2025 Porsche Cayenne vs 2026 Ford Explorer

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 to seat belts, although these could significantly increase the price. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space.

The 2026 Ford Explorer retained its facelifted look from the previous year, offering a more truck-like appearance. The Tremor model enhanced its ruggedness with all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, and off-road lights. It featured Electric Spice accents, adding a unique touch. The Tremor's raised suspension provided 22 centimetres of ground clearance, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse Z71 and Honda Pilot TrailSport. The Explorer lineup remained unchanged, with the Active as the base model and the Platinum as the most luxurious. The ST-Line and ST models focused on road performance with sport-tuned suspension and beefier brakes. Inside, the Explorer's interior, updated in 2025, featured a new infotainment system and improved materials, although it didn't leave a lasting impression.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.0-litre V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, delivered 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options reached up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, produced 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS balanced sporty performance with comfort, featuring precise steering, a low centre of gravity, and an active suspension. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. The Cayenne GTS excelled in both sporty and daily driving modes, offering a versatile driving experience.

The 2026 Ford Explorer maintained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Tremor and ST models featured a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Tremor included a Torsen limited-slip rear differential and off-road drive mode. The Explorer's unibody design, shared with the Mustang and Lincoln Aviator, contributed to its confident handling and comfortable ride. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power for passing, while the 10-speed automatic ensured smooth gear changes. The Tremor's off-road capability matched the previous Timberline model, handling challenging trails with ease. The Explorer offered a comfortable ride on highways and off-road trails alike.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with standard features like eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control. Higher trims added options like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list included carbon fibre, aluminum, and bronze Neodyme interior accents. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample second-row headroom. It could tow up to 3,500 kilograms and had a payload capacity of over 635 kilograms. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with seats folded. The coupe version offered less space, and plug-in hybrids further reduced cargo capacity.

The 2026 Ford Explorer seated up to seven passengers, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. It offered reasonable space for a midsize crossover, though second-row legroom was less than some competitors. Cargo space was 461 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,302 litres with the rear seats folded and 2,415 litres with the second row down. The Explorer lacked underfloor storage but provided ample storage options, including phone trays and a large centre console. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, comparable to other midsize crossovers.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for media control and video streaming. The system included a head-up display, night-vision assist, and HD-Matrix Design LED headlamps. Four USB-C ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard.

The 2026 Ford Explorer came with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Maps, and SiriusXM. USB-C ports were available in all rows, with a USB-A port for the first row. The base model had a six-speaker audio system, while higher trims featured a 10-speaker B&O system, with an optional 14-speaker version. The 360-degree camera system provided off-road views, and the infotainment system was user-friendly, though climate control icons could be improved.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. The Cayenne lacked hands-free driving assist features and had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2026 Ford Explorer featured the CoPilot 360+ suite with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. Higher trims added CoPilot 360 2.0 with a 360-degree camera system and predictive speed assist. The BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system was upgraded to version 1.5, adding automated lane change capability. The Explorer received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.