2025 Porsche Cayenne vs 2026 Lexus GX

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 the review, featured high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips, with a unique front fascia that included larger air intakes and tinted headlights. The 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray and red brake calipers added to its sporty appearance. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. Despite the potential for high costs, the customization ensured a unique vehicle for each owner. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that provided additional storage space.

The 2026 Lexus GX, particularly the GX 550 Overtrail, was designed with ruggedness in mind. It featured rock rails, roof-rack crossbars, and trailering equipment, although it lacked a power sunroof. The Nori Green Pearl color added an outdoorsy touch, complemented by gray wheel arch cladding, simulated skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Overtrail model had a utilitarian yet quality-focused design, with tan artificial leather and olive-green simulated suede trim. The cabin emphasized utility over luxury, with advanced digital displays for the driver and infotainment. The GX's exterior design, with its distinctive Lexus grille and LED headlights, gave it a recognizable and capable appearance, while the tall windows and hood blisters enhanced visibility.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though only available as a coupe. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. Porsche claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph for the GTS. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low center of gravity. The adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires contributed to its agile handling, while carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, maintaining its V8 charm without the aggression of sportier modes.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking center differential. The Overtrail model added an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings, and a low-speed cruise control system. The adaptive variable suspension and E-KDSS enhanced off-road capability, while the 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires provided ruggedness. The GX's performance was impressive off-road, handling challenging conditions with ease. On-road, the adaptive suspension smoothed out bumps, and the V6 offered speedy acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with the base model featuring eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for personalization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with no third-row seating option. It offered a towing capacity of over 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,400 pounds. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row in the standard model and 20.9 cubic feet in the coupe.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail required some effort to enter, especially for shorter individuals, but offered comfortable power-adjustable front seats with NuLuxe upholstery. The Luxury trim added real leather and massaging front seats. The Overtrail lacked a third-row seat, providing more cargo space with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 90.5 cubic feet. The second-row bench seat was wide but had a low, flat cushion. Storage space was adequate, though not as impressive as expected, with small door bins and limited dashboard storage. The load height was high, and the bumper protruded, making it useful for certain tasks but potentially inconvenient for loading and unloading.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Spotify, Apple Music, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The head-up display provided information to the driver, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne also offered night-vision assist and HD-Matrix Design LED headlamps. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard.

The 2026 Lexus GX included a 12.3-inch digital driver display with configurable data panels for off-roading and trailering information. A 14-inch touchscreen housed the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which was simple to use but had low contrast in daytime mode. The system included complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, with a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing for simultaneous navigation and media display. The GX also featured a panoramic-view monitor and a multi-terrain monitor, though the view activation button was obscured by the steering wheel.

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 was not tested. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2026 Lexus GX came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems, including the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 package. This included high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Traffic Jam Assist was available with an active Drive Connect plan. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing.