Porsche Cayenne vs Hyundai Palisade

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 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 to cool its V8 engine. 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 like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. While the cabin was filled with screens, essential controls remained mechanical, and the layout was well-organized, providing ample storage space.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade underwent significant changes, presenting a more upright and squared-off profile. Its standout feature was the front lighting, with rectangular slashes flanking the massive grille, giving it a bold appearance. Inside, the Palisade's interior was softened with flowing shapes and simple lines reminiscent of Midcentury Modern furniture. The top-spec Palisade Calligraphy model featured high-quality materials with texture variance, while the off-road-oriented Palisade XRT Pro offered durable materials. The 2026 Palisade was longer and had a stretched wheelbase, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration.

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 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S offered 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 could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and agile handling. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While not the quickest, it was well-suited for moving a large SUV and its passengers. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the ride was comfortable without being floaty. The Palisade's suspension offered good isolation from road imperfections, and the brakes were upsized for improved stopping power. The Palisade had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and the HTRAC AWD system provided power to the rear wheels when needed. The Palisade XRT Pro featured off-road enhancements, including all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and improved approach and departure angles. A hybrid powertrain was expected to be available, offering a total system output of 329 hp.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled or massaged. Higher trims offered upgrades like 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. It could tow over 7,700 pounds and had a payload capacity of over 1,400 pounds. Cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered spacious seating, with captain's chairs in the middle row and a third row suitable for occasional adult use. Passengers had access to USB-C charging ports, cupholders, and air vents. The Palisade allowed for flexible passenger and cargo space with sliding second- and third-row seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available in higher trims, and the Calligraphy model offered Relaxation Mode for front and second-row seats. Cargo space was solid, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.7 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster with multiple views, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional 10.9-inch passenger screen. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided information to the driver, and there were four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a second 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Onboard navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. The Calligraphy model featured a 12-inch head-up display. A Surround View Monitor camera system and integrated dashcams were available in higher trims. An in-car intercom and Rear Seat Quiet Mode were standard, and a UV-light cleaning system was included. The Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne had standard safety features like parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Cayenne had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with many standard and additional packages available. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and more. The Calligraphy model added evasive steering assist and an upgraded Highway Driving Assist II system. The Palisade had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.