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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  Accept No Substitute - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Dave S. - March 15 - 6:23 pm

  I had an Infiniti FX35 Infiniti before my Porsche Cayenne. The FX was definitely faster for a V6, but I still think overall it cannot touch the Cayenne for looks or attention to detail.

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  Just got to drive one to be hooked - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By mabell - March 7 - 10:40 am

  Downsized from an Excursion. Wasnt really looking for this car but once you drive her, you will be hooked. Its really hard not to push her on the roads, she responds fast. Had a radar detector installed so I have only had her up to 120 but she still had power to spare. Love the interior, I opted for the exterior mounted tire which I think makes her sportier. Gas mileage is around 13 mpg but didnt buy her for the gas mileage but still gets more than an excursion. Handles every bit as well as a Porsche should especially since its an SUV. Go drive one if in doubt and its nice not to see yourself coming and going like all the other luxury SUVS.

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  Just Love It - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By VT - March 1 - 1:33 am

  Yes, its a Porsche. Its not an SUV at all. Performance and fun definitely make a statement and can only come from Porsche.

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  good with some surprises - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By raytoei - February 28 - 11:10 pm

  Unlike the previous reviewers, I wasnt looking for a SUV, as such, I did not really do any due diligence on the Audi Q6 or BMW X5; it was really either a luxury saloon upgrade for my 520i or the Cayenne. In the end, we decided on the Cayenne because this is the only Porsche where the whole family can actually experience together.

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  Love It! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Marc - February 26 - 9:40 am

  Car is extremely well put together and fun to drive, vehicle gets expensive with ala carte options that are standard with the competition. Only annoyance is that when you need to park it for an extended period the battery will drain down, there is no "long term stand bye mode". Total plus of this design is the navigation, you can disable it and drive fr weeks without seeing an annoying navigation warning. Nice job Porsche!

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  Fun is an understatement - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By SBS - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This handles better then any other vehicle I have ever driven. It is a gas around curves even in the high altitude of Colorado. There are some negatives though....I purchased some upgrades that are more nuisance than anything. The back hatch never seems to close & it is supposed to be automatic and I have a "ghost" in my radio, it changes stations on its own. Otherwise I love this vehicle.

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  Great performance, poor reliability - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Gustavo - February 12 - 1:26 am

  This SUV is a dream to drive. The handling is superb and the feeling of comfort and security are incredible. However, I had to: 1. Reprogram the software several times, 2. Replace a solenoid in the transmission (hard painful "clunk" when decelerating), 3. Replace crankshaft because of defective rubber housing, 4. cheap plastic parts in the interior keep braking at minor touch, 5. PCM2 system screen went bad after 60,000 miles. According to the dealer and my mechanic, all of the above problems seem to be common for the 2005 model. I hope that Porsche is listening. Would I buy another Cayenne again? Absolutely yes. The pleasure of driving one far exceeds the pain of repairing it.

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  best car ever - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Porsche convert - February 8 - 5:33 am

  Great fun to drive in all weather. Extremely sure footed and responsive. No problem driving thru 2 blizzards. I find my journeys take longer as I find excuses to go the long way round.

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  Porsche, mispronounced & misunderstood - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Joe - February 5 - 3:10 pm

  The Porsche Cayenne is an exciting vehicle because it is a Porsche. It goes over bumps badly and the legroom in the back could be roomier. It is awkward to get to the cup holders in the front which are too small for an average water bottle but perfect for fountain drinks or an evian. As far as driving goes it is a great ride. The speed of this vehicle is wasted on a stay at home mom such as myself. However, I bought mine for prestige alone. I am too cute for a minivan so this five seater accommodates me and my 4 kids comfortably. The looks and stares I get from people was worth the cost alone, that and the cool key. I would definately rate the Cayenne as an appropriate dream/practical car.

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  Best SUV for Car Enthusiasts - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Mark - January 18 - 6:56 pm

  The Porsche Cayenne V6 gets a bad rap in the motoring press because at "only" 247hp and 229 lb. torque, there is not much power to move around 4,800 lbs. of SUV. If you know how to drive a sports car, and like to shift gears, however, I have found the V6 to be plenty of power for American roads. Keep the revs above 2,500 and save more than $15,000 over the S model and get an extra 2 mpg over V8 version. The suspension is pure Porsche. I replaced a BMW X5 3.0 with my Cayenne which is at about the same price point. I find the Porsche to be: more comfortable, better handling, a little more spacious, better offroad, and way more fun to drive. It is solid as a rock, too, and feels overengineered - 7,700 lb. towing capacity speaks for itself.