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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  SUV Sports Car - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Martin Santos - October 27 - 5:43 pm

  This is a sports car in an SUVs body. It is a pleasure to drive. Youll never know how fast youre going until the car behind you is flashing his red lights. The quality is typical for a Porsche. I test drove all of the new SUVs, including the 2007 BMW X5 and nothing comes close. If youre looking for a strictly utilitarian vehicle there are others that are far cheaper, but you cant beat this as far as driving pleasure and fun.

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  2005 Porsche Cayenne 6 Cyl. Review - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Greg Wolfner - October 27 - 12:26 pm

  My Porsche Cayenns is an awesome SUV, I have the 6 cylinder model and would love to try the turbo. Make sure your Cayenne has the best headlights made. Im very disappointed in the standard headlights. This is not a very large SUV, the interior room is only fair. Keep in mind if you look to go off road that the stock tires are not designed for it. My final conclusion is that this is a 911 with a SUV Body. It is a lot of fun to drive!

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  Obnoxious Performance - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By RCD - October 8 - 6:06 am

  The "Oh my god I cant believe how fast and loud that gorgeous SUV is" look I get from drivers when I roar past them, is alone worth the $130K I spent on this vehicle. It may not be as pretty as the Range Rover or as practical as the X5, but it is definitely the most fun to drive. I only wish they made a bigger gas tank because Im constantly having to fill it up (approx. 10 mpg). Ive previously owned a CLK Benz and an Audi Allroad, and they dont even compare to the 08 Cayenne Turbo in acceleration and handling. Even though the price is ridiculous, you only live once, and it would be a shame if I died and didnt get to experience the thrill of driving this once-in-a- lifetime vehicle.

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  Base Cayenne Value with Sport Chrono - 2016 Porsche Cayenne
  By LIS Boater - September 27 - 6:02 am

  We bought a base Cayenne loaded with Sport Chrono. Drive the S and could not tell the difference around town and on highways despite the fewer horses. With Porsche, its about handling and overall performance. The base with Sport Plus and Chrono met our needs despite some less than flattering reviews by "experts" of the base engine/HP. We drove them all, including the Jeep SRT. All I can say is nothing made me smile as much as the Cayenne. Sport Plus and the Sport exhaust is a blast. Gurgles and pops are a welcomed noise for my family who often installs aftermarket cat-backs on our performance cars and trucks. No need here. Porsche engineers got it all right and at a push of a button, it can be as silent as a Mercedes. But, we hit the Sports Plus button upon starting to hear and feel the performance. No regrets not getting the S. while its faster 0-60 by two seconds, most of us dont stage race daily. On the open road its no slouch either. We can hold 4th gear to 110 MPH on the track, with 4 more gears to go.

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  The Great SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lou - September 26 - 5:03 am

  The SUV is an amazing vehicle. Its an SUV Carrera. The gas mileage is about 20 highway and 15 around town. Not bad for the suburbs. Handling is excellent. Just need an extra aux. pwr up front.

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  WOW!!! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By asoccerdad - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I had the opportunity to drive both the S and the Turbo on the Barber Motorsports Race track in Birmingham Alabama. I also drove the vehicle offroad. In a comparison drive vs. the X5 and the new Rover it was the hands down favorite. Off road it did stuff I would have never thought to try. On the track I was on the tail of a 911 going full tilt. WOW what a thrill. The interior is that of a luxury car, tastefully done with superior fit and finish. To all you Porsche nah sayers, ....go drive it. If you have the $$ their is no substitute.

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  What I wish I had known before purchasing! - 2017 Porsche Cayenne
  By NJ - September 19 - 9:01 pm

  I bought the Platinum edition Cayenne. Figured Id get all the important stuff, and thought I did. Guess you have to ask every question. Just because the button in the car says it has voice control doesnt mean it does. Found out the hard way. Very difficult to operate all the technology, like hands free phone calls and navigation with the car moving if you dont have the voice control. Cant turn off the navigation once it has started. No on/off button for the heat/AC system. You have to click the fan up or down multiple times to turn off. Annoying! In such a high-end car, Im VERY disappointed by the controls and lack of inclusion of the Voice Control. AND, it cant be retrofitted after the fact. I do like the keyless entry/start, the headlights that turn when you turn the wheel, the shades on the back windows, the extra side shades on the front windows, and the backup camera and front parking warning systems.

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  My First Porsche - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Rui Van-dunem - September 14 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a 4.6is BMW X5.The S is a great car Black/Black combination is the best you can find because of its aggressivness.I also bought a Turbo but because i prefer the European version than the US one im still waiting 4 availability of one at my "fantastic car finder" dealer Van Vliet Automobildrijven in Holland,while waiting im driving the S that is fast and fun to drive.S version i think its a little bit slower than the X5 4.6is but after 2500RPM is much much fun to drive because after that it acelerates like a plane.Im very anxious to put my hands on my future cayenne Turbo because all i read is that it is unique.

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  abesreview - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By abe fischer - September 2 - 2:00 am

  great performance,stunning looks,comfortable to drive.I also own other porsches like a c4 cabriolet and have owned numerous porsches for over 25 years. I also like the Turbo but not practical. My final price was approx 65,000 with goodies.Turbo should be a ten grand differential at most. Performance chips and enhancements are also in my repertoire when they become available as well as removable.

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  2004 Porsche Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By ARES - September 2 - 2:00 am

  The Cayenne Turbo is truly an awesome machine. Its a 911 and a SUV in one. I owned an X5 (which I loved)and thought was a great car, but it falls short of the Turbo by far. It cannot comparied to a VW Touareg or a Cayenne S, there is no comparison. Its worth every penny that I paid for it and I would do it again tomorrow.