2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's design, yet introduced new sheet metal, a fresh chassis, and additional colour options like Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. While its wheelbase and overall length remained nearly unchanged, the Crosstrek boasted a steeper departure angle, though cargo space was slightly reduced. The base trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels and 22 centimetres of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. In Canada, standard roof rails added to its outdoorsy appeal, though crossbars were sold separately. The Crosstrek's LED headlights seamlessly integrated with the new wing bar, giving the front a distinctive, smiling appearance. Black plastic cladding protected the wheel arches, with aerodynamic air inlets and outlets enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. The split taillight design from the second generation continued, allowing for wider trunk access. The Wilderness trim introduced unique design elements, including a hexagonal grille, larger cladding, and increased ground clearance. Inside, StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and copper accents added flair, while all-weather floormats and an LED cargo light improved functionality. Despite minimal changes in exterior dimensions, the interior remained spacious, with a slightly smaller cargo volume. A new 11.6-inch touchscreen display enhanced the interior's cohesiveness with other Subaru models.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a choice between a standard SUV with a squared-off rear or a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim featured high gloss black trim, a unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers peeked through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels, while the Cayenne Coupe boasted an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, customization options abounded, from colour choices to trim and seat belts. Pricing could escalate with options like custom paint jobs. The cabin featured numerous screens, with mechanical controls for essential functions. The shifter toggle on the dashboard created additional storage space, though the sliding centre console was a minor drawback. Overall, the Cayenne's interior was well-designed and offered a luxurious experience.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The latter, tested in the U.S. equivalent of a Touring trim, was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not particularly quick, the CVT was refined, with deliberate simulated shift points and minimal droning. The Crosstrek Wilderness trim featured different gearing for tackling uphill terrain and a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The updated 2.0-litre powertrain reduced vibrations, enhancing comfort. The steering, aided by a new dual-pinion rack, was light yet precise. Standard all-wheel drive and Subaru's X-Mode traction management system improved off-road capability. Fuel economy was reasonable, with estimates of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.1 on the highway for the 2.0-litre engine.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, from a base 3.0-litre V6 with 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque to a Turbo GT with 650 horsepower. The GTS trim, tested here, featured a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 producing 493 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed transmission delivered power to all four wheels, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. The GTS struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity. Pirelli P Zero tires, stiffer roll bars, and an active suspension contributed to its agility. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, while Sport and Sport Plus modes enhanced performance. The Cayenne's versatility allowed for a sporty SUV experience without sacrificing daily driving comfort.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, though taller passengers might prefer the front seat. The trunk provided 564 litres of space, expanding to 1,549 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior featured robust, easy-to-clean materials, with a protective cargo tray standard on higher trims. A heated steering wheel was standard on most trims, and cupholders were plentiful. The centre console bin accommodated two 32-ounce Nalgene water bottles, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with the base model featuring eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims added features like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for personalization of door sills, floor mats, and more. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row. Towing capacity reached 3,500 kilograms, while cargo space varied by model. The standard Cayenne offered 772 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,708 litres with seats folded. The coupe version had slightly less space, and plug-in hybrid models sacrificed some utility.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on most trims. The display offered crisp graphics and retained physical controls for essential functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a wireless charger standard on higher trims. The Limited trim added a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Subaru Starlink technology impressed but suffered from glare in bright sunlight and required menu navigation for some features.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen running the Porsche Communication Management system. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, and Apple Music were included. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for media control and video streaming. The head-up display provided pertinent information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek had a strong safety record, with previous models receiving a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The 2024 model included Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2024, EyeSight offered a wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.