Porsche Cayenne vs Chevrolet Suburban

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 unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, boasted high gloss black trim, a distinctive 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, although these could significantly increase the price. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its iconic status as a full-size SUV with a long-standing reputation. The Suburban's exterior saw subtle updates, including a modernized front fascia and new lighting signatures, while retaining its recognizable profile. The trim lineup remained consistent, with options ranging from the base LS to the luxurious High Country. The interior received significant upgrades, with a more sophisticated dashboard, improved air vents, and a new column shifter. A standout feature was the 17.7-inch touchscreen display, a major improvement over the previous model's smaller screens. The Suburban's interior was spacious, offering ample room for passengers and cargo, making it an ideal choice for families or those needing substantial towing capacity.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of delivering impressive performance. The base model featured a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S offered a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience. The Cayenne's eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive system ensured quick acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds. The GTS trim featured enhanced steering components, a lower ride height, and an active suspension system, resulting in agile handling and a comfortable ride. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, while the Cayenne's versatility allowed it to switch between sporty and comfortable driving modes.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban continued to offer V8 power, with a 5.3-litre V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque as the base option. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. A standout option was the turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six Duramax diesel engine, which received a power boost to 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine offered impressive fuel efficiency, making it an attractive choice for long-distance driving. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. The Suburban's steering was surprisingly light for its size, and the available Magnetic Ride Control suspension system improved ride comfort. However, the large 24-inch wheels, while visually striking, were not recommended due to their harsh ride quality and high cost.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a customizable interior, with options for various materials and features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims, like the GTS, added features such as a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. However, the Cayenne's interior space was limited to five passengers, with no option for a third row. Cargo capacity was also smaller compared to competitors, with 772 litres of space behind the second row in the standard model and 576 litres in the coupe. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering seating for up to nine passengers with the three-across front row option. Cargo capacity was unmatched, with 1,175 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 4,092 litres with all seats folded. The Suburban's towing capacity was also impressive, with the ability to tow up to 3,765 kilograms when properly equipped. The diesel engine offered excellent fuel efficiency, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refueling.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a range of screens, including a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Spotify, Apple Music, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for additional control and entertainment options. The Cayenne also included a head-up display and night-vision assist, although the latter was not deemed essential due to the standard LED headlamps. Multiple USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were also included.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban made significant improvements in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 11-inch driver information display, and an available 15-inch head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-in, which integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store. The user interface was generally intuitive, although some aspects, like customizing the driver information display, were less straightforward. Physical buttons for essential functions remained, providing a user-friendly experience. The Bose stereo system, while improved, still lagged behind competitors.

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

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban included a comprehensive list of advanced driver assistance systems as standard, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle braking, and a surround-view camera. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving technology was available on most trims but would not be available at launch. The NHTSA had awarded the 2024 Suburban four out of five stars in overall crash safety, while the IIHS had not recently evaluated the model.