2025 Porsche Cayenne vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

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 GTS trim level, which was the focus of our review, featured distinctive high gloss black trim and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes to cool its V8 engine. Tinted headlights and red brake calipers added to its aggressive look, while 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray completed the exterior. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from the vibrant Carmine Red interior to various trim and seat belt choices. Although the pricing could escalate with options like a custom paint job, the cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for added storage space.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, on the other hand, offered a more practical approach with its various trims based on powertrain choices. The exterior styling was understated, with a wide, flat-bottomed grille and minimal style lines. The Platinum Hybrid Max trim, which we tested, featured a brown interior with leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats, complemented by bronze accents. While the materials aligned with its price point, the cabin felt spacious and airy, thanks to ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof. The Grand Highlander prioritized practicality, with features like a storage shelf in the dash and ample cupholders and storage options for passengers in all rows.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, each delivering impressive performance. The base 3.0-litre V6 produced 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, while the Cayenne S boasted a V8 with 468 hp. The Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, delivered a staggering 650 hp. For those seeking peak performance, plug-in hybrid options offered up to 729 hp. Our GTS-trim tester featured a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with 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 trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and an agile suspension system. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, while the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower for the non-hybrid model. The hybrid powertrain featured a 2.5-litre inline-four with 245 hp, while the Hybrid Max combined the 2.4-litre turbo-four with a hybrid system for 362 hp. All-wheel drive was standard in Canada, with variations in the AWD system for each powertrain. The Hybrid Max provided full-time AWD for stability and agility. While not a performance vehicle, the Grand Highlander accelerated quickly, and the brakes felt firm. The Multi-Terrain Select system offered settings for various terrains, but the vehicle's large overhangs and all-season tires limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled or massaged. Higher trims added features like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row. 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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander prioritized interior space and practicality. It featured three-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard. The third row offered ample legroom, making it comfortable for taller passengers. The second row was adjustable for easy access to the third row, and the vehicle included features like retractable window shades and easy-to-find anchors for car seats. The Grand Highlander provided generous cargo space, with 586 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,640 litres with seats folded and 2,761 litres with the second row stowed. A power liftgate was standard, and the vehicle could tow up to 2,268 kilograms with the gas or Hybrid Max powertrains.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne impressed with its array of screens, including a standard 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The head-up display provided essential information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne featured four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was responsive, though some menus were confusing. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster was standard, with higher trims featuring a customizable 12.3-inch cluster. The Platinum Hybrid Max trim included a digital rearview camera mirror and a 360-degree camera system. A 10-inch head-up display showed speed, road signs, and navigation. The Grand Highlander had seven USB-C ports, two 12-volt outlets, and a wireless charging pad.

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

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. Traffic jam assist was available on the Platinum Hybrid Max trim. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Highlander a five-star safety rating, while the IIHS gave it mostly top "Good" scores.