Cadillac Escalade vs 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 GTS trim level, which was the focus of this 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 wheels in anthracite gray, 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 dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that provided additional storage space.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport was anything but subtle, with its imposing dimensions and blacked-out exterior treatment. The Platinum Sport trim exuded a menacing presence, complemented by vertical LED headlights and Deep Sea Metallic paint. Inside, the Escalade featured Sheer Grey and Jet Black semi-aniline leather with faceted quilting, creating a premium feel. The 55-inch curved display spanned the dashboard, offering a coherent execution of large-format screens. While most controls were haptic touchscreen buttons, the cabin's overall effect was genuinely premium. Despite sharing its platform with other GM SUVs, the Escalade maintained a sense of grandeur, although it couldn't fully match the refinement of some European rivals.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, with the base 3.0-litre V6 delivering 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, available only as a coupe. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, produced 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 reach a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and an agile suspension system. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the Cayenne transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade was powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Escalade-V offered a supercharged version of the same engine with 682 hp. On a 500-kilometre road trip, the Escalade returned 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly better than the estimated 15.0 L/100 km combined. The V8 engine provided a pleasing note under hard acceleration, and the 10-speed transmission operated smoothly. The Escalade excelled in ride quality, with adaptive air suspension absorbing road imperfections. However, the standard brakes lacked confidence under hard stops, making the Brembo brake upgrade a worthwhile consideration.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with standard eight-way power-adjustable seats and options for cooling, massage, and more. The GTS trim featured a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with seats folded. The Cayenne could tow 3,500 kilograms and carry a payload of over 635 kilograms.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade provided 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,412 litres with both rear rows down. The Escalade seated up to eight, with generous second-row legroom but tighter third-row space. Towing capacity was 3,580 kilograms, slightly less than the Lincoln Navigator. Power-retractable side steps were standard on Platinum Sport models, aiding entry and exit.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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 2026 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 55-inch curved display, incorporating a digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and passenger screen. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 34-speaker system on the Platinum Sport trim. Super Cruise, GM's hands-free highway driving system, was standard, offering effective driver assistance. Dual 12.6-inch second-row entertainment screens were included in Platinum Sport models, with an available Executive Second Row Seating Package.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the Cayenne for safety.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade featured standard driver-assistance technology, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise was also standard. The Escalade received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, although it had not been evaluated by the IIHS.