Porsche Cayenne vs Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in two distinct styles: the standard SUV with a squared-off rear end and the sporty Cayenne Coupe. The lineup ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo GT, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, boasted high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes. The GTS also featured tinted headlights and red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices to trim and seat belts. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential functions and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for added storage space. However, the sliding center console was a minor drawback in an otherwise thoughtfully designed interior.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 presented a challenge with its lineup, offering three model designations based on powertrain options. The 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S shared a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine with a mild-hybrid system, while the Turbo S delivered more power. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid version, the CX-90 PHEV, was available. The CX-90's design featured a short front overhang, a long hood, and a cabin set back on the platform, giving it classic sporting proportions. The interior boasted high-quality materials, though the wood trim in the test vehicle had an unappealing olive undertone. The digital instrumentation resembled classic analog gauges, and the 12.3-inch infotainment display was integrated into the dashboard. However, the wide center console lacked storage space, and the electronic shifter was cumbersome. Despite these issues, the CX-90's handling was impressive, offering a level of driving enjoyment comparable to its competitors.

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 producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S offered a V8 engine with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though it was only available as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options were also available, with up to 729 hp for peak performance. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed transmission distributed power to all four wheels, allowing the Cayenne to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and an active suspension system. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, though they required some adjustment. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, maintaining its V8 charm without the aggression of Sport and Sport Plus modes. The Cayenne's versatility allowed for a sporty driving experience without sacrificing daily comfort.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain options, each with its own performance characteristics. The 3.3 Turbo model produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque on regular gas, while the 3.3 Turbo S delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Running the Turbo S on premium fuel increased the horsepower to 340. The CX-90 PHEV combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, generating 323 hp and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel, with an electric-only range of 26 miles. All powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-90's handling was a standout feature, with quick and precise steering and a firm suspension that controlled body motions. However, the powertrains lacked smoothness, and the i-Stop feature could be unpredictable. The Turbo S engine offered power and acceleration, but the transmission shifter was unintuitive. The CX-90's brakes struggled with enthusiastic driving, fading after heating up. Despite these issues, the CX-90 provided an enjoyable driving experience, especially when compared to its competitors.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features on the base model. Standard eight-way power-adjustable seats were heated, but cooling and massage functions were optional. The GTS trim included a GT Sport steering wheel and a Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Turbo GT trim added stainless steel pedal pads and illuminated carbon fiber door-sill guards. The Cayenne's options list was extensive, allowing for customization of various interior elements. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with no third-row seating option. The second row provided ample headroom, even in the coupe body style. The Cayenne's towing capacity exceeded 7,700 pounds, but its cargo space was smaller than competitors. The standard Cayenne offered 27.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with the seats folded. The coupe version had slightly less space, and the PHEV models further reduced cargo capacity.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 featured firm yet supportive seats, with heated and ventilated front and second-row captain's chairs. However, storage space for small items was limited, with only a shallow bin beneath the center armrest. The second-row captain's chairs provided a larger center console, but legroom was less generous than some rivals. The third row could accommodate adults with small feet, but the second-row center console restricted leg and foot placement. The CX-90 offered 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a recessed tray for small items. Folding the third row increased cargo space to 40 cubic feet, sufficient for a family vacation. However, the 74.2 cubic feet behind the first row was less than some competitors.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster with up to seven views, including the classic Porsche five-circle design. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display ran the Porsche Communication Management system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control, with a screen filter to prevent driver distraction. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided pertinent information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Amazon Alexa compatibility, text-messaging support, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base Select trim. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch screen, wireless smartphone integration, and wireless charging. The larger display was touch-sensitive only when using smartphone integration, with the Mazda Connect system controlled via buttons and knobs. The system was sometimes intuitive but could be confusing, lacking a digital voice assistant. Amazon Alexa compatibility required an internet connection, and the native voice recognition system was basic. Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, providing a more reliable alternative to Mazda Connect.

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

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 included standard driver-assist features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Higher trims added active blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, and head-on traffic avoidance steering assist. The Premium Plus trim offered additional features like front cross-traffic alert and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.