Hyundai Santa Fe vs Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard SUV form and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The lineup ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo GT, each with distinct exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of the review, boasted high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes. The GTS also featured tinted headlights and red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices to trim and seat belts, though these could significantly increase the price. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, maintained its design from the previous year, showcasing a chunky, boxy appearance with a long wheelbase and flat hood. The pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps and taillights aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, though the rear lights' placement was criticized for visual imbalance. Each trim had specific wheel designs, with the off-road-focused XRT trim featuring chrome and black exterior accents. Inside, the Santa Fe offered seating for seven, except for the Calligraphy trim, which had captain's chairs in the second row. The interior quality was generally good, though some squeaks and rattles were noted. The inclusion of physical HVAC controls was appreciated, but the fan speed buttons were less user-friendly.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base model featured a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft 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. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The GTS was quick, reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 171 mph. The steering, borrowed from the Turbo GT, offered precise handling, and the vehicle's lowered stance and advanced suspension contributed to its agility. The GTS could switch between sporty and comfortable driving modes, making it versatile for different driving conditions.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handled shifting, though some turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though the gear selector's design required some adjustment. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities, though it wasn't suited for rugged terrain.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with the base model featuring standard eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims added options like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for personalization of various interior elements. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. It could tow over 7,700 pounds and had a payload capacity of over 1,400 pounds. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with seats folded. The coupe version offered less space, and plug-in hybrid models had reduced cargo capacity.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's base SE trim included a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. The XRT trim added features like heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim offered heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. All trims had a two-level glove box, with upper trims featuring a UV-C sanitizer. The Santa Fe excelled in interior space, with the most third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space was generous, with 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. The rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, facilitating easy loading of large items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

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 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 included four high-speed USB-C ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with upper trims also featuring a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Upper trims offered Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging for two phones. A digital key feature allowed phone or Apple Watch use for unlocking and starting the car. Upper trims offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display. The Bluelink app provided remote connectivity and over-the-air updates.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included 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. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance and Highway Drive Assist. The top trim included blind spot avoidance and a Blind-View Monitor. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, except for Acceptable scores in headlight and LATCH categories.