Toyota 4Runner vs Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard SUV form with a squared-off rear end and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The trim levels varied from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo GT, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of the review, boasted high gloss black trim and bronze exhaust tips, with a distinctive front fascia featuring larger air intakes and tinted headlights. The 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray and red brake calipers added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from color choices to seat belts, with the potential for a custom paint job costing around $13,000. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for added storage space.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner shared design elements with the Tacoma pickup, making it difficult to distinguish between the two from the front. It had a muscular appearance with pronounced haunches and black wheel flares for off-road models. The sheet metal was heavily creased, especially along the sides. The grille sat high, with a lower intake featuring an underbite, particularly on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models, which had heritage-inspired front ends with "Toyota" lettering and an integrated light bar. The interior had a simple, utilitarian look with chunky control dials and an abundance of hard plastic. Cloth upholstery was standard, with synthetic leather available on higher trims for easy cleaning. Despite the leather upholstery in the Limited and Platinum trims, the cabin never achieved a high-end feel.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base 3.0-liter V6 produced 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, while the Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp. The Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp for peak performance. 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. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low center of gravity. The optional carbon ceramic brakes required some adjustment but offered strong stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, retaining its V8 charm.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two powertrains and rear-wheel drive or two four-wheel-drive systems. The base engine, a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, generated 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The i-Force Max hybrid system added an electric motor, increasing output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. The 4Runner hybrid, despite its torque, had a mid-to-low seven-second 0–60 mph time. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with more aggressive tuning in Sport mode. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain System drive modes. The TRD Off-Road model had part-time 4WD, while the Limited and Platinum models featured full-time 4WD. Off-road features included a locking rear differential, Bilstein dampers, and skid plates. However, the 4Runner's on-road dynamics were compromised, with notable lean in corners and firm suspension.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte features, with the base model including eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims added options 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 a comfortable second row and ample headroom. It could tow over 7,700 pounds and had a payload capacity of over 1,400 pounds. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 60 cubic feet with seats folded. The coupe version offered less space, and plug-in hybrids further reduced utility.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two or three rows of seating, with the front seats being the most comfortable. Heated front seats were standard on most trims, with power adjustments available on Premium trims and above. The second row had decent space but lacked comfort, with low seat bottoms and limited thigh support. The three-row version had limited legroom, making it suitable for children. Cargo space was competitive, with 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row in gas-only models and 42.6 cubic feet in hybrids. The three-row configuration had 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row. The second row could fold flat or tilt up for a flat load floor, but hybrid models had a higher load floor.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 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 screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided information to the driver, although it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came standard with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, with larger screens available on higher trims. The 14-inch touchscreen was easy to use, with quick access to functions. The 4Runner included a one-year trial of Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Service Connect, with a Wi-Fi hotspot available for a limited time. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provided programmable information, controlled by a five-way controller on the steering wheel. Standard tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a satellite radio trial, and a wireless phone charger on most trims.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like 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 not tested. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitors, cross-traffic alert, and traffic-jam assist. The 4Runner received mixed crash test scores, with four stars from the NHTSA and a Marginal score from the IIHS in some tests.