Toyota 4Runner vs Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. The cabin was designed to endure punishment with hard plastics, yet offered light cushioning for comfort. The materials were superior to those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in both standard SUV and sporty Coupe forms, with trim levels ranging from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. The GTS trim featured high gloss black trim, a unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch wheels, and the Coupe version boasted an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from colour choices to trim and seat belts. The cabin was equipped with numerous screens, yet retained mechanical controls for essential functions. The centre console was well-organized, though the sliding feature could be slightly inconvenient. Overall, the Cayenne's interior was thoughtfully designed, offering a blend of luxury and functionality.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in the Limited and Platinum packages. Toyota introduced a more powerful Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation was quieter and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. It retained its off-road prowess, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of capability. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles ranging from 18 to 33 degrees and ground clearance between 20.5 and 25.6 centimetres.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base 3.0-litre V6 produced 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options offered up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with a 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 offered a balance between sporty and comfortable driving, with precise steering and agile handling. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided strong stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, retaining ample power for highway merging. The Cayenne's driving characteristics were accessible even in the base model, with options for adaptive air suspension and dynamic chassis control. An Off-Road package was available, enhancing its versatility.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a 6-centimetre increase between the axles. This longer wheelbase offered minimal passenger space gains, with ample room for taller passengers in the front seats but limited legroom in the middle row. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs and camera views for navigating tough terrain. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting up to 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with standard features like eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control. Higher trims added options like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row offering ample headroom. The Cayenne's towing capacity was 3,500 kilograms, with a payload capacity of over 635 kilograms. Cargo space in the standard Cayenne was 772 litres, expanding to 1,708 litres with the rear seats folded. The Coupe version offered 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively. The Turbo e-hybrid PHEV had slightly reduced cargo space due to the battery.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with an optional 14-inch screen. Both were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument panel was standard on Hybrid models and available on gas models. Off-road models included external camera views for trail navigation, with automatic activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible via a smartphone app, and a digital key function was offered.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were included. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided driver information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne featured four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

As of the writing, crash test results for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner were unavailable. However, the Tacoma pickup truck, on which the 4Runner is based, was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, featuring frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature could be disabled if intrusive. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard 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 tested due to the car's German specifications. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.