SUVs needn’t be boringly practical, and if you’re after something that can serve as a sports car on the weekends, then you might be struggling with the Porsche Cayenne vs. BMW X5 dilemma.

They’re both full-size SUVs with space for at least five to sit comfortably, each with enough space in the boot to make light work of the family’s luggage.

Whether you’re after the last word in fuel economy – because yes, there are hybrids – or you prefer the sound of a V8, they both have you covered.

Despite their similarities, certain differences set them apart so each caters to a slightly different type of buyer. We outline those key differences here.

• Find used BMW X5 models

• Find used Porsche Cayenne models

Which is more stylish: BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne?

Whether you’re looking at a BMW X5 or a Porsche Cayenne, you can be sure that both brands have plenty of sporting background, so they look the part even in their most basic forms.

From the outside, the BMW X5 has a much more traditional, boxy SUV shape. Think of it as a blend of practicality, rugged off-road styling, and plenty of visual appeal.

The Porsche Cayenne looks much more sporty thanks to a long bonnet and a coupé-like sloping bootline. This is even more evident in the Cayenne Coupé, which is more similar to the BMW X6.

The same is true of the interior, where the Cayenne’s dashboard and centre console appear to wrap around the driver as they would in a sports car.

That’s not to say that the X5’s interior is bland, and both models are finished with high-quality materials and the latest car tech.

What is it like to drive a Porsche Cayenne vs. a BMW X5?

BMW sold some X5 models with rear-wheel drive, but very few of these sold compared to the four-wheel-drive models. All Porche Cayennes use four-wheel drive.

As well as the obvious off-roading benefits, this also means that both should perform well in slippery conditions, whether that’s rain or ice and snow.

A small handful of X5 models are available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, but the 3.0-litre engine was much more popular and befitting of a car of this size. It’s the one we recommend.

There’s also a plug-in hybrid version that uses an electric motor to boost the 2.0-litre petrol engine, so it’s pretty quick but not too expensive to run. Later 2018-onward models use a 3.0-litre petrol engine, but they have a larger battery pack so they can travel further on electric power alone.

If you’re after performance then a couple of 4.4-litre V8s are available, which in the latest X5 M Competition are good for 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, but they’re expensive to maintain.

Because it’s designed to be sporty, the Porsche Cayenne is only available with V6 and V8 engines, and there are more petrol options than you’ll find from BMW.

There are V6 plug-in hybrid models to pick from, but don’t expect them to be as economical as a Toyota Prius. They can do some electric-only motoring, but they’re designed to be quick, not super-efficient.

They both weigh more than two tonnes and feel their size to drive, but for what they are, they’re incredibly engaging to drive if you like to push it now and again.

Interior and technology of the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5

The X5 was one of the company’s first cars to upgrade the ‘iDrive’ infotainment system to use a touchscreen display, but the control in the centre console is more comfortable to use and makes this system one of the best.

The Cayenne’s system doesn’t disappoint, either. It shares many of its parts with the Volkswagen Touareg, so expect the same high-quality equipment with even more Porsche quality.

Whichever you buy, the key controls like volume and temperature still have physical inputs. Some other cars put all of this on the touchscreen, which can become awkward to use on the go.

• Read our BMW X5 review

• Read our Porsche Cayenne review

Boot space and practicality of the BMW X5 vs. Porsche Cayenne

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the boxier-looking X5 has a larger boot, but with all five seats in place, the BMW X5 has the smaller boot of the two models at 650 litres, compared with the Porsche Cayenne at 772 litres.

If you need to carry bulky items, the X5 comes out on top though, at 1,870 litres with the seats folded compared with 1,708 litres for the Cayenne.

It’s worth noting that hybrid models for both cars suffer because the battery eats into boot space. The hybrid X5 loses 150 litres of space, while the hybrid Cayenne loses 145 litres.

If you’re after the Cayenne Coupé, expect a smaller space thanks to that sloping roofline – 592 litres with the seats up and 1,502 litres with them down. The hybrid version loses 158 litres of space.

For reference, the BMW X6, which is classed as a different model despite sharing most of its parts with the X5, has a 580-litre boot (1,530 litres with the rear seats folded). There’s no hybrid version.

Porsche Cayenne vs. BMW X5 reliability and safety

Although it’s a sporty Porsche, the Cayenne actually shares parts with the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7, so upkeep isn’t as expensive as you might think.

Even so, maintaining an SUV of this size will be a lot more costly than a small hatchback, so expect heavy bills for servicing, tyres, insurance and tax. The same is true of the X5, though.

Both cars have performed well in reliability tests, but BMW generally outperforms Porsche according to customer satisfaction surveys. Bear in mind that Porsches aren’t as common, so data on those is less readily available, which can skew figures.

Both were awarded five-star safety ratings when tested by Euro NCAP, but the Cayenne stands out for its exceptional adult protection. The X5 has it trumped on all the other categories, though.

What are the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne dimensions?

Fitting either of these in a car park can be a challenge at almost five metres long. The BMW measures 4,935mm long, 2,004mm wide, and 1,765mm tall.

The Cayenne is narrower at 1,983mm and shorter at 1,698mm, but just as long at 4,930mm. The Porsche Cayenne Coupé is just as long and wide but sits a bit lower at 1,678mm.

For reference, the BMW X6 is 4,960mm long, 2,004mm wide, and 1,700mm tall.

Porsche Cayenne vs. BMW X5: which should you buy?

The X5 is an incredibly popular SUV, which means there are plenty available, and parts are just as readily available. It’s best suited to families who need an incredibly practical car that’s fun and safe to drive.

Those looking for a sportier feel should consider the Cayenne, but be prepared to front slightly higher bills.

Learn more:

• Best luxury SUVs

• Best sports SUVs