The automotive world has seen an increase in its fondness for SUVs, for their ability to tackle various terrains with conviction. These vehicles also meet practical requirements and, in the case of most compact SUVs, their excellent fuel economy also makes them perfect for city trips.

But today we’re going to talk about the big guns, the ones with absolute looks and performance. The 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is one of the fastest SUVs on the Nurburgring and has Porsche handling. For 2023, Cadillac has pumped things up with the Escalade-V, a serious competitor to the Cayenne Turbo GT.

In terms of performance, this Cadillac is the most powerful three-row SUV ever produced, with impressive technology inside. On the other hand, the Porsche has top-notch driving dynamics and, being of German origin, has outstanding technical prowess.

RELATED: Fastest SUV: 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Vs 2021 Lamborghini Urus

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V vs. Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT: A Muscular Design

Although Cadillac Escalade has marked its presence since 1999, the 2023 MY is the boldest iteration the automaker has ever made. The new Escalade-V is a sportier version of the standard Escalade. Starting with the front fascia, which features a gigantic all-black Cadillac grille to give it a sporty look. On either side of the grille, the full LED headlights are seamlessly integrated into the grille.

One of the essential styling cues for any Cadillac was its lighting, and the vertically stacked LED DRL, which also functions as a turn signal, adds just the right amount of bling needed. The front bumper also has lower splitters to aid aerodynamic efficiency. On the side, the 22-inch multi-spoke wheels fit perfectly and are finished in gray. The vehicle also has an automatic step deployed each time the doors are opened and closed, allowing effortless entry and exit.

The rear is clean, and one of the quirks of Cadillac’s design is that the rear wiper is neatly stored in the spoiler. The rear lights extend over the entire height of the vehicle and are very slim. Lower down, the Escalade gets sport performance exhaust tips and a diffuser treatment on the bumper.

To ensure that the design of the Cayenne Turbo GT stands out from the regular Cayenne, Porsche has made numerous styling modifications to the vehicle. The front bumper is much more aggressive and features large air intakes. On the side, it gets 22-inch wheels that have been finished in gold and low-profile tires. The car also gets a lot of carbon fiber treatment, starting with the exterior mirrors, the roof and even the rear, as it features a carbon fiber diffuser and rear spoiler. Exhaust tips are center-mounted and finished in titanium to reduce weight.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V vs. Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT: Big-Bell Performance

Having exceptional power was one of the main goals behind the creation of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V, and the company delivered it on all fronts. This huge 3-ton SUV uses a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that develops 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and power is usually sent to all four wheels. In some cases, the vehicle can send up to 67% of the power to the rear wheels.

But in most driving scenarios, it’s split 50-50. The hand-built engine offers enough performance to launch the vehicle from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, which is an impressive number considering the weight of the SUV. The inclusion of air suspension makes for a smooth and comfortable ride.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, on the other hand, uses a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that is also found on a few other German SUVs. The vehicle produces 640 HP, almost 10 HP less than the Lamborghini Urus on which the Turbo GT is based.

The engine is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, sending power to all four wheels. The Porsche’s horsepower figure might not be best in class or anywhere near what the Cadillac pumps out, but it does have a Nurburgring time of 7:38.9, and that’s the fastest time for any SUV on the circuit. The Cayenne Turbo GT can also do 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds, and it’s surely knocking on the door of supercar territory.

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V vs 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT: Inside

Inside, the Cadillac is just as you’d expect, rich and loaded with premium materials. The highlight of the interior is the curved OLED display, which measures 38 inches. Being an industry first, it offers twice the pixel density of a 4k TV. The vehicle also gets a 36-speaker AKG audio system and augmented reality built into the digital gauge cluster. There’s also the inclusion of a Super Cruise system that essentially enables self-driving.

On the other hand, the interior of the Cayenne Turbo GT is loaded with Alcantara. The vehicle receives an Alcantara roof liner, seat, gear knob and dashboard. The interior layout is very familiar to the standard Cayenne and is also quite practical. The multi-module instrument cluster contains plenty of driving data, and the Sports Chrono pack adds a boost button to the steering wheel. The dashboard has clean lines and there is a signature Porsche clock in the center of it.

Cadillac Escalade-V vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT: high level of practicality vs driving pleasure

Overall, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V might have the edge when it comes to size and performance. But the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT wins in terms of a more inclusive driving experience with an alternate chassis and sharp cornering capabilities. But again, the Caddy is no slouch either. Having a comfortable three-row layout has its perks too!

Sources: Media.cadillac.com, Newsroom.porsche.com