Porsche Cayenne vs Subaru Crosstrek 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 our review, featured distinctive high gloss black trim and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes to cool its V8 engine. Tinted headlights and red brake calipers added to its aggressive look, while 21-inch wheels in anthracite grey completed the exterior. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, allowing owners to tailor everything from the colour scheme to the seat belts. Despite the potential for high costs, the ability to create a unique vehicle was a significant draw for many buyers.

The interior of the Cayenne was a blend of luxury and practicality, with numerous screens for various functions, yet retaining mechanical controls for essential features like HVAC and volume. The cabin layout was well thought out, with a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle freeing up storage space. However, the sliding centre console was a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Cayenne's interior was a testament to Porsche's commitment to quality and customization, offering a unique driving experience tailored to individual preferences.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations, maintaining its attractive design. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that seamlessly connected with the headlights, creating a distinctive look. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design prioritizing function over flash. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics in key areas.

The Crosstrek Hybrid's interior was thoughtfully designed, with black leather upholstery in Canadian models and chrome-trimmed power window switches adding an upscale touch. The "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats served as a reminder of the vehicle's electrified powertrain. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to a comfortable and airy atmosphere. Despite its compact size, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered ample rear-seat space, making it a practical choice for families or those needing extra room.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, 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, providing ample power for most drivers. For those seeking more performance, the Cayenne S offered a V8 engine with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though it was only available as a coupe. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, making it a formidable performer. The eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive system ensured quick acceleration, with Porsche estimating a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h.

The Cayenne GTS struck a balance between sporty performance and comfort, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity enhancing its agility. The Pirelli P Zero tires, stiffer roll bars, and active suspension contributed to its athletic handling, while the optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Sport and Sport Plus modes, the Cayenne GTS delivered an engaging driving experience, with responsive steering and impressive grip. In Normal mode, it transformed into a comfortable commuter, retaining its V8 charm while offering a more relaxed driving experience. The Cayenne's versatility and performance made it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain, making it the fastest Crosstrek to date. The 2.5-litre engine, paired with an 118 hp traction motor, delivered a total system output of 194 hp. This combination provided smoother and quicker acceleration compared to the gas-only Crosstrek, although it didn't feel significantly faster on the highway. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop functions and charging the battery, while the other acted as a drive motor and assisted with regenerative braking.

During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved a fuel consumption rate of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The hybrid's AWD system, with a mechanical connection, offered better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system further enhanced its off-road capabilities, with specific settings for dirt, snow, and mud. The Crosstrek's steering, while light, was precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack. Overall, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balanced performance, combining efficiency with off-road capability.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of customizable options, allowing buyers to tailor their vehicle to their preferences. The base model featured standard eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but with cooling and massage functions available at an extra cost. As buyers moved up the trim line, they could opt for upgrades like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, with choices for interior materials, seat adjustments, and various customizations. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with no option for a third row. The standard Cayenne offered 772 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,708 litres with the rear seats folded, while the coupe version had slightly less space.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations, offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid's cargo volume measured 527 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a large 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for extended driving range. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders. Despite its compact size, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered practicality and comfort for everyday use.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a range of screens, including a standard 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The Porsche Communication Management system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 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, with a screen filter preventing driver distraction. The Cayenne also included a head-up display, although it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though its software was slow and prone to lag. The display was a fingerprint magnet, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing drivers to bypass the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid also featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps. Despite its tech shortcomings, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered some useful features, though it lagged behind competitors in terms of infotainment.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not available for testing, and the Cayenne lacked a hands-off/eyes-up driving assist. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. The Crosstrek Hybrid also offered a surround-view camera, DriverFocus driver distraction mitigation system, and reverse automatic braking. While the IIHS did not award the 2025 Crosstrek a Top Safety Pick designation, the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. The 2026 Crosstrek had not yet been rated by either organization.