Porsche Cayenne vs Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim, which was the focus of many reviews, featured high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes to cool its V8 engine. The vehicle's design was further enhanced by tinted headlights and red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. Despite the high cost of customization, the interior was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a spacious center console.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 was praised for its striking design, which was a testament to Mazda's evolved Kodo design language. The vehicle featured a Signature Wing grille, new LED headlights, and angular rear lighting that tied it to Mazda's larger models. However, the wheel designs were considered underwhelming, with the base and Select trims sporting 17-inch wheels that appeared small on the larger body. Inside, the CX-5 maintained Mazda's reputation for high-quality interiors, with a clean dashboard design and a prominent central touchscreen. The materials used were a step above the competition, although some hard plastics detracted from the overall upscale feel. The vehicle's increased dimensions provided more interior space, making it more comfortable for passengers.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of delivering impressive performance. The base model featured a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S offered a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though it was only available as a coupe. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The GTS trim was praised for its balance between sporty performance and comfort, with precise steering and an agile chassis. The vehicle's adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires contributed to its impressive handling, while optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power.

In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, felt underpowered for the vehicle's 3,856-pound weight. The CX-5's 0-60 time of 9.6 seconds was slower than its competitors, and the transmission struggled with responsiveness. The absence of the previous generation's turbocharged engine was notable, though Mazda announced a hybrid variant for 2027. Despite its lack of power, the CX-5 excelled in handling, with direct steering and a well-composed chassis. The ride quality was comfortable, and improved insulation reduced road noise. However, its fuel efficiency lagged behind competitors, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 combined mpg.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with the base model featuring standard 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 buyers to personalize nearly every aspect of the interior. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with no third-row seating option. The standard Cayenne provided 27.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The coupe version offered slightly less space, and the plug-in hybrid models had reduced cargo capacity due to the battery.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 benefited from a 4.5-inch wheelbase stretch, resulting in a more spacious interior. Rear knee clearance increased by 2.3 inches, and rear headroom was class-leading at 40.2 inches without the sunroof. Cargo space improved to 38 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 70 cubic feet with the seats folded. The CX-5's larger door openings facilitated easier entry and exit, and the available hands-free power liftgate added convenience. However, towing capacity decreased to 1,500 pounds, trailing behind competitors like the Tucson and Sportage.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. This system 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 Cayenne also offered a head-up display, night-vision assist, and four high-speed USB-C charging ports, along with a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 saw significant infotainment upgrades, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen on most trims and a 15.6-inch unit on the Premium Plus. The system featured Google built-in, providing native Google Maps, Google Gemini AI voice assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though its execution was lacking. The removal of the physical volume knob was a drawback, and the climate control interface was not intuitive. Higher trims added a Bose audio system, SiriusXM, a 360-degree View Monitor, and rear USB-C ports.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. The Cayenne had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive standard safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, and more. The Premium Plus trim added advanced features like an adaptive front-lighting system and a 360-degree View Monitor. While crash test results were not available at the time of writing, the previous generation had earned high safety ratings, and expectations were high for the new model.