Porsche Cayenne vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold new entry in Hyundai's lineup, showcasing a dramatic design departure from its predecessors. With sharp, angular lines and a wider, longer stance, the Tucson Hybrid made a striking impression. Its unique grille, seamlessly blending with LED headlights and running lights, offered a futuristic look that set it apart from competitors. The interior was equally impressive, featuring a spacious and airy cabin with standard heated front seats and a range of tech upgrades in higher trims. Despite its bulkier centre console, the Tucson Hybrid provided an unobstructed view, thanks to its integrated infotainment display and hoodless driver information display.

In contrast, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS trim exuded a sporty elegance with high gloss black trim and larger air intakes specific to its design. The Cayenne's exterior was further enhanced by red brake calipers and 21-inch wheels, while the adaptive rear spoiler on the Coupe version added a touch of flair. Inside, the Cayenne offered a customizable cabin with options for colour, trim, and even seat belts. Although the base model featured standard eight-way power-adjustable seats, the options list allowed for extensive personalization, albeit at a cost. The Cayenne's interior was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a sliding centre console for added storage.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. When combined with Hyundai's electric motor, the system produced a total of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a noticeably quicker performance than its gas-powered counterpart. The Tucson Hybrid's steering was responsive and direct, while its six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts admirably. The suspension provided a smooth ride, absorbing road imperfections without feeling bouncy. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the gas model.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a 3.0-litre V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, propelling the SUV to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The Cayenne's steering, borrowed from the Turbo GT, provided precise turn-in, while its active suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires ensured agile handling. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty performance and daily driving comfort, with optional carbon ceramic brakes offering ample stopping power.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded down. This was complemented by excellent front and rear legroom, making it a practical choice for families. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, while ambient lighting added a touch of flair to the cabin.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, while luxurious, offered less cargo space compared to its competitors. The standard Cayenne provided 772 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,708 litres with the seats folded. The Coupe version offered 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively. Despite its limited seating capacity of five, the Cayenne's second row was comfortable, with ample headroom. The Cayenne's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms and payload of 635 kilograms added to its versatility.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a Bose premium audio system in the Ultimate trim.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for media control and video streaming. The Cayenne's infotainment system was intuitive, with voice control options and a head-up display for added convenience. Four USB-C ports and a cooled wireless charging area ensured connectivity and device safety.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was advanced but not tested during our drive. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.