2024 Cadillac LYRIQ vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the grille and lighting effects enhanced its unique style. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted luxurious details, such as leather-wrapped seats and polished controls, though the floating center console was less practical. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, offering a sleek and integrated look without overwhelming the interior.

In contrast, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a more traditional SUV design with options for a standard or coupe body style. The GTS trim featured high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips, with larger air intakes and tinted headlights for a sporty appearance. Inside, the Cayenne allowed for extensive customization, from seat colors to trim materials, though many features came at an additional cost. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential functions and a sliding center console for added storage space.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, excelling on the interstate with its calm demeanor and impressive power. The dual-motor powertrain produced 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, while the standard single rear motor offered 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite its power, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its 5,800-pound weight, leading to significant understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The regenerative braking system was a welcome feature, but the overall chassis performance left room for improvement.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, particularly in the GTS trim, offered a thrilling driving experience with its 493 hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and 486 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne's agility was enhanced by its low center of gravity, precise steering, and advanced suspension system. The GTS trim's performance was further bolstered by optional carbon ceramic brakes and Pirelli P Zero tires. The Cayenne's ability to switch between sporty and comfortable driving modes made it a versatile choice for both spirited drives and daily commutes.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a cumbersome glovebox were notable issues. The floating console offered limited storage space, and the rotary selector for the touchscreen was less intuitive than direct touch controls. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, though its cargo space was limited compared to other midsize SUVs.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a more customizable interior, with options for various materials and features. However, many desirable features came at an additional cost, and the Cayenne lacked a third-row seating option. The Cayenne's towing capacity of over 7,700 pounds was impressive, though its cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors. The coupe version offered even less utility, with reduced cargo capacity.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a user-friendly infotainment system with Google Maps and Google Assistant. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a suite of screens, including a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for additional control and entertainment options. The Cayenne's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, with voice control available for many functions.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came equipped with standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, the LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was advanced but not tested during our review. Like the LYRIQ, the Cayenne had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.