Porsche Cayenne vs INFINITI QX60

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 lineup ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, boasted high gloss black trim, a distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch anthracite grey wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe featured an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from colour choices like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. While the pricing could become steep, the ability to personalize the vehicle ensured a unique ownership experience. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential functions and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space. The only minor criticism was the easily movable centre console.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60, available in Luxe, Sport, and Autograph trims, showcased a stylish and distinctive design. The Autograph trim, tested in a new Deep Emerald colour with a Black Obsidian roof, had a starting price of CAD $85,773. The QX60's exterior design was updated to align with the larger Infiniti QX80, featuring a new grille inspired by a bamboo forest and a piano-key pattern for the daytime running lights. Inside, the QX60 offered a luxurious cabin with options like Stone Grey and Dusk Blue interiors, while the Autograph trim featured premium semi-aniline leather and real open-pore wood. The cabin was upscale, with digital displays and a touch-sensing dashboard control panel. Despite some minor issues with the infotainment system, the QX60 provided a smooth and refined driving experience, although it lacked the sporty handling of its predecessors.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engine options, all capable of delivering 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 engine with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though only available as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options were also available, with up to 729 hp for peak performance. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, 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 and comfortable driving, with precise steering and agile handling. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, while the adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires enhanced the driving experience. The Cayenne GTS offered a versatile driving experience, transitioning smoothly from sporty to comfortable modes.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine with variable-compression-ratio technology, producing 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. The QX60's fuel economy was rated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres with standard all-wheel drive, although real-world testing showed an average of 11.6 L/100 km. The QX60 offered multiple driving modes, including Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Tow, with Auto mode providing the smoothest and most efficient performance. While the QX60 could accelerate quickly to highway speeds, its all-wheel-drive system lacked sophistication, allowing too much front wheel slip during hard acceleration. The suspension provided a comfortable ride at lower speeds but felt too soft at higher speeds, resulting in unwanted body motion. The QX60 was not designed for spirited driving on twisty roads, feeling heavy and uncommunicative in such settings.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of customizable options, but standard features were limited. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Higher trims like the GTS added features such as a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for personalization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with no third-row seating option. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck, but cargo space was smaller than some competitors. 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 cargo space, and plug-in hybrid models further reduced utility.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 provided standard seven-passenger seating in the Luxe and Sport trims, while the Autograph trim featured six-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs. The QX60 included heated eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. The Autograph trim added ventilated front seats and a massage function. The triple-zone automatic climate control system included Plasmacluster air purification in the Autograph trim. While the second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, the third-row seats were tight for adults, with limited foot space and thigh support. The QX60 offered 411 litres of cargo space behind the third row, with a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third-row seats increased cargo space to 1,178 litres, with a maximum of 2,135 litres available behind the front seats.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. This system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as 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 HD-Matrix Design LED headlamps. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard features.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 introduced a new Google built-in infotainment system displayed on a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen. This system included Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps through the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The QX60 Sport featured a 16-speaker Klipsch audio system, while the Autograph trim had a 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere setup. Despite the high-end audio system, the sound quality was not as satisfying as competitor brands. The QX60 also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. MyQ Connected Garage technology was available, offering automatic garage door control.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard safety features such as parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's advanced adaptive cruise control system, InnoDrive, was not tested due to the vehicle's German specifications. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 came equipped with standard driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. ProPilot Assist 1.1, with adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist, was standard, while ProPilot Assist 2.1 with hands-free driving capability was available on the Autograph trim. The QX60 also featured a surround-view camera system with moving object detection and a transparent Invisible Hood View. The NHTSA awarded the 2026 QX60 a five-star overall rating, but the IIHS had not released crash-test ratings at the time of publication.