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:

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By allen - May 23 - 9:33 am

  This is a really fun vehicle to drive. It is solid and reliable to own. My dealer and Porsche have been very responsive to any problems. It eats gas except for at highway speeds though.

• 

  The porsche SUV experience - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By ovacs - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Unbelievabe power. Great fun to drive. A true porsche experience. Only complaint is start up performance has hesitation because of high power and need for high octane

• 

  an exhilerating drive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By edward tourtelot - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Drives like an "S Class" Mercedes on the highway (with the air suspension). Mountain off-roading experience is confidence-building on ice, in the mud and over stumps and boulders. Compared to other SUVs,its almost a sports car with all the bells-and- whistles...an exhilerating ride.

• 

  Fun - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By wolfshir - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is the best I ever drove. Had many different models, none even close to the proformance this car has. I think that the Porsche can not be compared to the VW in interior or exterior looks. Drive long distance between CT and VA,fun, fun,fun.

• 

  Only A Porsche - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lisa - May 14 - 2:40 am

  The only car on the road that can clearly please the owner, the passengers and the ones lucky enough to see it drive by.

• 

  Class In Itself - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By kinta - April 20 - 4:30 pm

  The Porsche Cayenne turbo is a great SUV. It gets the looks and questions like any other Porsche. Off roading isnt its best feature though. I prefer the Range Rover over this truck and that is why I traded it in. The Cayenne had a lot of oversteer in icy conditions. The Ranger Rover isnt as fast with the super charger, but it uses the same amount of gas and is actually more comfortable. The head room is also better in the Range Rover, but build quality is better in the Cayenne Turbo. The AWD is OK in the Cayenne, but its same as Audis. If standing out is your game and speed is the key, get a Cayenne, but for practicality and pure off road use go for the Range Rover.

• 

  A GT3 SUV - 2009 Porsche Cayenne
  By bgsntth - April 17 - 3:23 am

  Will reiterate everything the pulluru already stated. This is an amazing vehicle. Very hardcore. Im 64", and have ample room in the front and rear seats. The cargo capacity in the rear is compromised, however (i.e, very small for an SUV). The ride is really good, even with 21" wheels, even in San Francisco. Sports-mode transforms the vehicle. Handling is ungodly, with cornering speeds being higher than my 2007 Cayman. PDCC is a must, though I would pass on the variable steering, as it is very artificial and "weird" in 20- 50mph city driving.

• 

  Never Knew an SUV Could be Fun to Drive! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ian - April 5 - 3:36 am

  My 2006 Porsche Cayenne S is fun to push around corners and is extremely well composed at high speeds. Its handling, acceleration, and exhaust note are fantastic! While its not as lithe as the Boxster I traded in on it, the 50/50 weight distribution and 62/38 rear wheel power bias of the AWD system give it a real sport sedan feel. I love it, love it, love it!

• 

  The best of the SUVs - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Maria - March 22 - 10:03 am

  I thought that the Porsche Cayenne was the last SUV Id ever consider buying, but after a test drive, I was sold. Its sexy, stylish, turns great, and has outstanding breaks. Plus, it is safer than other SUVs. this truck is excellence at its best.

• 

  Wonderful Machine - Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By AA - March 19 - 8:06 pm

  Having only owned this vehicle for a couple weeks, I already can tell you that it is fantastic. Great level of comfort and convenience from our CS. Have driven new V6 Cayenne, was not impressed with performance (08 should be better, however) so landed in CPO CS and am so very happy. Wonderful wet weather handling. Feels much lighter than its stats would suggest. Massive brakes also instill confidence and superb braking ability (L.A. accident avoidance maneuver proves it). Recommend fully.