Porsche Cayenne vs Honda Pilot

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard SUV form with a squared-off rear end and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The trim levels varied from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo GT, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of the review, boasted high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips, with a distinctive front fascia featuring larger air intakes and tinted headlights. The GTS also showcased red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices to seat belts, with the potential for a custom paint job costing around $13,000. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for additional storage space.

The 2026 Honda Pilot underwent a makeover, adopting a more truck-like appearance with a larger, blockier grille and standard roof rails on every trim. The rear bumper mirrored the front with a similar scuff plate, maintaining the rugged design direction introduced three years prior. Inside, the Pilot retained its spacious and versatile cabin, with notable upgrades including larger infotainment and digital instrument panels. The top trims featured unique diamond quilting on the seats, adding visual flair. The Pilot's interior remained practical, with a removable second-row center seat and easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with up to 112.4 cubic feet available with both rear rows folded.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base 3.0-liter V6 delivered 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, while the Cayenne S featured a V8 producing 468 hp. The Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for peak performance. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, produced 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. Porsche claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS offered a balance between sporty and comfortable driving, with precise steering and an agile feel despite its 5,000-pound weight. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2026 Honda Pilot retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Sport and EX-L trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Pilot's acceleration was adequate, with a confident V6 sound. The steering was revised for improved feedback and stability, addressing previous issues with highway vagueness. The Pilot handled curves confidently but didn't feel sporty, maintaining its focus on practicality and comfort.

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. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row in the standard model and 20.9 cubic feet in the coupe. The Cayenne could tow over 7,700 pounds and handle a payload of over 1,400 pounds.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's cabin remained spacious and versatile, with a removable second-row center seat and easy access to the third row. The second-row seats offered ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for smaller adults or children. Cargo space was generous, with 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 112.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The front seats provided plenty of storage, with a long tray, cupholders, and a large center armrest bin.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured 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 system was user-friendly, with quick response times and voice control options. A head-up display and night-vision assist were available, along with four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Honda Pilot upgraded to a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel. The system was responsive and easy to use, with customizable shortcuts on the display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a wireless phone charger available on the EX-L trim. The Pilot retained unique features like multiple camera angles and the Cabin Talk intercom system.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but 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.

The 2026 Honda Pilot was expected to receive high safety scores, similar to the 2025 model, which earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All trims included the Honda Sensing suite, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The forward collision warning was sensitive, but overall, the safety features performed well.