2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 lineup 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 interior colours like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt choices. While the pricing could escalate with options like a custom paint job, the Cayenne promised a unique and personalized driving experience.

The interior of the Cayenne was thoughtfully designed, with a balance of digital and mechanical controls. The cabin featured multiple screens, yet essential functions like HVAC and volume controls remained mechanical. The shifter toggle was mounted on the dashboard, creating additional storage space. However, the sliding centre console occasionally moved with slight pressure, which was a minor critique in an otherwise well-executed interior. Overall, the Cayenne's cabin was a testament to Porsche's commitment to luxury and functionality.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in three trims—XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy—was a robust three-row SUV with a boxy design, long wheelbase, and flat hood. Its pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, and the brand offered vibrant colours like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim featured specific wheels, ranging from 18 inches on the XRT to 21 inches on the Ultimate Calligraphy. The XRT trim added chrome and black trim, along with black roof rails, enhancing its off-road appeal.

Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which replaced the second-row bench with captain's chairs. Upholstery options varied by trim, from leatherette to Nappa leather. While the interior fit and finish were generally good, some squeaks and rattles were noted. The inclusion of physical dials for HVAC temperature was appreciated, though the fan speed buttons were less intuitive. Overall, the Santa Fe offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with practical features for families and adventurers alike.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, 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 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for peak performance enthusiasts. 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. Porsche claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono package, and a top speed of 275 km/h.

The Cayenne GTS struck a balance between sporty and comfortable driving, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity. The vehicle's agility was enhanced by Pirelli P Zero tires, stiffer roll bars, and an active suspension system. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, though they required some acclimation. In Sport and Sport Plus modes, the Cayenne GTS offered responsive handling and acceleration, while Normal mode transformed it into a comfortable commuter. Porsche's adaptive air suspension and dynamic chassis control were available across the lineup, allowing buyers to tailor their driving experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe demonstrated stability in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted.

The XRT trim, equipped with 30-inch all-terrain tires and 21.2 cm of ground clearance, offered improved off-road capabilities. The approach, departure, and breakover angles were suitable for light off-road adventures, though the Santa Fe was not designed for rugged terrain. The gear selector, located on a stalk on the steering column, required some adjustment, but overall, the Santa Fe provided a capable and versatile driving experience.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims, like the GTS, added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Turbo GT trim featured stainless steel pedal pads and illuminated carbon fibre door-sill guards. While the options list was extensive, buyers needed to pay extra for many features.

The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row and ample headroom. The standard model offered 772 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,708 litres with the rear seats folded. The coupe version provided 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, at 3,500 kilograms, with a payload capacity of over 635 kilograms. However, cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, particularly in plug-in hybrid models.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim came well-equipped with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and a 115-volt outlet. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering the most third-row legroom in its class. The second-row seats featured adjustable cushion angles, and both the second and third rows could be folded for increased cargo capacity.

With all seats occupied, the Santa Fe provided 413 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,148 litres with the third row folded and 2,267 litres with the second row down. The rear opening was widened to 127.5 cm, with a height of 81 cm, facilitating easy loading of large items. The Santa Fe's towing capacity varied by trim, with most models capable of towing 1,587 kilograms, while the XRT trim could tow up to 2,040 kilograms.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were included. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control, with a screen filter preventing driver distraction. The head-up display provided essential information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses.

The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area. Night-vision assist was available, though the standard HD-Matrix Design LED headlamps reduced its necessity. Overall, the Cayenne's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly, with quick response times and voice control options.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauge cluster, with the exception of the base Preferred trim, which was hybrid-only in Canada. The infotainment system was intuitive, with clear graphics and quick response times. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though navigation was reserved for the Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims.

Charging options included multiple 27-watt USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, capable of accommodating two phones in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The digital key feature allowed for unlocking and starting the car via smartphone or Apple Watch, with the ability to share access with up to three people. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered a digital rearview mirror and head-up display, while Bluelink app connectivity was standard across all trims, providing remote access to climate control and vehicle monitoring.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered basic safety features, including 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, as it was configured for German roads. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe provided a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision avoidance assist. Additional features, such as rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist, were available on higher trims. The Highway Drive Assist feature combined adaptive cruise control and lane following assist for a smoother driving experience.

The top trims offered a blind spot avoidance feature and Blind View Monitor, displaying a video feed of the blind spot in the gauge cluster. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as "Good" in most categories, with "Acceptable" scores for headlights and LATCH.