Porsche Cayenne vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear end and a 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 our 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 like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. While the pricing could escalate with customizations, the Cayenne promised a unique and personalized driving experience. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, available in XLE and Limited trims, offered a choice between single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), with two battery sizes. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and an optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus. The bZ's exterior design improved with body-color trim, enhancing its appeal. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, with fabric seats featuring an upscale pattern. The center touchscreen grew to 14 inches, integrating climate control with large temperature dials and buttons for essential functions. However, the digital driver display remained a point of contention due to its placement and information overload. Despite these drawbacks, the bZ offered a comfortable and practical interior with thoughtful storage solutions.

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 provided up to 729 hp for peak performance enthusiasts. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The GTS could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS struck a balance between sporty and comfortable driving, with precise steering and agile handling. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, while the adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires enhanced the driving experience. The Cayenne GTS offered a versatile driving experience, transitioning smoothly between sporty and comfortable modes.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a choice of powertrains, starting with a single electric motor and a 57.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque. The XLE FWD with the optional 74.7-kWh battery provided 224 hp and an EPA-rated range of 314 miles. Dual-motor models with the larger battery produced 338 hp, with 198 lb-ft in front and 125 at the back. The XLE AWD offered a range of 288 miles, while the Limited trim had a range of 278 miles. The bZ's charging capabilities included compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a CCS adapter for versatile charging options. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, with the bZ averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. The bZ's driving experience was characterized by instant torque, making it easy to navigate city streets. However, the FWD model struggled with traction in tight corners, and the steering lacked feedback. The bZ excelled as a comfortable commuter but was less suited for spirited driving on winding roads.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled or massaged. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Cayenne's options list was extensive, allowing for personalization of door sills, floor mats, and more. However, the Cayenne lacked a third row, accommodating only five passengers. The second row provided ample headroom, even in the coupe version. The Cayenne's towing capacity exceeded 7,700 pounds, but cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row in the standard model and 20.9 cubic feet in the coupe.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a skateboard-style EV platform with 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making entry and exit easy. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard. The Limited trim added ventilated front seats. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with an underfloor storage well for additional room. Folding the back seats expanded cargo capacity to 56.9 cubic feet.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster with up to seven views, depending on the trim level. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display housed 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. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided essential 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 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display's placement and information overload were drawbacks, but the 14-inch display ran the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which was generally user-friendly. However, the lack of a home screen and low-contrast colors in daytime mode were noted issues. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect system powered navigation and voice assistant features, with the latter performing well in tests.

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. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested. 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 Toyota bZ came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for added safety. The bZ also featured blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and parking sensors with automatic braking. The Limited trim included Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced features. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as Good, but the headlights received a Poor rating, and frontal-impact crash tests earned Acceptable ratings.