The SRX's Ultraview roof is enormous giving those in the front and middle seats equal access to the elements. It reminds me of those on the Subaru Outback only this unit is much easier to use. Those in the back can also be entertained with the flip-up DVD screen that does not come down from the roof as in some models. The screen is mounted on the back of the center console and that makes much more sense in that it is not as sensitive to sunlight or headlights. Both cars offer cupholders that could be enlarged and there is a need for more storage room in the Porsche, although it offers a secret storage bin under the front seat.
Overall, this is an interesting choice, but I would have to go with the Porsche simply because it rides stouter and I don't need the extra room the Cadillac offers. Also, I don't have to drive that far to work. In reality, I would pass on both these models and go for the Porsche Boxter or Cadillac CTS with the 400 horsepower V8 and have fun and save money.
Young employed male's view: My relentless pursuit of a job has resulted in employment as a sandwich maker. Let's see. Two years of college, Golden State honors in English, science, history, economics, and chemistry, and I qualify for a dollar over minimum wage. With that in mind, you want my opinion on two cars that cost more to operate in one hour than I take home in three. Sour grapes aside, the Cadillac is my first selection simply because it has more room to carry my music, school books, and recyclables.
Both vehicles have totally superior sound systems. I especially liked the 350-watt, 15-speaker Bose audio system in the Porsche. It was also easier for me to get comfortable in the Porsche in the backseat or front. Although the Porsche has an available four-zone climate option, the Cadillac did a much better job of circulating air to the rear inhabitants. The steering wheels on both cars have redundant controls. In terms of rear seat comfort, the Porsche was superior. The back seats are raised making it easy to look ahead and thus reduce travel sickness. The leather seats in the Cadillac did not provide enough thigh support. Neither car had an interior you would expect in a vehicles that sell for over twice the average transaction price in the United States.
Warranty wise, they had the same four year/ 50,000 mile promises, although there are clearly more Cadillac dealers when you need assistance. According to J.D. Powers, Porsche did not do nearly as well as Cadillac on initial quality reports. Cadillac finished second to Lexus while Porsche ranked near the bottom. I think I know why. The Porsche gave us problems with the remote alarm and from what the owners that we talked to said, there was concerns about its fuel economy and tire wear. No body faulted the engine or it off-road ability. The Cayenne is one of the most capable and versatile luxury SUVs when it comes to tackling rugged terrain.
The Cadillac and Porsche transmissions, the former with a five speed automatic and the latter with a six-speed unit, are very good. Porsche's transmission has a reduction gear for ascent and decent assistance and also has a locking differential. Add that to the adjustable ride height and nearly nine inches of ground clearance and you have a very capable rock crawler. You are going to have to be far braver then this sandwich maker to take any car this expensive off-roading.