Porsche Cayenne vs Buick Envista

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path with its sloping roofline, giving it a "crossover coupe" appearance reminiscent of high-end models like the BMW X4 and X6. This design choice, while potentially compromising rear visibility, was deemed acceptable. The front-end styling, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a split lighting design with daytime running lights positioned above the actual headlights, which were integrated into vertical elements flanking the grille. This sleek design was a first for Buick, setting the Envista apart from other models like the Envision and Encore GX, which adopted similar styling as part of their mid-cycle refreshes. The ST grade was marked by black exterior trim and 18-inch wheels, while the top-tier Avenir boasted bright exterior trim and standard 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Envista's cabin, though similar to the Trax, offered a more streamlined look with softer materials, albeit with a texture that felt somewhat artificial. Despite this, the interior was a step up from the Trax, aligning with its entry-level status.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a choice between a standard SUV with a squared-off rear or a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, featured high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers peeked through 21-inch wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe included an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne allowed for extensive customization, from color choices to seat belts, with options like a custom paint job costing up to $13,000. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a shifter toggle on the dashboard for added storage space. The center console, however, was noted for its tendency to slide with slight pressure. Overall, the Cayenne's interior was praised for its thoughtful design and customization options, though it came at a premium price.

The 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This setup, borrowed from the Trax, delivered power smoothly, akin to a larger engine with more gears. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, distinguishing it from the Encore GX. The base models featured a torsion-beam rear suspension, while models with 19-inch wheels had a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension, enhancing ride quality. The front suspension was a MacPherson strut setup, with Buick-specific bushings and damper tuning to minimize road noise. During testing on Michigan's weathered roads, the Envista ST with Watts Link suspension handled bumps well but felt unsettled on imperfect straightaways. Despite this, the Envista offered a more premium feel than the Trax, with quieter acceleration and a comfortable ride, aligning with Buick's brand image.

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 Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, available only as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options offered up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, tested here, delivered 493 hp from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, with 486 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed transmission powering all four wheels. Porsche claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low center of gravity. Equipped with Pirelli P Zero tires, stiffer roll bars, and an active suspension, the GTS handled corners with ease. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, retaining its V8 charm. The Cayenne's versatility allowed for sporty driving without sacrificing daily comfort, with options to enhance driving dynamics across trims.

The 2024 Buick Envista was 14.2 inches longer than the outgoing Buick Encore, with a 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch, resulting in increased interior space. Rear-seat legroom grew by three inches, and shoulder room in both rows increased by about two inches, creating a more spacious feel. However, the coupe-like design reduced headroom, particularly for second-row passengers. The seats were comfortable for the price point, without being overly plush. The Envista's car-like design offered good outward visibility, with low side glass and a short hood aiding maneuverability. Cargo space was limited, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with them folded, less than the Trax and the old Encore.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with standard features like eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims added options like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for personalization of materials and features, though at a cost. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row, even in the coupe body style. The Cayenne's towing capacity exceeded 7,700 pounds, but cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row and over 60 cubic feet with seats folded. The coupe version offered 20.9 and 53 cubic feet, respectively, with plug-in hybrids sacrificing some space.

The 2024 Buick Envista featured an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The interface was user-friendly, with retained buttons and knobs for climate and audio controls, though the center stack's tilt favored the driver. Optional tech was limited, with no head-up display available, but the standard features were impressive for the price range.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Porsche Communication Management, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display and night-vision assist were available, though the latter was not deemed essential. Four USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard, enhancing convenience.

The 2024 Buick Envista's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert, mirroring the Chevy Trax's offerings.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered 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 not tested. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.