Porsche Cayenne vs Honda Passport

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 and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes to cool its V8 engine. Tinted headlights and red brake calipers added to its sporty appearance, while 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray completed the look. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, allowing owners to tailor everything from the colour scheme to the seat belts. Despite the potential for high costs, the ability to create a unique vehicle was a significant draw for many buyers.

In contrast, the 2026 Honda Passport was hard to miss with its extra-large proportions and blocky dimensions, embodying a rugged SUV aesthetic. The new model featured a flat hood and a blunt nose, with bracket-shaped amber running lights framing the upper grille. The design was inspired by a backpack, evident in the blacked-out D-pillar and large tinted rear-quarter window. The Passport included practical features like rock sliders and a scratch-resistant panel for leaning equipment. The rear showcased a two-tone colour block design with a darkly tinted rear window. Inside, the Passport offered four trim levels, with the TrailSport models featuring visually appealing cloth and vegan interiors.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of 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 boasted 650 hp, though only available as a coupe. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, 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 performance and comfort, with precise steering and an agile feel, thanks to components borrowed from the Turbo GT.

The 2026 Honda Passport aimed to excel both on and off-road. It featured improved approach and departure angles, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels for better ride comfort and off-road traction. The i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard, along with seven drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes. The Passport retained a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, now producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Passport impressed on an off-road circuit, with its V6 engine providing ample power and the steering offering a satisfying weight. Despite the cleaner engine, fuel economy remained similar to the previous model, with an estimated 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.9 on the highway.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte options, with the base model featuring 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 could tow up to 3,500 kg and accommodate over 635 kg of payload. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,708 litres with seats folded. The coupe version offered 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively.

The 2026 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and 2,356 litres with seats folded, making it the most capacious in its segment. The Passport also provided best-in-class rear-seat legroom and ample storage cubbies. A panoramic moonroof was standard in Canada, and Touring trims added ventilated front seats. The Passport's interior featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with physical controls, emphasizing simplicity and practicality.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the Porsche Communication Management system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne also offered a head-up display, night-vision assist, and four USB-C charging ports, along with a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Honda Passport included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also standard, along with a wireless phone charger. The Passport featured a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C charging ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. Touring trims added a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Cayenne had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2026 Honda Passport came equipped with Honda Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included traffic-jam assist and low-speed braking control. The Passport had eight standard airbags, but previous models had mixed crash test results, with updated ratings pending.