2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 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 freed up storage space.

The 2025 Acura RDX, positioned between the smaller ADX and larger MDX, offered a range of packages including Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance. Each RDX came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $44,700 to $52,450, excluding destination charges. The A-Spec Advance model featured a sportier look with gloss black accents and a finned rear diffuser panel. It also included full leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof that illuminated the cabin. The RDX offered a variety of upholstery colors, though choices were limited by package and exterior color selections. The interior boasted ambient lighting, premium materials, and a well-designed layout, though the A-Spec trim's gauges were harder to read due to reduced contrast. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less desirable, but the RDX provided plenty of intuitive buttons and controls.

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 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for peak performance. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, 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 trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and agile handling. The adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires contributed to its athletic performance, while carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, offering a versatile driving experience.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters directed power to all four wheels via Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. The A-Spec Advance trim included an adaptive-damping suspension that adjusted based on the IDS setting. While performance was lively, fuel consumption increased with aggressive driving, averaging 19.3 mpg in testing. The RDX's steering was crisp and responsive, and the brakes were easy to modulate. However, the IDS lacked a configurable Individual mode, and the A-Spec trim's sporty appearance did not translate to thrilling performance. The RDX was enjoyable for daily driving but lacked the excitement sought by driving enthusiasts.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with the base model featuring 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, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Turbo GT trim included stainless steel pedal pads and illuminated carbon fiber door-sill guards. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row and ample headroom. The standard Cayenne offered 27.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The coupe version provided 20.9 and 53 cubic feet, respectively. The Cayenne could tow over 7,700 pounds and handle a payload of over 1,400 pounds, though cargo space was smaller than competitors.

The 2025 Acura RDX, in A-Spec Advance trim, featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The front seats were comfortable, though drivers with longer legs might find the center console padding lacking. Rear seat comfort was less satisfactory due to a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Three underfloor storage compartments provided additional space. The interior layout was compromised by the TTI touchpad, but overall, the RDX offered a practical and comfortable environment for daily use.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with 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, with a screen filter preventing driver distraction. The system was user-friendly, with quick response times and 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 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display controlled by the TTI touchpad, which required coordination between the pad and display. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, SiriusXM satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Most trims included a navigation system and an Acura/ELS Studio premium sound system. The infotainment system had a stereo volume knob, radio tuning buttons, and separate climate controls, reducing reliance on the TTI. The audio system in the test vehicle featured 16 speakers, including ceiling-mounted ones.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested, and the Cayenne lacked hands-off/eyes-up driving assist features. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2025 Acura RDX came with the AcuraWatch safety package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed front and rear braking and a surround-view camera system. The RDX's lane-assist systems were intrusive, but adaptive cruise control was more satisfactory. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.