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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  Love it - 2010 Porsche Cayenne
  By Hzsc - June 27 - 5:46 pm

  Previous SUVs we have owned have been the Lexus LX470 and GX470. We highly considered both the new GX460 and the BMW X-6, but went with the Cayenne after falling in love with it during a test drive. Power is much superior to the Lexus and similar to the V-8 BMW in my opinion. I would love to have the turbo edition, but hard to justify the price. We love the ability to switch between the sport and comfort setting. The cayenne GTS actually rides very smoothly in comfort mode. Much smoother than I anticipated. The navigation system with voice control is much improved over my LX470 or our 2008 CLK 550 Mercedes. The I-pod interface is also fantastic in its controlability. Great car.

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  I LOVE IT !! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Quadman - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Just passed the 1 year ownership mark and love this vehicle more each day. Great acceleration, drop the steering wheel triptronic down to 3rd hit the gas and get ready for a rocket ride. Just cant imagine what the turbo is like. Handling, better than most sport cars and way better than any SUV I have driven. Ride is a bit choppy, but thats what makes a 5000 lb SUV carve a cloverleaf at 55 mph. Quiet even at highway speed (somewhat dependent on road surface) Reliability, I have had zero problems with this car. Interior egronomics are great. Love the sound system and GPS is great although a pain to program when driving. Would by another, maybe the turbo next time!!

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  because we can - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By tere - June 25 - 10:00 am

  what an incredible vechicle. we have driven our cayenne s through the winding roads of arizona....we had soooo much fun. i can depend on this car to keep my family safe. we love its power and elegance. thankyou for designing this great machine, it compares to no other.

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  Best in class, excellent face lift! - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By John - June 20 - 5:00 am

  I bought mine early March and so far love it. The 3.6 puts out 290 HP and works well for my needs, I have the tip trans. and Im happy with the smooth shifting. We had 7 inches of snow a few weeks ago and this thing eats its way up my snow and ice covered drive much better than the X5 ever did!

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  First Time in Porsche - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By 1st Time in Porsche - June 10 - 6:50 am

  After driving five other so called competitors of the Cayenne it was no contest when it comes to performance. As a Corvette driver, I have been spoiled with high end performance car but now that my wife and I will be blessed with a child...it was time to think bigger. The Porsche SUV was not on my initial list but the more Ive compared the extra few dollars can be well justified.

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  best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By randy hunt - June 5 - 4:53 am

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. All around it is the best in every category. I had a Tiptronic twin turbo 911, and for a sports car that was the best. The Cayenne is just as much fun to drive. My only regret is that I did not buy the turbo version, but I thought Id send my daughter to a year in college instead.

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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.

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  Love my car - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Linda - May 16 - 4:36 am

  I was so happy with my Mercedes sedan, but didnt want a US made SUV, so I went looking. To my surprise only two SUVs were German-made. I tried the Porsche Cayenne and purchased the S because I like a V8 engine. I was going to purchase a 2004 but waited for the 2005 hoping they would have an available telephone.

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  The 2004 Porsche Cayeene is Very Safe - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By joe - May 11 - 9:10 pm

  I walked away from a head on 70+ mph collision with very large 4 door european sedan! Both vehicles were totaled and the other occupant did not fair as well initially. This is a very safe and well built SUV.

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  Is this really an SUV? - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By jimmyzslc - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many Porsches & many other SUVs. After owning this vehicle for only 2 weeks, I had little trouble letting my 2002 C4S (my most favorite car EVER) go to the secondary market. Id like to see ANY other manufacturers vehicle hold the resale value that the C4S brought in the secondary market. While the Cayenne may not be all things to all people, it serves ALL of my transportation needs while providing a great value proposition.