2025 Porsche Cayenne vs 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear and a 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 like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. While the pricing could escalate with customizations, the Cayenne promised a unique and personalized driving experience. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid underwent a redesign, resulting in a more cohesive yet conventional appearance. Its blockier shape and rugged black plastic elements hinted at off-road capabilities. The hybrid model closely mirrored its non-hybrid counterpart, with subtle badges and an optional contrasting black roof on the top Touring trim. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous design elements, such as a beveled dashboard center section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats offering ample cushioning and support. The rear seats, while less luxurious, were designed for durability. The Forester Hybrid aimed to balance mass appeal with its rugged charm.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of delivering 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 engine with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though only available as a coupe. The plug-in hybrid options reached up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, 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 driving, with precise steering and agile handling. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, and the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter in Normal mode.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder "boxer" engine, combined with a parallel hybrid system featuring two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced 194 horsepower, surpassing the standard Forester's 180 hp. The hybrid powertrain, similar to Toyota's, featured an all-wheel drive system with a traditional driveshaft for better traction. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made it feel slower. The hybrid system operated smoothly, with seamless transitions between electric and engine power. The Forester Hybrid excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to Subaru's X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control. On-road, it offered a firm ride, with larger wheels contributing to some ride firmness. The Forester Hybrid found a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort.

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 a heated steering wheel. Higher trims like the GTS added features like a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with no third-row seating option. The standard Cayenne provided 27.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to over 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The coupe version offered slightly less space, and the plug-in hybrid models had reduced cargo capacity.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unimpeded forward view, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The front seats provided ample space, and the cockpit felt open and airy. The rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets. The Forester Hybrid provided 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, matching the non-hybrid model. The upright tail design allowed for bulkier items, and a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases facilitated loading. An optional digital rearview mirror maintained visibility when the cargo area was fully loaded.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. It 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 screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided information to the driver, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system received praise for its user-friendly interface and large on-screen buttons. Physical buttons flanking the screen allowed for easy temperature adjustments. The X-Mode off-road drive menu was accessible through the screen, and external camera views aided off-roading. The Forester Hybrid included a WiFi hotspot and, in higher trims, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

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 for safety.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, which received four stars. The non-hybrid model received high marks from the IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick award. The Forester Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety features, such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Rear automatic braking and automatic high beams were standard, with a driver attention monitor on the top trim. The safety systems functioned well, with the option to disable audible alarms.