2025 Porsche Cayenne vs 2025 Nissan Murano

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim level, which was the focus of our review, featured 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 boasted an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from the colour of the cabin to the trim and seat belts. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a shifter toggle mounted on the dashboard to maximize storage space. The centre console, however, was noted for its tendency to slide with slight pressure.

The 2025 Nissan Murano underwent a significant redesign, featuring a new front look with a wing motif lighting signature and a wider stance. The model was nearly seven and a half centimetres wider and had an additional 3.5 centimetres of ground clearance compared to its predecessor. The Murano's side profile was accentuated by a chrome arch and black trim, though these elements were not entirely original. The crossover came standard with 20-inch wheels, with the Platinum trim offering a 21-inch style. Inside, the Murano's dash layout was sleeker and more modern, with a single housing for the infotainment and driver information displays. The steering wheel was redesigned with a bar across the middle, and the gear selector was updated to a push-button system. The interior featured a new "Murano glass-inspired" treatment, adding an ombre effect to the dash and door cards, enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.0-litre V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp. 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 all-wheel drive. The Cayenne GTS could accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS trim offered a balance between sporty and comfortable driving, with precise steering and an agile suspension system. The vehicle's performance was enhanced by Pirelli P Zero tires, stiffer roll bars, and an active suspension. The Cayenne also featured optional carbon ceramic brakes and an Off-Road package for added versatility.

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduced a new 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, known as VC-Turbo, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering improved acceleration compared to the previous V6. The nine-speed automatic transmission was a significant improvement over the old CVT, providing better performance on highways. The Murano's all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. Despite concerns about visibility due to the high beltline, the seat could be adjusted for a better view. The Murano Platinum AWD featured active noise cancellation, significantly reducing external noise. The new Bose audio system enhanced the noise cancellation experience.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte features, with standard eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims like the GTS included a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The Cayenne could tow up to 3,500 kilograms and had a payload capacity of over 635 kilograms. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with seats folded. The coupe version offered less space, and plug-in hybrids had reduced cargo capacity.

The 2025 Nissan Murano maintained its comfort offerings with standard heated and power-adjustable front seats. The Platinum trim added massage functions, accessible via a button near the seat controls. The Murano featured Zero Gravity seats in both rows, providing comfort despite a slight reduction in second-row legroom. Front-row legroom increased to 1,124 millimetres, while cargo volume was 931 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,798 litres with seats folded. The Murano came with a standard power liftgate, foot-activated in the Platinum trim.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Porsche Communication Management, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, and Apple Music. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne included a head-up display, night-vision assist, and four USB-C charging ports, along with a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Nissan Murano came standard with wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It featured a monolith-style display with two 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and driver information. The SL trim added Google Built-In, a Bose audio system, and ambient lighting. The Murano Platinum included a head-up display.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. The Cayenne had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Nissan Murano included the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite with lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. ProPILOT Assist was standard, with advanced features on higher trims. The Murano had earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS in its previous generation.