2025 Lincoln Navigator vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in two distinct styles: the standard SUV with a squared-off rear end and the sporty Cayenne Coupe. The trim levels ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo GT, each featuring unique exterior elements. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, boasted high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips. Its front fascia, specific to the GTS, included larger air intakes and tinted headlights. The 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray and red brake calipers added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices to trim and seat belts. While the pricing could escalate with options like a custom paint job, the Cayenne promised a unique and personalized driving experience. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features, although the sliding center console was a minor drawback.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator adopted a more understated glamour, moving away from excessive glitz. With packages like the Jet Appearance or Black Label Special Edition, the Navigator featured blacked-out wheels and details, with the illuminated star logo on the grille and light bars adding a touch of elegance. The overall design was simpler and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint color exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator's cabin was clean and minimalist, enhancing perceptions of quality. However, the reduction in physical controls led to some confusion in adjusting vehicle settings. The 48-inch panoramic display and Revel speaker grilles added to the interior's appeal, though some cheap-looking elements remained. The Navigator offered two lengths, with the longer version providing ample cargo space. The Black Label trim, with its luxurious features and high price tag, showcased the Navigator's premium offerings.

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 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S offered a V8 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. 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 Cayenne GTS was quick, reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 171 mph. Its agile handling was enhanced by components from the Turbo GT, including a lower center of gravity and Pirelli P Zero tires. The GTS offered a balance between sporty performance and daily driving comfort, with adaptive suspension and optional carbon ceramic brakes.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator continued to use a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and had a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's 4WD system provided 8.9 inches of ground clearance. During a test drive near San Diego, the Navigator achieved an observed fuel economy of 20.3 mpg, surpassing the EPA rating of 17 mpg. Despite its three-ton weight, the Navigator offered responsive performance, with various driving modes adjusting powertrain response and suspension firmness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride quality. The Navigator excelled on open roads, with its quiet and composed demeanor, and the BlueCruise system allowed for hands-free driving on approved roads.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with the base model featuring standard eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but with optional cooling and massage. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Cayenne could tow over 7,700 pounds and accommodate over 1,400 pounds of payload. However, it lacked a third row, accommodating only five passengers. Cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with seats folded. The coupe version offered less space, and plug-in hybrids further reduced utility.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and luxury, though taller passengers found rear seats less accommodating. The Navigator featured Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated, with massage functionality in Black Label models. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system offered stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. The Navigator's second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked knee room due to thick front seats. The third-row seat provided good leg support but limited knee room. The Navigator L offered ample cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design and a cargo management system. The standard-length Navigator held 21.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, expanding to 107 cubic feet with seats folded. The Navigator L offered even more space, though rivals like the Cadillac Escalade provided more cargo room.

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, 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 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch center touchscreen. It integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in for an intuitive interface. However, the reduction in physical controls made adjustments challenging. The Google Assistant worked well for typical commands but struggled with specific requests. The Navigator offered wireless Apple CarPlay, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, and a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional tech included Phone As A Key and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, but BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads.

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

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator boasted an extensive list of standard advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. Additional features included intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and Turn Signal View. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version offering improved functionality. The Navigator had not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA.