Porsche Cayenne vs Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet effective updates. The exterior featured redesigned headlights and grille, with a light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies, giving the vehicle a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, adding a sharp aesthetic touch. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," although the test model retained the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a choice between a standard SUV with a squared-off rear end and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim, which was the focus of the review, featured high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips, with a unique front fascia and larger air intakes to cool the V8 engine. The GTS also boasted tinted headlights and red brake calipers visible through 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Cayenne allowed extensive customization, from color to trim, with options like a $13,000 custom paint job. The cabin layout was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features, and the shifter toggle mounted on the dashboard for additional storage space.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims were equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph scenarios. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll, making it suitable for both urban and off-road adventures.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a base 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, with its 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 excelled in handling, with precise steering and an active suspension system. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the GTS seamlessly transitioned between sporty and comfortable driving modes.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 26.6 cubic feet with them in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

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, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row and ample headroom. The standard Cayenne offered 27.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The coupe version provided slightly less space, and the PHEV models had reduced cargo capacity.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume and climate, with a responsive screen and USB connectivity. The SX trim offered an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Porsche Communication Management, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne featured a head-up display, night-vision assist, and four USB-C charging ports. A cooled wireless charging area was standard, preventing phone overheating during charging.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX trim included smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested, and the Cayenne lacked hands-off driving assist features. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.