited standard features, with eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control. Higher trims added features like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. It could tow up to 3,500 kilograms and handle a payload 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 reduced cargo space.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander included a third row of seating, suitable only for small children due to limited legroom. With the third row in place, cargo space was under 308 litres, expanding to 866 litres with seats folded. The driver’s seat featured digital HVAC controls with physical buttons for fan and seat heating. The top-line trim offered heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Cup holders accommodated large cups but struggled with average bottles during turns.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster with up to seven views, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional passenger screen. The infotainment system included Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A head-up display provided information, although it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The system included night-vision assist, and the cabin had four USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander’s standout feature was a Yamaha premium sound system, with eight speakers standard and 12 speakers in upper trims. The system offered customizable sound modes and adjusted volume based on speed and noise. The infotainment system included a 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a physical volume knob, and SiriusXM 360L. Upper trims featured a digital gauge cluster, rear camera mirror, and head-up display. Mitsubishi Connect and Remote Services were available with trial periods, offering features like remote start and live traffic information.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche’s InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested. The Cayenne lacked ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offered blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear emergency braking, and lane departure warning as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and front parking sensors. NHTSA rated the Outlander four stars in rollover, with previous models receiving high ratings in side and frontal crashes. IIHS rated the headlights “Good” and previous models received “Good” ratings in crashworthiness.