Porsche Cayenne vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

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 provided additional storage space.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Canada in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrated seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim came with 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille framed by LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile featured body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities in the Luxury Hybrid. The rear view was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name and stacks of LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and three-stage heating elements. The interior design was thoughtfully crafted, with organic shapes and well-considered storage solutions, offering a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

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. For those seeking more power, 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 Cayenne GTS could accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS trim offered a balance between sporty and comfortable driving, 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.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid defied the stereotype of slow hybrids with its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery. The turbo-four engine alone produced 258 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the combined output reached 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The Palisade Hybrid's advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and propulsion systems contributed to its impressive performance. The hybrid system eliminated the old platform's starter motor and auxiliary belts, optimizing power distribution and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass keeping road and engine noise at bay. The steering was sharp, providing a responsive driving experience, although the pedal feel was softer.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte features, with the base model including eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The Cayenne's options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne could only accommodate five people, with no third-row seating option. The standard Cayenne provided 772 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,708 litres with the seats folded down. The coupe version offered slightly less space, and the plug-in hybrid models had reduced cargo capacity due to the battery.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. The second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but the third row provided ample space for passengers. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, seven USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat for eight passengers. Captain's chairs were available on higher trims. The Palisade featured numerous storage cubbies, including a rubberized cargo space in the centre console and a small shelf ahead of the front passenger seat.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. 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 high-speed USB-C charging ports. A cooled wireless charging area was standard.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay were supported. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. A 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims, and a built-in dashcam was included on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Palisade introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off.

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

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims. The Palisade had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.