Porsche Cayenne vs Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in two distinct styles: the standard SUV with a squared-off rear end and the sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim level, which was the focus of this review, featured high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips, along with a unique front fascia with larger air intakes and tinted headlights. The GTS also boasted red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. Despite the high price tag for customizations, the Cayenne's interior was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for added storage space.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona, on the other hand, was available in four trim levels, each distinguishable by wheel size and design. The Limited trim, with its Neoteric Yellow paint, stood out as particularly polarizing. Despite its bold appearance, the Kona exuded quality and refinement, with features like H-Tex artificial leather and a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated four adults. The Kona's widescreen digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system highlighted its technological sophistication, while traditional analog controls ensured ease of use. However, the use of white control labels on a metallic background posed visibility issues during the day.

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. 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 could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 171 mph. The Cayenne GTS struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and an agile suspension system. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, while the Off-Road package and lightweight package offered additional versatility.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona's performance varied significantly between trims. The SEL Premium and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the base SE and SEL Sport trims had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, coupled with a CVT. The Kona's AWD option improved ride quality with a multi-link rear suspension. Fuel economy for the turbocharged engine ranged from 26 to 28 mpg, while the base engine achieved 27 to 31 mpg. The Kona's ride and handling were less refined, with suspension isolation issues and brake performance concerns during testing.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered limited standard features, with eight-way power-adjustable seats and two-zone climate control. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, while higher trims included stainless steel pedal pads and illuminated carbon fiber door-sill guards. The Cayenne's options list was extensive, allowing for customization of nearly every aspect of the interior. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with limited cargo space compared to competitors. The standard Cayenne had 27.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while the coupe version offered less space.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona excelled in practicality, with ample interior room and cargo space. The Limited trim featured ambient lighting, H-Tex artificial leather, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Kona's interior was user-friendly, with a commanding driving position and easy access for passengers. Front storage space was impressive, though the center console bin was not enclosed. The Kona's "smart" hands-free power liftgate provided convenience, though it could open unintentionally. Cargo space measured 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne's infotainment system was user-friendly, with voice control options and a head-up display. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona's Limited trim boasted two 12.3-inch screens, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluelink+ connected services. The Kona's infotainment system was intuitive, with digital key technology and Hyundai Pay for convenient transactions. The Kona also featured a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system and a surround-view camera system for added convenience.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Cayenne lacked hands-off driving assist features, and neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated its safety.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona excelled in safety, with standard adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Kona also featured a rear occupant warning system and a safe exit warning system. The IIHS awarded the Kona a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.