Nissan Murano vs Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard SUV form and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim level, which was the focus of our review, featured distinctive high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips. Its front fascia, unique to the GTS, boasted larger air intakes and tinted headlights, complemented by red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt selections. Despite the potential for high costs, such as a $13,000 custom paint job, the Cayenne promised a unique and personalized driving experience. The cabin was thoughtfully designed, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that maximized storage space.

The 2025 Nissan Murano underwent a significant redesign, featuring a new front look with a wing motif lighting signature and a wider stance. The model was nearly three inches wider and had an additional 1.4 inches of ground clearance compared to its predecessor. The Murano's side profile was accentuated by a chrome arch and black trim, although these elements were reminiscent of the Hyundai Tucson. The Murano's interior was modernized with a sleeker dash layout and a single housing for the infotainment and driver-information displays. The push-button gear selector streamlined the center console, allowing space for a standard wireless charging pad. The new "Murano glass-inspired" treatment on the dash and door cards added an ombre effect, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. However, the SL trim's downgrade from genuine leather to leatherette seating surfaces was a notable drawback.

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 an active suspension system. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode. The Cayenne's versatility extended to off-road capabilities with an optional package and a lightweight package for the coupe.

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduced a new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a variable compression ratio system, producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, this engine offered improved acceleration compared to the previous V6. The Murano's high beltline did not hinder visibility, and the Invisible Hood View feature enhanced the line of sight at slow speeds. Noise cancellation was effective, especially in the Platinum AWD trim, which featured an enhanced version with the Bose audio system. The Murano's powertrain and improved transmission contributed to a more responsive driving experience, with AWD available on higher trims.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with standard features like eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. 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 Cayenne's towing capacity exceeded 7,700 pounds, comparable to a mid-size pickup truck.

The 2025 Nissan Murano maintained its baseline comfort offerings, with standard heated and power-adjustable front seats. The Platinum trim added massage functionality, accessible via a button near the seat-adjustment controls. The Murano's Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, though rear-seat heating was limited to the Platinum trim. Interior dimensions improved in the front row, with 44.3 inches of legroom and 39.4 inches of headroom with the panoramic moonroof. However, the second row lost 2.4 inches of legroom. Cargo volume was competitive, with 32.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with foot activation on the Platinum trim.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne's screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided pertinent information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Nissan Murano came standard with wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The monolith-style display housed two 12.3-inch screens, with infotainment on the right and driver-information on the left. Four USB-C ports were standard, with Google Built-In available on the SL trim. The SL trim also featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a 64-color ambient lighting system. The Platinum trim added a head-up display, a feature not available on the Nissan Armada's Platinum Reserve trim.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard 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, and the Cayenne lacked a hands-off/eyes-up driving assist. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.

The 2025 Nissan Murano included the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. ProPILOT Assist was standard, with the SL and Platinum trims featuring ProPILOT Assist 1.1 for navigation-based speed adjustments. The Murano's safety offerings improved with a passenger's side airbag and reinforced seating. The SL and Platinum trims included a 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View. The third-generation Murano earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.