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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  The cool car I wish to own - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By wa - April 3 - 11:26 pm

  I think this car is sporty,related to the 911,and completely cool.A V6 does start at the same price(or a little more)as the Lexus RX 330 AWD. I would wish to own one.

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  The Homing Pigeon - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Andrew C - April 1 - 10:40 pm

  The Porsche Cayenne S has great driveability for an SUV but sadly we call ours the Homing Pigeon because it spends so much time in the dealer shop. Mostly small warning light problems but also an amazing number of recalls - I think 6 to date, mostly software upgrades. We now have a home in the Canadian boonies and unreliability plus no spare means this car is to be changed for a Lexus LX 470 To be fair the Toronto service shop has been well above average in looking after us but at the end of the day I want the car on the road, not in the shop. BTW the 19" tires are just horrible in snow - I bought an 18" set of rims and dedicated winter Scorpions and then she was great.

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  Porsches are cool - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By pollie - March 22 - 10:46 pm

  Hi I have a Porsche Cayenne s. It drives great, and its looks are very good. It is fun to drive because it has that feel of a true race car. driving it with PSM off is magical.I like my Cayenne except there is something on the dashboard that rattles that I need it fixed so I can like this 60,000 dollar car better. I like Porsches! there fun and I like my old one 2! bye

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  Poor Reliability - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Dan - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Parking Brake broke after a few tries. Replaced transmission drive at 40K miles and gear shift really poorly. Climate Control awful making so much noise. LED dashboard was so bad that needed to replace as warranty item. Sun Glasses box broke and cost $250. Oil change or minor maint. is very expensive. I wouldnt buy it if given second chance. Stylist and good performance but reliability is not in the design process. Beside the design for perf. must take reliability and cost-efficient sustainability seriously. Good name Porsche is tainted.

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  Owner/driver - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ron Joffe - January 30 - 7:40 pm

  Had excellent buying experience with dealer in every aspect. The vehicle is everything we expected. My only negative is the ride is very stiff. Vehicle has only 1600 miles on it and hopefully that will soften up a bit.

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  Best SUV - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By John - January 15 - 8:56 am

  I have to say this is the best SUV on the market, hands down. Ride comfort, true utility and of course the Porsche acceleration and tuned exhaust make driving the Cayenne S a must. Ergonomics are perfect, even for a guy my size (63" and 375#). Turning radius is much better than expected. Its takes a bit of getting used to the transmission which solidly downshifts, keeping you always in an optimum engine torque range. Very tight in corners. Options and controls are intuitive, no problem getting to know the bells and whistles without reading the owners manual (the manly thing). Interior lighting at night is exceptionally well engineered.

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  Very Fun Car - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Harry - January 14 - 9:53 pm

  I replaced my BMW 2003 X5 with a Porsche Cayenne S. The power and handling are incredible. The Tiptronic shifter is similar to BMWs. I also have it on the steering wheel, which is very handy for fast acceleration or passing. The Cayenne handles better than the Sport Edition of the BMW X5 3.0 model that I had. It is better on the bumps in the road. Its cornering is better too. The sound of the engine is what is incredible about the Cayenne. It has that great Porsche sound. It is a good SUV for the family. There are some features I wished the Cayenne had that the BMW has, but in terms of handling and comfort of drive - Ill take the Cayenne S over the BMW X5 Sport Edition any day. It will be interesting what the NEW BMW X5 is like. Drive both before you buy.

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  A Quiet Beast - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By rdufer - January 9 - 10:00 am

  There isnt any way to rationalze the purchase of this car-unless you have driven one! The power is unending just depress the accelerator and it just keeps coming. The only thing better than the power is the brakes and handling! The interior is beautiful and very quiet unless of course you turn on the wonderful sound system! This is the first SUV we have had that my wife actually wants to drive. Is it perfect, no, but did I mention the power.....it makes you forget any other short comings! The electronics are complicated and it took me a while to work them all out, but once set you just enjoy. It does like fuel in the city but averaged 19.6 on a road trip.

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  Next best after 911 - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By tjappe - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The best SUV car I have ever driven. You can not compare it to a 911 and you should not. It is very good car for long drives and terrain. One 911 and one Cayenne and then you´ve got it...

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  Porsche Cayenne hot as a pepper - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By JAVIER - December 3 - 10:00 am

  The handling on the vehicle at high speeds around curves is outstanding. My wife has the BMW X-5 and my car outperforms hers in everythig. The navigation systems is also better than what I expected. I compared mine to the one the Mercedez 500 SL convertible and the Cadillac Escalade have, and its much better (my co- workers have the two other vehicles). The additional lighting when you make turns is also awsome. Parking assist is super as well. There is nothing to complain about in regards to this car.