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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  Cayenne S @ 5500 miles - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By gm austin - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The Cayenne does an extraordinary job of providing sports car like handling with real off-road capability and five passenger utility vehicle functionality. I have driven the vehicle on some fairly demanding off- road trails and the Cayenne was great. On pavement performance on a winding road is also impressive. It is very predictable with fairly high cornering limits. You can also load a bunch of passengers and cargo for long, comfortable trips as well. There has never been another vehicle with this range of capability.

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  Great SUV with ONE major flaw... - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By jfcpamba - June 30 - 6:52 am

  I bought a used Cayenned S with 50k miles on it. It is a great vehicle as most of the reviewers have noted. However, there is one major flaw which no one has pointed to in their reviews. The front buckets seats are extremely uncomfortable, probably the worst Ive ever sat on. The middle section is only about 16" wide and go up sharply from there to provide support, but it is extremely firm. My bottom side and hamstrings are literally sore after driving for an extended period of time. I am now driving with a pillow. A quick note, I am averaging about 15 MPG in mixed driving and the vehilce is solid. No other complaints other than those seats. Cmon Porsche, you can do better!

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  Cayenne S has been good so far - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By cayennes - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been no trouble yet.

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  Turbo is fantastic - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By X5owner - June 22 - 10:00 am

  The cayenne turbo is a fantastic blend of Performance and everday drivability. My old X5 was a pickup truck compared to the turbo. It is the perfect car for every sports car driver who needs an SUV. Price is high but worth it.

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  Not for the Timid - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Steve - June 13 - 6:16 am

  The car is very fun to drive and handles both city and highway very well. Comfortable, its not. The car is very stiff as are the seats, and the steering is heavy. I have had a dipped beam problem that does not seem to go away, and I have had it serviced for that twice. I have also had to replace the rear cup holders twice which inexplicably jammed in the console. If you are thinking of the 6 cylinder, then buy an Acura. Porsches are meant to have 8 cylinders. It costs me about $80 to fill the tank these days, so fuel efficient it is definitely NOT.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By dsippin - June 12 - 11:33 am

  Have owned my 2005 Cayenne S for seven months now and could not be happier. I have had absolutely no problems except that the navigation system stopped working right after purchase, the dealer replaced entire PCM system. It is the best handling vehicle that I have ever owned, although ride is a little stiff for touring. I wish I got the adjustable air suspenson option. The V8 engine is fabulous, smooth, and has excellent acceration. It gets acceptable gas mileage. The PCM system with navigation, satellite radio, and Bose sound system are all top notch, although the navigation system is more difficult to use than Acura system. I am happy that I purchased mine with the smooth leather and burl wood options. It has beautiful fit and finish. All in all - this is an excellent vehicle!

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  Overall an excellent vehicle - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By GP - June 6 - 8:06 am

  Before owning the Cayenne S, I owned a BMW 745Li. The vehicles are pretty similar. The BMW is incredible but the Cayenne is even more incredible considering`that it is an SUV and not a luxury car. The Cayenne S is well worth the money.

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  best suv ever - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Raimundo Alvarez - June 4 - 10:00 am

  It has BMW X5 4.6is road performance, or better, and Range Rover off-road ability! Great exterior and interior designs.

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  What you expect from Porsche Engineering - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Larry Wilde - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I went to purchase a Range Rover, test drove it, finding the car typically top heavy. Being a past Porsche owner, I was reluctant to test drive the Cayenne because of its plain appearance. I was exteremely impressed with the speed and handling experience of the Cayenne, and immediately decided on the purchase. The Cayenne is a little thirsty with fuel,and the suspension is firm, but the end result is an SUV that is a blast to drive.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Porsche Cayenne
  By ChadJamesR - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife loved the new look of the Cayenne so we decided to purchase one. It has been a great vehicle for the time we have owned it. We bought the VR6 model instead of the V8 as the $14k increase in price didnt seem worth it. The performance of the VR6 is everything you could want out of a SUV. Gas mileage is great at around 23mpg during city driving and up to 27 mpg on trip to the airport. If you want a sporty SUV and still have it practical, I dont know if there is a better vehicle on the market for you. I gave it an 8 for performance as the V8 and TT give the ultimate performance. The ride is a little rough but what do you expect with this good of handling.