Mitsubishi ASX vs Porsche Cayenne
What's the difference?

Mitsubishi ASX

$37,740 - $46,490

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Porsche Cayenne

$144,900 - $376,200

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Mitsubishi ASX

2026 Porsche Cayenne

By Tim Nicholson

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

—

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

—

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Flexible, practical interior
Sprightly turbo engine
Fun to drive

Immense performance
Surprisingly capable off-road
Thoughtful cabin design

Dislikes

Base LS missing several features
Temporary spare wheel should be standard
Much more expensive than previous ASX

No new petrol or hybrid variant (yet)
Coupe bodystyle loses practicality
Off-road bodykit looks awkward

2026 Mitsubishi ASX Summary

For 15 years the Mitsubishi ASX has been one of the most popular SUVs in Australia. Well into its life cycle, it maintained strong sales thanks to keen pricing and a reputation for reliability.

The second-generation ASX is finally here, but it’s a very different proposition to the original.

For starters, the new model is a twin of French brand Renault’s Captur small SUV. That model is not currently sold here, so Mitsubishi has clear air, for now.

Secondly, it’s no longer cheap. Pricing puts this new model into the high-$30,000 section of the segment, but it also gains modern tech and specs.

Whether buyers care that the ASX has gone upmarket remains to be seen. But we attended the Australian launch to see if French flair has improved the ASX formula.

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2026 Porsche Cayenne Summary

No good deed goes unpunished.

Porsche, a brand synonymous with petrol-guzzling sports cars, tried to do the right thing and make a nearly wholesale switch to electric vehicles by the end of the decade. The problem was, while this made governments happy, it didn’t sit well with customers.

Porsche’s all-electric Macan is enduring a torrid 2026, with sales down over 75 per cent now that all the petrol-engined options are gone.

But that hasn’t stopped the German brand trying again with an all-electric Cayenne. However, there are some key differences that mean this latest electric Porsche won’t suffer the same fate.

Namely, the petrol-powered and hybrid versions aren’t going anywhere and new versions are rumoured to be coming in the not-too-distant future.

For now though, we have this all-new electric Cayenne - so how does it stack up to its predecessors as the sports car brand’s big SUV? And will it be second time lucky for Porsche’s electric transition? Based on two rather unorthodox days of test driving, the verdict might surprise you…

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mitsubishi ASX 2026 Porsche Cayenne

Verdict

There is no question the new ASX is a much better car to drive than the model it replaces. This one is actually fun behind the wheel. The tech represents a massive upgrade, so too does the interior design and practicality. The fact is, it’s a much more expensive car than the old ASX. It is a European built and designed small SUV with loads more tech and features so when you consider that, the pricing makes more sense.

Regardless of the previous model, this new ASX impresses. It’s not perfect - the LS is missing too many items, no hybrid, slightly firm ride - but it’s now a genuine rival for higher quality rivals in the small SUV segment. If the ASX is in your price bracket, it might be time to add it to the consideration list.

Verdict

There is a lot riding on this new Cayenne Electric, it is the sales leader for the German brand and if it suffers the same sales decline as the Macan, that will be a big concern for Porsche.

The good news is it’s an impressive all-rounder, with an incredible breadth of capability. But so is the electric Macan.

Going electric hasn’t diminished its trademark Porsche elements, and instead has amplified them in many respects. The speed is nothing short of staggering in the Turbo, but across the range the on and off-road driving ability is impressive.

Plus it has the kind of spacious, well-considered and premium appointed cabin you should expect for a luxury SUV.

There are two key differences that could see it succeed where the Macan has faltered. Unlike the Macan, Porsche’s decision to give Cayenne buyers the option to stick with internal combustion if they prefer, is likely to ensure it remains a popular member of its line-up for years to come.

And while the Macan was perhaps too much, too soon, the Cayenne arrives at a time when Australians are embracing electric cars more than ever before. Although the luxury and performance end of the EV market is growing more slowly than the mainstream.

As for the pick of the range, as mind-blowing as the Turbo is, the truth is (like pretty much every Porsche model) the entry-level Cayenne is arguably the pick of the bunch. It has all the performance you’ll reasonably need and offers a good blend of capability and luxury for the lowest price.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Mitsubishi ASX vs Porsche Cayenne What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mitsubishi ASX vs Porsche Cayenne
What's the difference?