Porsche Cayenne vs Chevrolet Equinox

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 this review, featured high gloss black trim, a unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray, and the Cayenne Coupe boasted 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 freed up storage space.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, meanwhile, showcased a design that successfully blended SUV character with car-like elements. It was available in LT, Activ, and RS trims, each with distinct styling features. The LT featured chrome grille mesh and 17-inch wheels, while the RS had more black trim and a wider grille. The Activ trim emphasized ruggedness with a prominent lower front fascia and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Equinox's cabin was well-assembled, with neat details like large air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model featured unique microfibre and Evotex seats, while the RS had Evotex upholstery with red stitching. Despite the mostly plastic surfaces, the cabin felt more than basic.

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 boasted 650 hp, available only as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options delivered 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. The GTS could accelerate 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 agile handling, thanks to components borrowed from the Turbo GT. The Cayenne's adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires contributed to its athletic performance.

In contrast, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The base LT trim featured front-wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission, while all-wheel drive was optional on LT and standard on Activ and RS trims. AWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission with 203 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox's engine provided adequate performance, but the eight-speed automatic transmission occasionally hesitated to downshift. The Equinox's suspension offered a comfortable ride, but quick steering inputs could upset the chassis. Despite these limitations, the Equinox excelled as a highway cruiser, with standard active noise cancellation enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of customizable features, but standard options were limited. 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. The Cayenne's options list was extensive, allowing buyers to personalize everything from door sills to seat belts. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with the second row providing ample headroom. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck, but its cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with seats folded.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered nearly identical headroom and first-row legroom to its competitors, with supportive but under-cushioned seats. The Equinox Activ test car featured a Convenience Package III, adding power-adjustable front passenger seats, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The driver enjoyed an elevated perch, but forward visibility was somewhat limited. The Equinox provided ample storage space, with an angled wireless phone charger and a spacious centre console. Cargo space was 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with seats folded, though these figures were behind segment leaders. The Equinox's towing capacity was 680 kilograms for AWD models.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 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 passengers to control navigation and media. The Cayenne's screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided pertinent information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen, both standard. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. The Equinox's touchscreen was larger than some competitors, providing clearer icons and text. While the Equinox lacked a head-up display or elaborate audio system, it covered the basics for the average user.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not available for testing. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver's seat and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with Good ratings in some crash tests and Acceptable ratings in others. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 2026 Equinox.