Porsche Cayenne vs Subaru Forester 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 trim levels ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, in particular, stood out with 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 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. The only minor criticism was the easily movable centre console.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid underwent a redesign, resulting in a more cohesive yet conventional appearance. It adopted a blockier shape, reminiscent of a compact Ford Explorer, and featured rugged black plastic elements hinting at its off-road capabilities. The interior retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard centre section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin combined hard plastics with soft-touch materials in high-contact areas, ensuring durability. The front seats provided ample comfort, and the hybrid model included heated outboard rear seats. While some felt the Forester lost some personality, it gained broader appeal with its modern design and practical features.

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. 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. The plug-in hybrid options reached up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, 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, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the Cayenne transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine combined with a parallel hybrid system, producing 194 horsepower. The hybrid system included two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The all-wheel drive system, using a traditional driveshaft, offered better traction and consistent off-road performance. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission made it feel slower than it was. The hybrid system operated smoothly, with seamless transitions between electric and engine power. The Forester Hybrid excelled off-road with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, providing a balanced performance for both urban and adventurous drivers.

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. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. The standard Cayenne provided 772 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,708 litres with the rear seats folded. The coupe version offered slightly less space, and the plug-in hybrid models had reduced cargo capacity due to the battery.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unobstructed forward view, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The front seats offered ample space, and the cockpit felt open and airy. The rear seats provided generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by the standard panoramic sunroof. The Forester Hybrid featured a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and air vents for rear passengers. It offered 779 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for easy loading. The upright tail design allowed for bulkier items, making it a practical choice for families.

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. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The head-up display provided essential information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system featured large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. Physical buttons flanked the screen for temperature adjustments, while the X-Mode off-road drive menu was accessible with a swipe. The Forester Hybrid included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and multiple external camera views for off-roading.

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. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid received five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it earned four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model top scores in most categories, earning it a Top Safety Pick award. The Forester Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety features, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The systems functioned smoothly, with the option to disable audible alarms for lane-keep assist.