Porsche Cayenne vs Buick Encore GX

The 2024 Buick Encore GX emerged as a striking model, drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept. This refreshed version boasted a new front design with sleek daytime running lights positioned above the grille, complemented by angular LED lamps on either side. The Avenir-trim test vehicle featured a unique grille and chrome trim, enhancing its appeal. While the rear design remained largely unchanged from 2023, the top trims received new LED tail lights. The Encore GX offered a range of vibrant colors, including brilliant red, deep blue, maroon, and Copper Ice Metallic, with options for a black roof and mirrors. Inside, the relocation of HVAC vents made way for a 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, lending a premium look despite some cheap-feeling plastics.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, available as a standard SUV or sporty Coupe, offered a range of trims from the base Cayenne to the Turbo GT. The GTS trim stood out with high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes. Red brake calipers peeked through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels, and the Coupe version featured an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, customization was key, with options for color, trim, and even seat belts. The Cayenne's cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for added storage space. The GTS trim featured a Race-Tex headliner and optional leather or Race-Tex interior, while the Turbo GT added stainless steel pedal pads and illuminated carbon fiber door-sill guards.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its engine options from previous models, offering a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. An upgrade to a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine provided 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, along with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine delivered responsive performance, reaching 60 mph in about nine seconds, though highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The Encore GX excelled as a city car with a smooth suspension and selectable AWD system, though competitors offered more seamless AWD transitions.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options reached up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The GTS balanced sporty performance with comfort, featuring precise steering, a low center of gravity, and an active suspension. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, while drive modes allowed for a dynamic driving experience. The Cayenne's versatility extended to off-road capabilities and a lightweight package for the Coupe version.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. It featured a hands-free liftgate and 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The interior included available heated seats and steering wheel, with eight-way adjustable seats offered on higher trims. A seven-speaker Bose audio system was also available.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, true to Porsche's a la carte approach, offered limited standard features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled, and two-zone climate control. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for leather or Race-Tex interior. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. It could tow over 7,700 pounds and offered 27.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to over 60 cubic feet. The Coupe version had slightly less cargo space, and plug-in hybrid models further reduced utility.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital gauge cluster under one glass pane. While visually appealing, the screen had unused real estate. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The infotainment system was simple, with basic tiles for smartphone mirroring, climate control, and settings.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne impressed with a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen running the Porsche Communication Management system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The system featured voice control, a head-up display, night-vision assist, and HD-Matrix Design LED headlamps. Four USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came with the Driver Confidence package, including lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. Unique safety features included Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, with high scores in crash tests.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. The advanced InnoDrive system was not tested. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.