Ford Expedition vs Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard SUV form 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 our 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 grey wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe featured an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from interior colours to seat belts, allowing owners to create a unique vehicle. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for added storage space.

In contrast, the 2025 Ford Expedition embraced a form-over-function design, prioritizing space and practicality. Its bold grille, horseshoe-shaped daytime running lights, and integrated headlights contributed to its full-width appearance. The Expedition's profile was simple, with a distinct character line running along the side. The rear featured a new split-gate design, offering practical benefits for loading and resting. Available in four trim levels—Active, Platinum, Tremor, and King Ranch—the Expedition offered two lengths, with the MAX version providing more cargo space. The King Ranch trim impressed with its luxurious materials, while the Active trim offered features typically found in higher trims. The Expedition's interior was minimalist, with a futuristic design centred around a 24-inch panoramic driver information display.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all 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 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. The Cayenne GTS excelled in handling, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity. It offered a dynamic driving experience, switching between Sport and Sport Plus modes for optimal performance. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2025 Ford Expedition, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Tremor trim featured a high-output version with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 2,628-kilogram curb weight, the Expedition's powertrain handled highway speeds with ease, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. The ten-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the multi-link rear suspension provided stability on rough roads. The Tremor trim, with increased ground clearance and off-road enhancements, excelled in challenging conditions. However, the Expedition's size limited its off-road capabilities. Fuel economy was a downside, with high consumption rates compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, which offered more efficient diesel engines.

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, two-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. It 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 hybrid models further reduced cargo capacity.

The 2025 Ford Expedition excelled in towing capacity, reaching up to 4,350 kilograms. Inside, it offered generous cargo space, with 611 litres behind the third row in the standard model and 1,022 litres in the Expedition MAX. Folding the third row expanded capacity to 1,979 and 2,392 litres, respectively. With all rear seats down, the Expedition provided 3,072 litres, and the MAX offered 3,485 litres. The interior featured a minimalist design, with touch-sensitive trackpads on the steering wheel and climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. While some may appreciate the high-tech approach, others might find it less intuitive.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne impressed with its array of screens, including a standard 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The Porsche Communication Management system offered 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, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne featured four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Ford Expedition boasted a groundbreaking 24-inch driver information display, featuring Google Maps projection and customizable widgets. The 13.2-inch touchscreen display, powered by a Google-based operating system, included built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store. The Ford Connectivity Package, required for full functionality, offered a complimentary one-year subscription, with options for annual or one-time purchase. Without the package, the tech relied on wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay projection.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested due to regional specifications. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.

The 2025 Ford Expedition came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Pro-Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro-Trailer Backup Assist were also standard. BlueCruise 1.4, a hands-free driving tech, was available on all trims, with a 90-day trial and subscription options. The NHTSA had not rated the 2025 Expedition, and the IIHS ratings were based on the 2023 model.