Toyota Sequoia vs Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was 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, which was the focus of our 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 the colour of the cabin to the trim and seat belts. 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 features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia, particularly in the U.S.-only 1794 Edition, was a striking presence with its Lunar Rock paint and dark grey 20-inch wheels. The Canadian lineup included trims like the SR5 TRD Off-road, Limited, Platinum, and Capstone, with prices ranging from $87,174 to $106,175. Despite its few years on the market, the Sequoia remained a rarity on the road, drawing attention wherever it went. The interior featured Saddle Tan leather upholstery and open-pore walnut wood trim, although the rest of the cabin was dominated by typical Toyota-grade plastic. The Sequoia's design was functional but lacked the luxurious feel of some competitors.

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 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. The plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for peak performance. Our GTS-trim tester delivered 493 hp from a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, with 486 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed transmission powering all four wheels. The Cayenne GTS was quick, reaching 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and achieving 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 required some adjustment but offered excellent stopping power. The Cayenne GTS excelled in both sporty and everyday driving scenarios, with adaptive air suspension and dynamic chassis control available for enhanced handling.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came standard with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, an electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia's part-time 4WD system offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Tow/Haul. Despite its 2,790-kilogram weight, the Sequoia delivered strong acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 14.5 L/100 km in testing. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with a peak payload of 640 kilograms. The solid rear axle and battery placement affected driving dynamics, resulting in a jittery ride and compromised packaging. The Sequoia's off-road capabilities were limited by its air dam and ground clearance, although the TRD Off-Road trim offered enhancements for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a customizable interior with a range of options, but standard features were limited. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims like the GTS added features such as a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The Cayenne's options list was extensive, allowing buyers to personalize everything from seat adjustments to interior materials. However, the Cayenne lacked a third row of seating, accommodating only five passengers. The cargo space was smaller than some competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with the seats folded. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, with seven being more comfortable. The Platinum and Capstone trims featured 10-way power-adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The Sequoia's long rear doors facilitated access to the second and third rows, although they could be cumbersome in tight spaces. The third row offered limited headroom and was best suited for shorter passengers. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 325 litres, expanding to 1,387 litres with the seats folded. The Sequoia's maximum cargo volume was 2,460 litres, less than some rivals. The high floor and low roof made accessing the third row challenging, and the cargo space was less than expected for a full-size SUV.

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. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne's screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control available for many functions. A head-up display provided essential information, although it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Four connected services plans were available, with trial subscriptions ranging from three to ten years. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offered features like cloud-based navigation, emergency assistance, and remote engine starting. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Sequoia's infotainment system included a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system on higher trims. The system's natural voice recognition was reasonably capable but had limitations. The Sequoia also featured a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror for added convenience.

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

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Sequoia's safety features were helpful but could be intrusive, with frequent false lane departure warnings. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication.