2026 Lexus NX 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 and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim level, which was the focus of our review, featured distinctive high gloss black trim, a unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch anthracite grey wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe boasted an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from the vibrant Carmine Red interior to various trim and seat belt choices. While the pricing could escalate with options like a custom paint job, the Cayenne promised a unique and personalized driving experience. The cabin was thoughtfully designed, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that maximized storage space.

The 2026 Lexus NX maintained a fresh appearance despite being a few years into its second generation. Its design elements, such as chunky fenders, integrated LED daytime running lights, and the signature spindle grille, were well-integrated, offering a refined look compared to some of its German counterparts. The NX was available in various powertrain options, including non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models, with packages like F Sport 2 and Ultra Luxury enhancing its appeal. However, the base NX 350 fell short of luxury expectations, with an interior that felt more akin to a high-end Toyota RAV4. While the F Sport 3 package added sport seats and aluminum pedals, it didn't significantly elevate the overall experience. The NX's design and features reflected Lexus's focus on brand equity and luxury, even if it didn't always meet the highest standards.

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, while the Cayenne S boasted a V8 with 468 hp. The Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, delivered a staggering 650 hp. For those seeking peak performance, plug-in hybrid options offered up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, generated 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating acceleration. Porsche claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono package, and 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, while the adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires enhanced the driving experience. The Cayenne GTS seamlessly transitioned from sporty to comfortable, making it a versatile choice for daily driving.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX offered a variety of powertrain options, but the standard NX 350 F Sport 3 test car left much to be desired. Its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, but the engine felt more suited to a pickup truck than a luxury SUV. The eight-speed automatic transmission lacked urgency, making the quoted 7.0-second 0-100 km/h time difficult to achieve. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling performance on paper, with the latter delivering 304 hp and a 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time. However, the NX's chassis tuning and firm dampers detracted from ride quality and driving engagement. Despite the F Sport 3 package's adaptive dampers and 20-inch wheels, the NX struggled to deliver a satisfying driving experience, with lifeless steering and poor ride quality.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a customizable interior with a range of options, but standard features were limited. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled or massaging, 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 upholstery. While the Cayenne accommodated five passengers comfortably, it lacked a third-row option. 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 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively. The Cayenne's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms and payload of 635 kilograms were impressive for a midsize SUV.

The 2026 Lexus NX provided competitive passenger space but had some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less generous. Front-seat legroom was similar to Audi and Mercedes, but the Acura offered more. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered visibility due to the deep dashboard and large mirrors. The F Sport 3 package's sport seats were comfortable but unnecessary given the NX's performance limitations. Cargo space measured 643 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded, trailing competitors. The NX's towing capacity of 907 kilograms was also below class-leading standards. However, the centre console's large cupholders were a practical touch.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne impressed with its array of screens and technology. A standard 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster offered up to seven views, while a 12.3-inch touchscreen ran the Porsche Communication Management system, featuring 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, with a screen filter preventing driver distraction. The head-up display provided essential information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C ports and a cooled wireless charging area, ensuring devices stayed charged and cool.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured a standard 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch display available in higher packages. All models included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Wireless device charging was standard, while a head-up display and 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system were exclusive to premium packages. Data connectivity packages offered features like cloud-based navigation, digital key functionality, and emergency assistance. The 14-inch touchscreen was well-placed but had room for improvement, with awkward touch sliders for fan speed adjustment. The voice recognition system offered some convenience but had limitations, such as difficulty switching satellite radio stations.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered basic safety features, including parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's advanced adaptive cruise control system, InnoDrive, was not available for testing. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety, leaving its safety credentials unverified.

The 2026 Lexus NX excelled in safety with its comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, and more. The NX's electronic door handles featured Safe Exit Assist, preventing door opening if an approaching vehicle was detected. Additional driver-assist features included park assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, missing the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test. The NHTSA had not yet published safety ratings for the current-generation NX.