Compare the2023 Porsche CayenneVS 2023 Lexus LX

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the Cayenne helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The LX doesn’t offer a night vision system.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Cayenne uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The LX uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Cayenne and the LX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The Cayenne’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the LX’s (12 vs. 6 years).

The Cayenne S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 25 more horsepower (434 vs. 409) than the LX’s 3.4 turbo V6. The Cayenne GTS’ standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 44 more horsepower (453 vs. 409) than the LX’s 3.4 turbo V6. The Cayenne E-Hybrid’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid produces 46 more horsepower (455 vs. 409) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (516 vs. 479) than the LX’s 3.4 turbo V6. The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 261 more horsepower (670 vs. 409) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (663 vs. 479) than the LX’s 3.4 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche Cayenne turbo V6 is faster than the Lexus LX:

On the EPA test cycle the Cayenne running on electricity gets better mileage than the LX:

On the EPA test cycle the Cayenne E-Hybrid running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the LX 600 (20 city/22 hwy vs. 17 city/22 hwy).

The Cayenne can travel with zero emissions for 15 to 17 miles (dependent on model). The LX can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the Cayenne’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The LX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Cayenne’s standard fuel tank has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the LX (23.7 vs. 21.1 gallons).

The Cayenne’s optional launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The LX doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Cayenne’s brake rotors are larger than those on the LX:

The Cayenne offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The LX doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The Cayenne Turbo has standard air brakes, which adjust the spoiler automatically during high-speed braking in order to shorten stopping distances. The LX doesn’t offer air brakes.

For better traction, the Cayenne’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the LX (F:285/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 265/55R20).

The Cayenne’s standard 255/55R19 front and 275/50R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series front and 50 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LX Premium/Luxury’s 65 series tires. The Cayenne’s optional 285/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the LX’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Cayenne has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the LX Premium/Luxury.

For superior ride and handling, the Porsche Cayenne has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Lexus LX has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Cayenne has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Cayenne flat and controlled during cornering. The LX base model’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Cayenne offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The LX doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The Cayenne offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Lexus doesn’t offer an active suspension on the LX.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Cayenne’s wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer than on the LX (114 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

The Cayenne handles at .96 G’s, while the LX 600 F Sport pulls only .75 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Cayenne w/Rear Wheel Steering’s turning circle is 4.3 feet tighter than the LX’s (35.1 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Cayenne has a greater minimum ground clearance than the LX Base/Premium (8.2 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the Cayenne to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Cayenne Air Suspension’s minimum ground clearance is 1.3 inches higher than on the LX Luxury/Ultra Luxury/F Sport (9.6 vs. 8.3 inches).

The Porsche Cayenne may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 1050 pounds less than the Lexus LX.

The Cayenne is 6.8 inches shorter than the LX, making the Cayenne easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Cayenne is 8.7 inches shorter in height than the LX, making the Cayenne much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

Unibody construction lowers the Cayenne’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The LX uses body-on-frame design instead.

The front grille of the Cayenne uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The LX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the Cayenne is quieter than the LX 600 F Sport (63 vs. 68 dB).

The Cayenne has a much larger cargo volume than the LX with its rear seat up (27.2 vs. 11 cubic feet).

The Cayenne’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The LX Ultra Luxury doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The LX’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Cayenne’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the Cayenne has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The LX doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

The Cayenne offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the LX.

The Cayenne’s optional Active Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Park Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The LX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche Cayenne, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cayenne third among upper midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The LX isn’t in the top three.

The Porsche Cayenne outsold the Lexus LX by over four to one during 2022.