Porsche Cayenne vs Acura ADX

The 2025 Acura ADX, while sharing its platform with the Honda HR-V, distinguished itself with Acura's signature styling. The vehicle featured a striking pentagonal grille with diamond-patterned mesh, complemented by standard LED lighting elements. A-Spec models added LED fog lights, enhancing the sporty aesthetic provided by vent-like creases, a hatch-top wing, and dual exhaust outlets. The ADX offered 18-inch wheels as standard, with 19-inch options for A-Spec trims, available in Berlina Black or Shark Gray. Six exterior colors were available, with A-Spec models unlocking vibrant hues like Adriatic Sea Blue and Milano Red. Inside, the ADX maintained Acura's premium feel with genuine leather options and a well-designed interior that avoided the pitfalls of excessive piano black plastic.

In contrast, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a choice between a standard SUV and a sporty Coupe, with trim levels ranging from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Turbo GT. The GTS trim, our focus, featured high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes. The GTS also boasted 21-inch wheels and an adaptive rear spoiler for the Coupe variant. Inside, the Cayenne allowed extensive customization, from color choices to trim materials, though many features came 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. Despite the base model's limited standard features, the Cayenne's options list was extensive, allowing buyers to tailor their vehicle to their preferences.

The 2025 Acura ADX came standard with a 1.5-liter VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. While not the most powerful in its class, the ADX offered adequate performance for everyday driving and was priced competitively. It featured four drive modes—Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Snow—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Visibility was excellent, and noise cancellation measures were effective, providing a quiet ride.

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. The GTS trim, however, featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 493 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The GTS could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 171 mph. The Cayenne's handling was precise, with components borrowed from the Turbo GT, and an active suspension system that maintained agility despite its weight. The GTS offered a balance between sporty performance and comfort, with drive modes that adjusted throttle and transmission response.

The 2025 Acura ADX offered a premium interior with leatherette seating surfaces on the base trim, microsuede accents on A-Spec models, and genuine leather with the Advance Package. The steering wheel was leather-wrapped across all trims, with a flat-bottomed design for A-Spec models. Heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat were standard, with additional features like front-seat ventilation and power adjustments for the front passenger available on higher trims. The ADX provided ample headroom and legroom, with cargo space measuring 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, known for its a la carte approach, offered limited standard features but an extensive options list. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom in the second row. Cargo space in the standard Cayenne measured 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck.

The 2025 Acura ADX featured a nine-inch center infotainment screen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wi-fi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. A-Spec models added rear USB-C ports, while the Advance Package included Alexa Built-In, Google Built-In, HD Radio, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with a unique "beosonic" app for sound customization.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne included four USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area, with a head-up display and night-vision assist available.

The 2025 Acura ADX came equipped with the AcuraWatch suite, offering adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot information, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist as standard. The ADX earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, 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.