Porsche Cayenne vs Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim, which was the focus of the 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 anthracite grey wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe boasted an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from colour choices like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. Despite the potential for high costs, the customization ensured a unique vehicle. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 combined a 1980s hatchback aesthetic with modern crossover SUV elements, resulting in a unique and attractive design. Its profile was defined by angular lines and a triangular shape, complemented by dark cladding around the wheels. The front featured a visor slit with rectangular headlights, while the rear had an integrated spoiler and darkened panels. Inside, the Ioniq 5 was more utilitarian, with cloth upholstery as standard and synthetic leather available in the Ultimate Package. The interior offered a cold theme with black, grey, and teal-grey options, and was equipped with two 12.3-inch screens and touch controls for the climate system, creating a somewhat sterile but technologically advanced environment.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base model featured a 3.0-litre V6 engine with 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S provided a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity. The Cayenne's adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires contributed to its agility, while optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, maintaining its V8 charm without the aggression of sportier modes.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a choice between a single-motor RWD powertrain with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft. The Ioniq 5 N performance model featured a dual-motor powertrain with 641 hp and 568 lb-ft. The dual-motor powertrain provided quiet and robust power, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. The Ioniq 5 featured five settings of regenerative braking, allowing for one-pedal driving in the i-Pedal Max setting. While the steering was direct, it lacked agility, and the vehicle's weight resulted in some lean in corners. However, the Ioniq 5 offered a pleasant driving experience with its smooth power delivery and advanced regenerative braking system.

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, like the GTS, included a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of seats, door sills, and more. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row. The standard Cayenne offered 772 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,708 litres with the rear seats folded. The coupe version had slightly less space, and the PHEV models further reduced cargo capacity.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured spacious front seats with eight-way power adjustments for the driver and optional ventilated front seats in the Ultimate Package. The rear seat offered 1,002 millimetres of legroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. Cargo space was slightly smaller than average, with 745 litres behind the rear seats and 1,655 litres with the seats folded. A 24-litre front trunk added a bit more space. While the Ioniq 5's cargo capacity was less than some gas-powered crossovers, it remained competitive within its class.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was equipped with 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 for media control and video streaming. The Cayenne featured a head-up display, night-vision assist, and four USB-C charging ports, along with a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Package added a wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and Bose audio system. The MyHyundai app allowed for remote control and monitoring of the vehicle, while the infotainment system offered a simple command structure and voice command functionality.

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

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate Package added advanced features like a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Ioniq 5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS but had no NHTSA ratings.