2024 Ford Escape vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2024 Ford Escape received a significant facelift, carrying over the updates from 2023 that included a restyled front end, new wheel designs, and enhanced technology features. The SUV's appearance was notably more aggressive, shedding the previous model's wide-eyed look for a more assertive stance. Despite these changes, the overall design remained soft and generically appealing. The trim lineup was revamped, with the Base trim dropped, leaving options like Active, ST-Line, and Platinum, among others. Our test vehicle, an ST-Line Elite, was equipped with premium features such as diamond-stitched leather and a panoramic roof, but the interior's glossy surfaces and stiff upholstery raised questions about its high price tag.

In contrast, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a more luxurious and customizable experience. Available in both standard SUV and sporty Coupe forms, the Cayenne's trim levels ranged from the base model to the high-performance Turbo GT. The GTS trim, which we focused on, featured distinctive design elements like high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips. 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 the driving experience was enhanced by a lower center of gravity and precise steering, making it a joy to drive.

The 2024 Ford Escape offered two powertrain options for the ST-Line Elite: a 192-horsepower hybrid with an expected 39 mpg in combined driving, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, averaging 26 mpg. Our test vehicle featured the turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While the turbocharged engine provided quick acceleration, the overall driving dynamics did not match the sporty appearance promised by the ST badge. The ride was soft, and the steering felt sluggish, making it more suitable for comfortable commuting rather than spirited driving.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, on the other hand, offered a range of powerful engines. The base model's 3.0-liter V6 delivered 348 horsepower, while the Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp. The Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp, and plug-in hybrid options offered up to 729 hp. Our GTS-trim tester, with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, provided exhilarating performance. The Cayenne's agile handling was enhanced by components borrowed from the Turbo GT, a lower center of gravity, and an active suspension system. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty performance and daily driving comfort, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line featured a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, accented by red stitching. While leather was optional, it was not recommended due to its uncomfortable feel. The test model included ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable front seats, but lacked ventilated seats. The Escape's front seats were spacious and supportive, and the rear seat offered comfort when slid back. Interior storage was generous in the front, but rear passengers had less space. Cargo volume measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a more 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 adjustable seats. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row and ample headroom. Cargo space was smaller than some competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with seats folded. The Cayenne's towing capacity exceeded 7,700 pounds, comparable to a mid-size pickup truck.

The 2024 Ford Escape came with digital instrumentation, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch display. The ST-Line Elite test vehicle boasted a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system with a landscape format, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and connected navigation. However, the display's color theme appeared washed out, and the climate controls were integrated into the screen. The test vehicle also had a head-up display and Active Park Assist 2.0, though the latter was impractical in busy areas.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne impressed with its array of screens, including a standard 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The Porsche Communication Management system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Spotify, Apple Music, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne also featured a head-up display, night-vision assist, and four USB-C charging ports, with a cooled wireless charging area to prevent phone overheating.

The 2024 Ford Escape was equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driving assistance systems including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The ST-Line Elite added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. While the lane-keeping systems were inconsistent on certain roads, they performed better on freeways. The Escape received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, with five-star ratings across the board except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested due to the vehicle's German specifications. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.