Porsche Cayenne vs Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross presented a conservative design approach, pulling back from Toyota's recent daring styles. Its snub nose was reminiscent of the Toyota Tundra, and it featured the obligatory tall ride height and plastic fender flares typical of SUVs. However, the overall look was understated, seemingly to avoid overshadowing its larger sibling, the RAV4. The Corolla Cross was notably compact, being 5.3 inches shorter than the RAV4, yet larger than the Toyota C-HR, offering more interior space due to its conventional shape. Subtle styling details included scalloping around the rear door handles and mirrors, and hidden Corolla Cross logos throughout the vehicle. Wheel options varied from 17-inch steel on the base model to 18-inch alloy on the top XLE trim, which also included LED daytime running lights and fog lights. Inside, the Corolla Cross mirrored the Corolla sedan and hatchback, with oversized door handles akin to the RAV4. Material quality was perceived as below that of the Corolla sedan and hatch, with the base L model feeling basic, while the XLE offered SofTex leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a choice between a standard SUV with a squared-off rear or a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The GTS trim level stood out with high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips, a unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe featured an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, customization was key, with options for color, trim, and even seat belts. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for more storage space. The center console was noted for its tendency to slide with slight pressure, but overall, the cabin was praised for its thoughtful design. The Cayenne's interior could be personalized extensively, with options for carbon fiber or aluminum finishes, and even a bronze Neodyme accent. Despite its luxury, the Cayenne only accommodated five people, with a comfortable second row offering ample headroom.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an actual first gear for improved acceleration. While the initial response was impressive, the transition to normal CVT operation was abrupt, and at higher speeds, typical CVT issues like engine droning and rubber-banding were noticeable. The engine worked hard to maintain highway speeds, but the interior remained quiet, and ride quality was solid. The optional AWD system, similar to that in the Toyota Camry, could send 10% to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, though body roll was evident during cornering. With 8.2 inches of ground clearance and a 1,500-pound towing capacity, the Corolla Cross was not designed for off-roading or heavy towing.

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. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, available only as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options offered up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with a 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. Porsche claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS balanced sporty performance with comfort, featuring precise steering and an active suspension. Sport and Sport Plus modes enhanced throttle and transmission response, while Normal mode provided a comfortable commute. Optional carbon ceramic brakes offered strong stopping power. The Cayenne's driving dynamics were praised, with options for adaptive air suspension and dynamic chassis control available across trims.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla hatchback, with an extra 2.1 inches of rear legroom and 1.4 inches of rear headroom. Rear climate-control vents were standard, and XLE models featured dual-zone automatic climate control. Cargo space was 26.5 cubic feet with FWD and 25.2 cubic feet with AWD, expanding to 66.8 cubic feet with FWD and 65.5 cubic feet with AWD when the rear seats were folded. The Corolla Cross compared well to rivals in interior space, though legroom was slightly below average. The interior was not particularly comfortable, with hard and unsupportive seats and a tall, upright driving position.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a customizable interior with options for carbon fiber, aluminum, or bronze Neodyme finishes. Standard features included eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The Cayenne accommodated five people, with a comfortable second row. Cargo space was 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with the seats folded. The coupe version offered 20.9 and 53 cubic feet, respectively. The Cayenne's towing capacity exceeded 7,700 pounds, but cargo space was smaller than some competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen on the base L model, with an 8-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models. The XLE also included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was optional for LE and XLE models. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked fancy graphics and was slow to boot up. Two front USB-A ports were standard, with a third port and wireless charging available on the LE. Pushbutton start was only available on LE and XLE models.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional features included a 10.9-inch passenger screen for navigation and media control. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control available. A head-up display provided information to the driver, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The LE added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the XLE included rear automatic braking and front and rear park assist with automatic braking.

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