2025 Honda Odyssey vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear end and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The trim levels ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, boasted high gloss black trim, a distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch anthracite grey wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe featured an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from the colour of the cabin to the trim and seat belts. The interior was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that provided additional storage space.

In contrast, the 2025 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar design lineage from its predecessors, with a practical but unremarkable aesthetic. The interior followed a traditional approach with buttons, knobs, and physical switchgear, which was appreciated for its ease of use. The Odyssey was available in Sport, Sport-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims in Canada, with a base price reduction due to the introduction of a slightly defeatured Sport version. The test vehicle, equivalent to the U.S. Touring trim, featured high-quality leather seats and a Smoke Blue Pearl paint colour, although this was not available in Canada. While the Odyssey's styling was not its selling point, it offered a comfortable and functional interior.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engine options, all capable of delivering impressive performance. The base model featured a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S offered a V8 engine with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options were also available, with up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The Cayenne GTS could accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable performance, with precise steering and agile handling, thanks to components borrowed from the Turbo GT. The Cayenne's adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires contributed to its athleticism, while the optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey, while not focused on driving enjoyment, offered a rewarding experience for a minivan. It featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The Odyssey's fuel economy was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, although the test vehicle returned 13.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop. The Odyssey's V6 engine provided lively performance, and its ride and handling were expertly tuned for a natural driving experience. The minivan offered a connected and compliant ride, responsive steering and braking, and nimble handling. During testing, the Odyssey demonstrated genuine athleticism on twisty roads, and its 10-speed automatic transmission provided quick downshifts for passing power. The Odyssey's clear sightlines made city driving easier, although it lacked a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features on the base model. It included eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Cayenne's options list was extensive, allowing for customization of various interior elements. However, it lacked a third row of seating, accommodating only five passengers. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, with the ability to tow 3,500 kilograms and carry a payload of over 635 kilograms. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with the seats folded down in the standard model.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey excelled in carrying people and cargo, with seating for eight and up to 3,973 litres of cargo space. It offered power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, with lumbar adjustment and leatherette upholstery in higher trims. The second row featured Magic Slide seats, allowing for various configurations and easy access to the third row. However, the seats were heavy and awkward to remove for maximum cargo space. The Odyssey's third-row seat was spacious enough for adults or children, with a 60/40-split folding design. The minivan provided ample storage throughout the cabin, with features like an overhead conversation mirror and Cabin Talk intercom for monitoring passengers.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne's screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided information to the driver, although it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey received a technology update with a 7-inch digital driver display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and USB-C charging ports. The infotainment system retained a volume knob and radio tuning buttons but had dated graphics and limited voice recognition capabilities. The Odyssey introduced a new rear-seat entertainment system, which required a personal device connection via HDMI. The system was challenging to use, and passengers often resorted to personal devices for entertainment.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard safety features such as 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 due to the vehicle's German specifications. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of driving-assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring and Black Edition trims added parking sensors. The Odyssey received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and performed well in IIHS tests, except for a "Poor" rating in a new evaluation.