Porsche Cayenne vs Kia Telluride

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in both a standard SUV form and a sporty Cayenne Coupe, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, featured high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips, with a unique front fascia that included larger air intakes and tinted headlights. The GTS also boasted red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe variant came with an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. However, these customizations came at a premium, with features like custom paint jobs costing upwards of $13,000. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential functions and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space, although the sliding center console was a minor drawback.

The 2025 Kia Telluride presented a more straightforward lineup with five core trim levels, ranging from the LX to the SX Prestige. The SX Prestige X-Pro package, which was tested, included comprehensive standard equipment and off-roading capabilities. The Telluride's design was attractive, with a distinctive look that stood out among other SUVs. However, the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro treatments diminished some of its personality. Inside, the Telluride offered a luxurious feel with a black-over-Terracotta interior, simulated wood trim, and metallic accents. The cabin was spacious, with thoughtful features like heated and ventilated second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the cargo space was ample, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engine options, 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 it was only available as a coupe. The plug-in hybrid variants 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, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The Cayenne GTS was quick, reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low center of gravity. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the Cayenne transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on most trims, while all-wheel drive was available. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adapting to driver behavior. The V6 engine provided smooth and refined performance, with a fuel economy of 20.2 mpg over 1,200 miles. The X-Pro package, with its all-terrain tires, enhanced off-road capability but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The Telluride excelled on rough roads and trails, with a compliant suspension and ample ground clearance. However, the brake pedal behavior was occasionally sticky in heavy traffic.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte features, with the base model including eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with no third-row seating. The cargo space was limited, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row in the standard model and 20.9 cubic feet in the coupe. The Cayenne could tow over 7,700 pounds and handle a payload of over 1,400 pounds.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige model featured a well-appointed interior with heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The driver's seat included a lumbar massage function, and the second row offered reclining captain's chairs with ample legroom. The third-row seat was comfortable and accessible, with 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 87 cubic feet. The Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with numerous storage solutions and a luxurious feel.

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 media control and video streaming. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided essential information, though it was dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX and SX Prestige trims featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A 10-inch head-up display complemented these screens, providing blind-spot alerts. The Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the data port was USB-A. The native voice recognition system was basic, but the front passenger could manually enter addresses while in motion. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the Telluride offered multi-device Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. The Cayenne had an advanced adaptive cruise control system called InnoDrive, but it was not tested. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Drive Wise branding. Standard equipment included forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride also offered blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving, and higher trims included additional safety features. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.