Subaru Forester vs Porsche Cayenne

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. 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 to trim and seat belts. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for added storage space.

The 2026 Subaru Forester, redesigned in 2025, introduced a new Wilderness model with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and exclusive design elements like anodized copper accents and Wilderness badges. The interior was designed for easy cleanup after adventures, featuring water-resistant artificial leather and all-weather floor mats. The Forester Wilderness offered a comfortable ride with heated front seats, although it lacked some luxury features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats. The panoramic sunroof was standard, but its lack of tint could lead to intense solar heating. The Forester provided ample rear seat comfort and improved storage with a redesigned center console. Cargo space was generous, with 27.5 cubic feet available, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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 delivered up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with a 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. The GTS could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 171 mph. The Cayenne GTS offered a balance between sporty and comfortable driving, with precise steering and an agile suspension system. Optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While lacking the turbocharged option of the Outback Wilderness, the Forester's lighter weight helped offset the power deficit. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered responsive performance, with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters. The Wilderness model featured a shorter final-drive ratio for improved low-speed responsiveness and increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Subaru's Active Torque Split AWD system and X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings enhanced off-road capability. The Forester Wilderness excelled in off-road conditions, with increased ground clearance and underbody protection. On pavement, it provided a comfortable ride, though fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 22.7 mpg.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included 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 personalization of interior materials and features. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample second-row headroom. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 60 cubic feet with seats folded. The Cayenne could tow over 7,700 pounds and handle a payload of over 1,400 pounds.

The 2026 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a classic two-box design maximizing passenger and cargo space. The Wilderness model featured comfortable heated front seats, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. While lacking some luxury features, the Forester offered a panoramic sunroof and improved rear seat safety. Storage was enhanced with a redesigned center console, and cargo space was generous, with 27.5 cubic feet available, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's boxy design optimized cargo capacity, and Subaru offered numerous accessories to enhance utility.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Porsche Communication Management. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne offered a head-up display, night-vision assist, and four USB-C charging ports. A cooled wireless charging area was standard, preventing phone overheating.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition was available for simple commands, though complex queries could be frustrating. The Forester featured wireless smartphone charging and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. A 180-degree forward view camera system was standard, though the camera's distorted view could be challenging to trust.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included 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 NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2026 Subaru Forester featured EyeSight, a package of camera-based ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional safety features included active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection was available. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.