Porsche Cayenne vs Honda Passport

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 lineup ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo GT, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, boasted high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes. The interior was highly customizable, offering options for everything from color to seat belts, though these customizations could become quite costly. Despite the abundance of screens, essential controls remained mechanical, and the cabin layout was praised for its thoughtful design, although the sliding center console received some criticism.

The 2026 Honda Passport made a bold statement with its large proportions and rugged design, featuring a long wheelbase and blocky dimensions. The new model sported a flat hood and a blunt nose, with amber running lights and a standard hood scoop. Its profile, inspired by a backpack, included a blacked-out D-pillar and a large rear-quarter window. The Passport offered practical features like rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel. The rear design included a two-tone tailgate and standard roof rails. Inside, the Passport was straightforward, with three trim levels and a focus on practicality over flash. The TrailSport trim, in particular, offered a visually appealing interior with a blend of synthetic leather and cloth upholstery.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though only available as a coupe. 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 performance tires contributed to its agility. The GTS excelled in both Sport and Sport Plus modes, providing a thrilling driving experience, while Normal mode offered a comfortable commute. The Cayenne's versatility allowed for sporty performance without sacrificing daily driving comfort.

The 2026 Honda Passport, particularly in TrailSport trims, aimed to excel both on and off-road. It featured improved approach and departure angles, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels for better ride comfort and off-road traction. The TrailSport Elite trim included a multi-view camera system for trail navigation. The Passport's i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system and seven drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes, enhanced its versatility. The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Passport impressed on various terrains, with its V6 engine providing ample power and the steering offering a satisfying weight. While the all-terrain tires generated some noise on highways, the cabin remained well-insulated. The Passport's powertrain focused on reducing emissions rather than increasing power, with fuel economy estimates of 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined for the RTL trim.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with the base model featuring eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims like the GTS included a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for personalization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with limited cargo space compared to competitors. The standard Cayenne provided 27.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The coupe version offered slightly less space, and plug-in hybrid models further reduced cargo capacity.

The 2026 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 44 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 83.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it a class leader. The Passport's interior featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and physical controls, emphasizing simplicity. It provided ample rear-seat legroom and storage options, catering to family road trips. The TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims included a panoramic moonroof and ventilated front seats. Honda offered post-production option packages, such as the Adventure Package with a removable rear cargo shelf.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the Porsche Communication Management system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and streaming services. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for media control and video streaming. The system was user-friendly, with quick response times and voice control options. A head-up display provided essential information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Honda Passport boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps. It also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger. The touchscreen was easy to use, with bright colors and intuitive navigation. The Passport included a Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C charging ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. The TrailSport Elite trim featured a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system.

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

The 2026 Honda Passport came equipped with Honda Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. It featured eight standard airbags. The previous-generation Passport received mixed safety ratings, and the 2026 model awaited testing by the NHTSA and IIHS.