Porsche Cayenne vs Mazda CX-90

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, in particular, stood out with its high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a unique front fascia featuring larger air intakes and tinted headlights. The 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray and red brake calipers added to its sporty demeanor. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices to trim and seat belts, allowing owners to create a truly unique vehicle. Despite the high level of personalization, the cabin layout was intuitive, with mechanical controls for essential functions and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that maximized storage space.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. However, the ergonomics were less than ideal, with a confusing electronic shifter and a non-touchscreen infotainment system. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 maintained a sense of sophistication and offered a compelling ride and handling experience.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, each 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 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though 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, providing a thrilling driving experience. The Cayenne's eight-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system ensured quick acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty performance and comfort, with precise steering and an agile suspension system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an option for 340 hp using premium gas. The CX-90's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system provided a rear-wheel bias for improved driving dynamics. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but the drivetrain's lack of isolation from noise and harshness detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included 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 Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row and ample headroom. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 60 cubic feet with seats folded. The coupe version offered less space, and the PHEV models further reduced cargo capacity.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, in 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, but the long rear doors made loading children challenging. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. Cargo space was 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with seats folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down, which was small for the segment.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a tech-forward interior with a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display running the Porsche Communication Management system. It 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 head-up display provided essential information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne featured four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90 included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data, though the voice assistant was lacking.

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

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the speed reduction feature was irritating.