Porsche Cayenne vs GMC Terrain

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and updated taillights and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level added a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges, enhancing its rugged appeal. Despite these enhancements, the Terrain remained GMC's entry-level model, evident in the quality of materials and execution of details. The interior, while featuring caramel-coloured contrast piping and stitching, did not fully meet expectations for craftsmanship, especially given the price point. The pushbutton transmission controls, though freeing up space, were not intuitive, and the storage tray was too narrow for a smartphone, highlighting some design oversights.

In contrast, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne, particularly in the GTS trim, offered a more luxurious and customizable experience. The GTS featured high gloss black trim, larger air intakes, tinted headlights, and red brake calipers visible through 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Cayenne allowed for extensive customization, from colour choices to trim and seat belts, albeit at a premium cost. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features like HVAC and volume, and a shifter toggle on the dashboard for additional storage space. The Cayenne's interior was thoughtfully designed, with the only minor criticism being the easily movable centre console. Overall, the Cayenne provided a more refined and personalized driving environment.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's power was adequate for most driving situations, it lacked the acceleration and towing capacity of the previously available 2.0-litre engine. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the Terrain within its torque band, but there was a noticeable delay in acceleration. The Terrain's AWD system improved handling, but torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The AT4 model offered 20.1 centimetres of ground clearance, but its off-road capabilities were limited, as evidenced by frequent scraping during testing. Despite these limitations, the Terrain's fuel economy was commendable, matching the official ratings.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, particularly in the GTS trim, offered a more exhilarating performance. The GTS was equipped with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, producing 493 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the Cayenne to accelerate to 100 kilometres per hour in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 275 kilometres per hour. The Cayenne's steering, borrowed from the Turbo GT, provided precise handling, and the active suspension system ensured agility despite its weight. The GTS excelled in both sporty and comfortable driving modes, offering a versatile driving experience. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the Cayenne's AWD system and Pirelli P Zero tires enhanced grip and stability.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior with numerous comfort features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat provided ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port for added convenience. Cargo space was generous, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded down. The Terrain's interior was designed for practicality, with various storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, while not offering a third row of seating, provided a comfortable and customizable interior for five passengers. The base model featured eight-way power-adjustable seats, with options for 14- or 18-way adjustable seats. The Cayenne's interior could be personalized with various materials and finishes, including carbon fibre and bronze Neodyme. Cargo space was slightly smaller than some competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with the seats folded down. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a suite of advanced technology features, 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 and Android Auto, as well as Spotify and Apple Music integration. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for additional control and entertainment options. The Cayenne's head-up display provided essential information, although it was slightly dim with polarized sunglasses. The cabin included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area, ensuring connectivity and convenience.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, although it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain at the time of review.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system provided advanced traffic anticipation, but it was not tested during the review. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.