Overview & Reviews

Porsche raised the public's collective eyebrow when it decided to enter the sport-utility vehicle business in 2003 with the bulbous Cayenne. However, despite the grumblings of purists, this midsize luxury SUV has proven itself worthy of the vaunted Porsche name over the course of two generations.

With a lineup that stretches into six-digit territory when new and engines that range from a hybrid V6 to a twin-turbo V8, the Porsche Cayenne isn't your typical midsize SUV. Nor is it the most practical or family-friendly. Indeed, the Cayenne's relatively small cargo area, high load floor and lack of a third-row seat option limit its real-world functionality.

But in terms of spirited driving, there are few better. Thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, razor-sharp steering and superb brakes, the Porsche Cayenne demonstrates surprising dexterity around corners. The current generation isn't quite as adept off-road as the original Cayenne, but it's also lighter and more nimble, a trade-off that most shoppers will likely appreciate. New or used, a Cayenne is one of the best luxury SUVs you can get.

Current Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne is a five-seat midsize luxury SUV with numerous trims that correspond to engine choice. The base Cayenne features a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower, along with all-wheel drive and a novel six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic is optional with the V6 and standard on everything else. Stepping up to the Cayenne S gets you a 4.8-liter V8 that gets the party started with 400 horses. The Cayenne Turbo rocks a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 rated at 500 hp, while the Turbo S ups the ante to 550 hp. Should you care more about efficiency than performance, the Cayenne S Hybrid produces 380 hp but beats the base V6's fuel economy, while the Diesel's torque-rich 240-hp V6 uses even less fuel and still delivers authoritative thrust.

Inside, the Cayenne employs an enveloping, cockpit-style layout reminiscent of the Porsche Panamera, with ample standard features and as many options as your bank account can handle. The center console, adorned with upwards of 50 buttons, rises rakishly to meet the dashboard and its large touchscreen display. As with other Porsches, the Cayenne's interior boasts sumptuous materials and excellent build quality. The sculpted rear seats not only recline but slide fore and aft as well. Maximum cargo capacity, however, is more in line with compact crossovers at just 62.9 cubic feet.

In reviews, we've been astonished by the current Porsche Cayenne's athleticism. It can be hustled along a curving road with gusto, yet the ride manages to stay supple, even with the optional active dampers in their most aggressive setting. And although this Cayenne isn't meant for serious off-road use, it can still hold its own in light-duty applications. If we were making a list of the most capable vehicles across all driving scenarios, the Cayenne would be right there at the top.

Used Porsche Cayenne Models
The current, second-generation Porsche Cayenne was introduced for 2011. It may look smaller than the SUV it replaced, but this is actually an optical illusion created by the new model's lower nose and raked roof pillars. In reality, this Cayenne is fractionally longer, wider and taller. Pleasingly, though, it's about 400 pounds lighter thanks to the deletion of the dual-range transfer case (meant to permit serious off-roading) and the use of lighter-weight body panels. Besides this trip to Jenny Craig, the second-generation Cayenne benefits from sharper driving reflexes, invigorated engines and a new interior with better materials and more luxury features.

The current Cayenne has received a few notable updates during its run. The 550-hp Turbo S model didn't arrive until 2014, but from 2012-'13 a Power Kit was offered for the regular Turbo that increased output to 540 hp. Also, the Diesel and GTS models weren't introduced until 2013, and a Platinum Edition package (including special silver exterior accents and added luxury features) was unveiled for base and Diesel models in 2014.

The first-generation Porsche Cayenne was produced from 2003-'10 and came equipped with a heavy-duty all-wheel-drive system that included low-range gearing. At heart, though, the original Cayenne was all about on-road performance, just like the current model. It was considered one of the best-handling SUVs of its time -- not to mention one of the fastest in S, GTS and Turbo guises.

Inside, the driver sat high above traffic in comfortable bucket seats, facing a three-spoke steering wheel and a center-mounted tachometer that paid homage to Porsche's sports cars. The ignition was even mounted on the left side of the dash in classic Porsche style. Materials quality was generally very good throughout the cabin, but the advanced electronics controls weren't especially user-friendly. The original Cayenne wasn't the most spacious midsize SUV either, lacking the cargo and rear seat space of some similarly priced competitors.

Originally, there were only Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo styles. The S model's 4.5-liter V8 produced 340 hp, while the turbocharged version of the same engine pumped out 450 horses. A six-speed automatic transmission was standard. A 247-hp 3.2-liter V6 base model arrived in 2004, and its standard transmission became a six-speed manual for 2005 (the rest of the Cayenne line stuck with the auto). That year also saw the addition of a few options, such as a panoramic sunroof and a Turbo Power Kit that boosted output to 500 hp and upgraded the brakes. For 2006, the range-topping Cayenne Turbo S debuted, producing a monstrous 520 hp that whisked the Cayenne to 60 mph as quickly as a 911 Carrera of the same era.

The Cayenne was not produced for model year 2007, but the following year brought major changes. The styling was given a welcome face-lift, the suspension was revised for sharper handling and every engine gained more power. The base V6 now produced 290 hp, the Cayenne S's V8 385 hp and the Turbo an even 500 hp. The Turbo S was put on hiatus. The Cayenne GTS model also arrived for '08, featuring a 405-hp version of the S model's V8 along with a six-speed manual transmission, 21-inch wheels, an active air suspension and a lower ride height. The Turbo S made its return for 2009 packing 550 hp.

User Reviews:

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  I hate my Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By drbob - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Seat comfort is terrible and sitting in them becomes somewhat painful after long trips. Every small road variation is felt as a hard sharp bump; my teeth are getting loose! Fourtunately,my SUV has sept many nights and weeks in the shop tso I can experience a pleasant ride with the Ford loaner.

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  04 Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Porsche - December 5 - 10:40 am

  I have Owned many SUVs over the years and this is by far the most enjoyable ride.

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  Very good, but had too high expectations - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By MYCAY - November 18 - 5:20 am

  I agree with the previous posts about light bulbs and transmission, and would add that the V6 is terribly underpowered esp. for the fuel economy. I just had one blinker bulb changed at the dealer at a cost of $80. Its not something I want to play around with myself in this car... the entire headlight assembly has to be removed to change any bulb. The engine is sadly underpowered but the transmission itself is enough to almost ruin the driving experience. I completely agree with the other reviewer who said this Japanese-made tranny does not do the job. I often wonder how Porsche engineers ever thought this engine/tranny combo was worthy of the Porsche badge because, in my opinion, its not.

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  Loved this car for 4 years and then... - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By roy_taylor - October 22 - 2:16 pm

  I absolutely loved everything about my Cayenne GTS and have been thrilled with it, until this weekend. On a ski trip to Mammoth from LA the transmission has gotten stuck in low range. It wont move up to give me a limited differential and it wont move down to road mode. If I try the 307 mile journey home I have to do it at 50mph. I googled the issue and now find that its a common problem. Porsche roadside assistance is coming tomorrow to get it but wont tow it back to LA only to Fresno. Porsche have totally let ,me down.

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  Engine Failure - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By biodev - October 17 - 11:42 am

  I am / was the original owner of a 2004 Cayenne S. I carefully maintained the car with oil changes every 7 to 10K miles, transmission fluid at 80K and the car was not driven hard. Overall the Cayenne was great to drive but extremely expensive to maintain, numerous brake jobs and sets of tires. The real disappointment was this past week after 9 years and 121K miles the engine failed. The issue was a cylinder scoring leading to failure of cylinder one. The Cayenne engine can not be rebuilt and a replacement engine is about $22K installed, used engines are about $8k installed. Upon searching the web the engine failure is not unique and it seems like it is a major issue with old Cayennes.

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  My First Long-Term Keeper - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By MikeD - July 29 - 1:50 am

  Typically after nine months I am trading in my cars for something new and different to drive, typically another German sports car. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is my first Porsche and SUV and it drives like a real sports car, not an SUV. Everything in the car is well placed, tight, beautiful, and serves its purpose. Not only can you load the car up with options, but you can also add some of the aftermarket options as well from many makers. I have had no problems with the vehicle.

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  A Great Car - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Joeval - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I been driving my new Porsche for 6 weeks now and love it. The handleing is excellent and it gets the same gas milage as a MB ML 320.

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  Twin Turbo To Die For - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Steebie - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle to drive for fun. Not for your average Family SUV. This is a high performance SUV that takes off, stops on a dime, corners like no other SUV, and totally engrosses every one of your senses. Gas mileage is terrible, but if you can afford the turbo, gas mileage cannot be an issue, since range is excellent at over 550 miles. Everyone I know who owns one of these rockets is in love with it, including men and women.

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  Steering rack replaced after 3 weeks - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By shuffle - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a Cayene S 3weeks ago.It has been back to the dealer for service 3 times. The entire steering system is being replaced. Other than huge factory defects the car is great. If you buy this car get a letter in writing from your dealer that they will pick up your car and give you another Porsche as a loaner! I have been given a Pontiac and am not very happy that it seems that I have spent $80,000 on a Grand Prix. Luckily I can ride a bike to work!

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  Confused SUV - 2011 Porsche Cayenne
  By itzsyk - May 26 - 1:07 pm

  Had this car for 5 months now, and I still regret not test driving it before signing the papers. Just got out of a RRS so I thought Id give the Cayenne a try. The car is stupid fast. Almost to the point where driving at limit speeds is very boring. But the biggest thing that gets me is....what is it? Its not an SUV and it certainly isnt a 911. Id rather go with a RR or X5 next time because if I wanted a sport car, Id go pick up a proper 2dr. Also, the Cayenne felt very similar to the Panamera, which in my opinion, does not know if its a sedan or a sports car as well.