Porsche Cayenne vs Jeep Wagoneer

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer presented a robust and traditional SUV design, echoing the aesthetic of the smaller Grand Cherokee models. It featured a high-mounted grille, LED headlights, and a boxy profile with trapezoidal wheel arches. Despite its name, the Wagoneer did not indulge in retro styling, such as wood paneling, and instead resembled an enlarged Grand Cherokee. The SUV rode on a new body-on-frame architecture, which was a rarity in modern SUVs, and offered a choice between 20-inch and 22-inch wheels, with the former being necessary for off-road tires. Inside, the Wagoneer had a central touchscreen framed by wing-like structures and a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. However, the interior materials, including glossy plastics and heavily-lacquered wood trim, fell short of premium expectations.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, available as a standard SUV or a sporty Coupe, offered a range of trims from the base model to the high-performance Turbo GT. The GTS trim, in particular, stood out with high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes. The Cayenne's interior was highly customizable, with options for color, trim, and even seat belts, though these came at a premium. The cabin featured a well-organized layout with mechanical controls for essential functions, and the center console offered ample storage. The Cayenne's interior was praised for its thoughtful design, though the sliding center console was noted as a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 mild-hybrid powertrain, producing 392 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. The eTorque mild-hybrid system enhanced fuel economy but did not allow for electric-only driving. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive systems, including Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Wagoneer impressed with its quiet cabin and responsive V8 engine, though its body-on-frame construction led to some shuddering over bumps. Despite its size, the Wagoneer performed well off-road, although its throttle was challenging to modulate.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, including a base 3.0-liter V6 with 348 horsepower, a V8 in the Cayenne S with 468 hp, and a Turbo GT with 650 hp. The GTS trim, tested here, featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne GTS was quick, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. It excelled in handling, with precise steering and an active suspension system that maintained agility despite its 5,000-pound weight. The GTS offered a balance between sporty performance and daily driving comfort, with adaptive drive modes and optional carbon ceramic brakes providing ample stopping power.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer could seat up to eight people with a second-row bench or seven with captain's chairs. It prioritized second- and third-row space, offering more legroom than other full-size SUVs, though front-seat legroom was limited. The Wagoneer boasted 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 116.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. It excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 10,000 pounds. The interior featured large storage bins and a digital rearview mirror, though forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, while not offering a third row, provided a comfortable second row with ample headroom. The Cayenne's cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just over 60 cubic feet with seats folded. The Coupe version offered even less space. The Cayenne could tow over 7,700 pounds and accommodate a payload of over 1,400 pounds. The interior was highly customizable, with options for carbon fiber or aluminum trim, and a vast array of features available at an additional cost.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer was equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot. It offered up to 11 USB ports and an optional McIntosh audio system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow. The Wagoneer also featured Amazon Alexa connectivity and Fire TV for Auto, enhancing entertainment options.

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. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne's screens were responsive and easy to use, with voice control available for many functions. A head-up display and night-vision assist were also included, though the HUD was dim with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included a surround-view camera system, digital rearview mirror, traffic-sign recognition, and night vision.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered 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 advanced but not tested. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.