Porsche Cayenne vs Hyundai Palisade

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 level, which was the focus of our 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 gray wheels, 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. Despite a sliding centre console that sometimes moved too easily, the cabin was thoughtfully designed.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade underwent significant changes, maintaining its recognizable profile while adopting a more upright and squared-off design. The standout feature was its front lighting, with rectangular slashes flanking a massive grille. Inside, the Palisade embraced a mid-century modern aesthetic with flowing shapes and simple lines, creating a refined and relaxing environment. The top-spec Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy model featured high-quality materials and texture variance, while the off-road-oriented Palisade XRT Pro offered durable materials. The 2026 Palisade was longer and had a stretched wheelbase, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of delivering impressive performance. The base 3.0-litre V6 produced 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, while the Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp. The Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for those seeking peak performance. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. 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 and comfortable, with precise steering and an agile suspension system. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the Cayenne transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest, it was well-suited for moving a large SUV and its passengers. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly, and the Palisade's ride was comfortable without being floaty. The suspension offered good isolation from bumps, and the brakes were upsized for improved stopping distances. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and the HTRAC AWD system provided power to the rear wheels when needed. The Palisade XRT Pro featured upgrades for off-road capability, including all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance. A hybrid powertrain was also available, offering a total system output of 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with standard features like eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, while higher trims offered additional options. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row and ample headroom. The standard Cayenne had 772 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,708 litres with the rear seats folded. The coupe version offered slightly less space, and plug-in hybrid models had reduced cargo capacity.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade provided spacious seating with captain's chairs in the middle row and a third row suitable for occasional adult use. Passengers had access to USB-C charging ports, cupholders, and air vents. The Palisade allowed for flexible passenger and cargo space with sliding second- and third-row seats. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The Palisade offered up to 540 litres of cargo space with the third row forward, expanding to 2,455 litres with the seats folded.

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 for navigation and media control. The Cayenne included a head-up display, night-vision assist, and HD-Matrix Design LED headlamps. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with onboard navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy model featured a 12-inch head-up display and integrated front and rear dashcams. A surround view monitor camera system was available on higher trims, and an in-car intercom and UV-light cleaning system were standard. The Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality.

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.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade included a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking as standard. Additional features were available on higher trims, and the Palisade had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.