2026 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 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 like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. While the pricing could become steep, the customization ensured a unique vehicle. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle for added storage space.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia shared its ladder-frame platform with the Tundra pickup, giving it a tall and wide stance with blocky features. Its design included a large black grille, pronounced haunches over the wheels, and black wheel flares on most trims. The Capstone trim opted for body-colored flares. The Sequoia's cabin continued the chunky design with large dials suitable for gloved hands. The TRD Pro trim featured black synthetic leather upholstery with a camouflage pattern and red contrast stitching. While the quality was acceptable, the Sequoia felt more utilitarian than luxurious. Buyers could choose between cloth upholstery in the base SR5 trim or real leather in higher trims, with the Platinum and Capstone trims adding contrast stitching.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of 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 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though it was only available as a coupe. 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. The GTS could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low center of gravity. The Cayenne's adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires contributed to its agility, while optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Sport and Sport Plus modes, the Cayenne GTS offered a thrilling driving experience, while Normal mode transformed it into a comfortable commuter.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain called i-Force Max, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with an electric motor. This setup produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, with the electric motor adding 48 hp and 184 lb-ft for acceleration. The Sequoia's engine felt and sounded like a V8, offering strong performance from a stop and a 0-60 mph time of about six seconds. It could tow up to 9,520 pounds, aided by a haul mode and an optional Tow Tech package. However, the large towing mirrors were cumbersome and obstructed the driver's view. The Sequoia's handling was typical for a body-on-frame SUV, with noticeable body lean in corners and slow steering. The TRD Pro trim featured an off-road-tuned suspension with Fox coil-overs and shocks, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Sequoia's ride quality was generally good, with the TRD Pro's all-terrain tires providing additional comfort over rough terrain. The 4WD system offered low-range gearing and off-road drive modes, making it suitable for various off-road conditions.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled or massaging, and two-zone climate control. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing buyers to choose from various materials and features, but at an additional cost. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row and ample headroom. It could tow over 7,700 pounds and carry a payload of over 1,400 pounds. However, its cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 60 cubic feet with the seats folded down in the standard model. The coupe version offered less space, and plug-in hybrid models further reduced cargo capacity.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia could carry seven or eight passengers, with standard eight-way power seat adjustments in the first row. While the seats were wide, they lacked long-trip comfort. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilation available on most trims. The second row offered good comfort, especially with captain's chairs, and the third row could accommodate adults for short trips. However, the low seat bottoms in the third row compromised comfort on longer journeys. Cargo space was limited, with 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 22.5 cubic feet with the seats moved forward. With the third row folded, the Sequoia offered 49 cubic feet, and 86.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The cargo floor was not flat, but a cargo shelf helped level it.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster with up to seven views, depending on the trim level. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display ran the Porsche Communication Management system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed passengers to control navigation and media, with a screen filter preventing driver distraction. The screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control available for many functions. 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 2026 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Higher trims or an option on the base SR5 trim upgraded to a 14-inch touchscreen. The instrument cluster displayed trip information, fuel economy, and more, while the touchscreen offered shortcuts to wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and vehicle settings. Standard tech features included a three-month satellite radio trial, an eight-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi Connect, Remote Connect, and Safety Connect. Higher trims offered a head-up display, a 120-volt outlet, a wireless phone charger, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. The climate controls and drive mode selector were conveniently located on the center console.

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 not tested during the review. The Cayenne had not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, high-beam assist, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional standard features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors with automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia had not been tested by the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it mixed crash-test results. It received a Good rating in some tests but a Marginal score in others. The Sequoia's safety systems performed well during testing, but the wide tow mirrors posed a potential hazard by obstructing the driver's view.