Compare the2023 Porsche CayenneVS 2023 Lexus RX

The Cayenne has a standard Multi-collision Brake System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Cayenne. But it costs extra on the RX.

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 RX doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the Cayenne and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, 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 RX’s (12 vs. 6 years).

The Cayenne has more powerful engines than the RX:

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

The Cayenne can travel with zero emissions for 15 to 17 miles (dependent on model). The RX 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 RX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Cayenne E-Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the RX 350h/500h’s standard fuel tank (19.8 vs. 17.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Cayenne’s standard fuel tank has 5.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the RX 350’s standard fuel tank (23.7 vs. 17.8 gallons).

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

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 RX 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 RX doesn’t offer air brakes.

For better traction, the Cayenne has larger standard tires than the RX (F:255/55R19 & R:275/50R19 vs. 235/60R19). The Cayenne’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RX (F:285/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 235/60R19).

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 RX’s standard 60 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 RX’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Cayenne offers optional 22-inch wheels. The RX’s largest wheels are only 21-inches.

The Cayenne has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The RX base model’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

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 RX 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 RX.

The Cayenne has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Cayenne’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The RX doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

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

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Cayenne is 1.1 inches wider in the front than the track on the RX.

For greater off-road capability the Cayenne has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RX 350 (8.2 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Cayenne to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Cayenne Air Suspension’s minimum ground clearance is 1.4 inches higher than on the RX 350h (9.6 vs. 8.2 inches).

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 RX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Cayenne has 1 inch more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom and 2.9 inches more rear legroom than the RX.

The Cayenne has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (60.3 vs. 46.2 cubic feet).

The Cayenne’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (7700 vs. 0 pounds).

The engine in the Cayenne is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the RX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the RX Premium/Luxury/500h F Sport, the Cayenne offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and climate settings and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Cayenne’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The RX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Cayenne has a standard rear wiper. The RX doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

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 RX.

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 RX Premium/Luxury/500h F Sport’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche Cayenne, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lexus RX isn't recommended.