Toyota Land Cruiser vs Porsche Cayenne

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 maximized storage space.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its second model year, was available in two trims: the base 1958 and the more modern Land Cruiser. The 1958 trim paid homage to the model's history with retro styling, round headlights, and basic equipment. The Land Cruiser trim, however, offered a more upscale appearance, additional color options, and enhanced interior features. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, showcased Heritage Blue paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack. The Land Cruiser's design emphasized off-road capabilities with a traditional two-box SUV shape, dark gray cladding, and a high roof load rating. Inside, the utilitarian interior featured traditional switchgear, Java-colored leather, and dual 12.3-inch digital screens. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road environments, with features like a front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, but its handling on twisty roads was less impressive.

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 only available as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for peak performance. Our GTS-trim tester delivered 493 hp from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, with 486 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed transmission powering all four wheels. The GTS could accelerate to 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 agile handling. The optional carbon ceramic brakes required some adjustment but offered excellent stopping power. The Cayenne GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode, showcasing its versatility.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time 4WD system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser had a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and included features like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The more expensive Land Cruiser trim added Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. While the official EPA rating was 23 mpg combined, real-world testing yielded only 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, but its handling on twisty roads was less impressive. The suspension absorbed bumps and rough terrain, providing a comfortable ride. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, making it a capable vehicle for adventurous drivers.

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 choose from various materials and features, but additional costs were expected. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom in the second row. Towing capacity was impressive, with the base V6 engine capable of towing over 7,700 pounds. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row in the standard model and 20.9 cubic feet in the coupe version. The plug-in hybrid models had reduced cargo space due to the battery placement.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered SofTex artificial leather upholstery in the Land Cruiser trim, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. Front seats provided excellent support, but the second-row seats lacked comfort and thigh support. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. Cargo space was generous, with 46.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 82.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. It included 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 information to the driver, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded from the 1958 trim with two 12.3-inch displays and the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Five connected service plans were available, including Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included 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 had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional safety features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and Predictive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing and three stars in rollover resistance.