2023 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance compared to its predecessor, with a blunt nose, elongated hood, and extended wheelbase. While it lacked the distinct personality of the fifth-generation model, its conservative design was expected to age gracefully. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, maintaining a uniform exterior look. Inside, the EX-L offered leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, enhancing the interior's quality and simplicity. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim and a digital instrumentation display. The EX-L trim further included a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear liftgate. Pricing for the CR-V started at $31,110 for the EX with FWD, rising to $35,260 for the EX-L with AWD, plus a $1,245 destination charge.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, available as a standard SUV or sporty Coupe, offered a range of trims from the base model to the high-performance Turbo GT. The GTS trim, our focus, featured high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes. It rode on 21-inch wheels with red brake calipers and offered an adaptive rear spoiler for the Coupe variant. Inside, customization was key, with options for color, trim, and seat belts. The Cayenne's cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential functions and a shifter toggle on the dashboard for added storage space. The GTS trim included a Race-Tex headliner and optional Race-Tex or leather interior. Pricing was flexible, with numerous options available for personalization.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided ample power for a compact SUV, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) detracted from the driving experience with its droning noise during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It managed body motion effectively, absorbed road imperfections, and offered a satisfying driving experience. The CR-V achieved an impressive fuel economy of 29 mpg in combined driving, as per EPA estimates.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, with the base 3.0-liter V6 delivering 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, offered exhilarating performance. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS balanced sporty and comfortable driving, with precise steering, a low center of gravity, and advanced suspension components. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. The Cayenne GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode, offering versatility for daily driving.

The 2023 Honda CR-V claimed to be the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt low, resembling a car more than an SUV. Visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats offered comfort. The second row felt more spacious, with ample legroom and thigh support. Storage options were plentiful, with a large bin under the center armrest and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The CR-V's cargo area offered 39.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a customizable interior with options for carbon fiber, aluminum, or bronze Neodyme trim. The base model featured eight-way power-adjustable seats, with options for 14- or 18-way seats. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row and ample headroom. The standard Cayenne offered 27.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to over 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Coupe variant had slightly less space, with 20.9 and 53 cubic feet, respectively. The Cayenne's towing capacity exceeded 7,700 pounds, comparable to a mid-size pickup truck.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was an improvement over the previous generation, it lacked some features found in competitors. The CR-V's safety features were comprehensive but not groundbreaking.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for media control and video streaming. The Cayenne's 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 USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. New camera and radar units enhanced accuracy, and the Traffic Jam Assist system provided added assistance in low-speed situations. The CR-V's safety features met current standards, though there was room for improvement in lane-centering assist.

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 our drive. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.