Porsche Cayenne vs Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 presented a unique aesthetic with its excessive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding on the lower body, which some found overwhelming. Despite this, the crossover maintained an overall appealing design with its short overhangs, long and low hood, and sculpted flanks. The rakish roofline and squat greenhouse added to its sporty appearance, and the option for black wheels catered to specific tastes. Inside, the CX-30's interior exuded a sense of luxury, with style and refinement comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a more varied exterior with options for a standard SUV or a sporty Coupe. The GTS trim featured high gloss black trim, larger air intakes, and tinted headlights, with red brake calipers visible through 21-inch wheels. The Cayenne Coupe included an adaptive rear spoiler, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Cayenne allowed for extensive customization, from seat colours to trim materials, though many features came at an additional cost. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential functions, and the shifter toggle on the dashboard provided extra storage space.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, though it required a build-up to reach its full potential. The power delivery was smooth, akin to riding a wave, and the six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting. The standard AWD system ensured power distribution to all four wheels, enhancing its sporty driving experience. However, the CX-30's fuel economy was less impressive, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km, limiting its range to about 360 kilometres on a full tank. Despite this, the CX-30 was nimble and fun to drive, offering excellent visibility and standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, with the GTS trim featuring a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 producing 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed transmission and AWD system provided quick acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and an active suspension system that maintained agility despite its weight. The Cayenne's performance was further enhanced by optional carbon ceramic brakes and various drive modes, allowing for a dynamic driving experience. The Cayenne also offered an Off-Road package for those seeking adventure beyond paved roads.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was marked by quality materials and logical controls. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a touch of colour. While the front seats were comfortable and offered power adjustments, the rear seat space was limited. The cargo area provided 572 litres of space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded, offering practical storage options.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, known for its a la carte approach, offered limited standard features, with many options available at an additional cost. The GTS trim included a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for leather or Race-Tex interiors. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom in the second row. The standard Cayenne offered 772 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,708 litres, while the Coupe version provided slightly less. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display on GT and Suna trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver and passenger was a drawback. Mazda's approach to reducing driver distraction included static displays and voice controls, though the system's voice recognition required improvement. The CX-30 also offered Mazda Connected Services, USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a suite of screens, including a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Porsche Communication Management. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, and Apple Music. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for media control and video streaming. The Cayenne also featured a head-up display, night-vision assist, and multiple USB-C charging ports, with a cooled wireless charging area to prevent phone overheating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was advanced but not tested during our drive. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, leaving its safety performance unverified.