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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  Maybe the Perfect Vehicle - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Steve - October 3 - 4:33 pm

  This may be the perfect comprimise between a sporty car and off road vehicle, still keeping comfort in mind. The Cayenne Turbo is very fast, with pick up that does not make me miss my sports car, yet it drives off road like a Land Rover and I can take 5 large adults for a ride each having plenty of room. It has plenty of storage space for carrying groceries and has lots of luxury features, such as sunroof, satellite radio, heated seats, CD player, BOSE stereo, navigation, etc. Literally, nothing is missing, and everything is done well. I can even tow several tons behind me. The drive is comfortable and sporty and really, as I said, this maybe the perfect vehicle that does everything very well

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  They fooled me once - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By GEORGE the FOOL - October 2 - 10:00 am

  First the engine would not stop and the key got stock. Rear door wont close. No spear tire at all. Now the car is at the dealer waiting for parts from Germany. This is not what I was expecting from my first Porsche.

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  Almost Perfection - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Smerj - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The only thing wrong with this car is the rather stiff ride (his car only comes with regular suspension unlike the Turbo model which has three different suspension options). It rides like a dream on smooth payment but is rather jarring when driving in the city or on bumpy roads. Otherwise, this car is a joy to drive and truely worthy of calling itself a Porsche.

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  The best of the breed - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Mwarrior7 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is probably the best SUV I have ever owned far better that the Escalade that I traded in.

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  Cayenne Limo - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By TRU Limo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Recently, I purchased a Cayenne and had it stretched to fit a comfortable 12 passengers. I own a limo comapny in New Jersey and specialize in exotic limos. The Porsche was not the best looking vehicle on the market, it was the best built. Also, I built a BMW X5 back in 2001 and it got rave reviews. The Porsche really gives the X5 a run for the money. I never thought a Porsche SUV could handle like a car. I give it 5 stars.

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  A Big Surprise - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By chollis - September 17 - 11:36 pm

  It just keeps getting better with every mile I drive it. Performance, handling, feel, etc. right up there with what I expect from a Porsche. More sporty than my Audi A6 2.7T. Handling not what the Carrera offers, but a real joy on the corners. Leather is great, PCM so-so, transmission is intuitive. Better than most "luxury sport sedans" I have driven, plus the utility of an SUV. We look forward to every trip, and expect to keep this puppy a long time. Also, high WAF (wife approval factor) so its not just a guys car (remember to get the leather interior). Dealer wanted to deal, so buy off the lot if you can, and bring a trade-in. Love the green metallic paint, too!

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  Customer Service is not top priority - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By tye - September 17 - 10:40 am

  I too have had many paint issues with my Porsche Cayenne. The paint is way too soft. I have had the paint looked at by three professional painters and all three agree that it is a poor paint job. I have vioced my concerns to Porsche Customer Care and all they could do was have a representative call me that wanted to blaim me for the damage. I tried to call them back and they told me there was no one else to speak too. The flat paint line should be removed as an option. I have spoken to other Cayenne owners and the ones that have the metallic paint are fine. All flat colors have issues. I sympathize with the other owner I sure know what you are going through.

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  BMW X5... EAT DUST! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Austin-Powered - September 14 - 2:00 am

  After owning a BMW X5 and a Mercedes ML320, I grew tired of the typical looks of a "soccer-mom" SUV, so I was considering the Porsche Cayenne S for a while; however, after driving the Cayenne Tiptronic V6, I concluded that it was worth saving the $10,000 difference between the V8 and the V6 models, and thus opted for the Cayenne Tiptronic V6; what a great choice! You gotta love the performance, and the sound of the exhaust! Fantastic! Not to mention the fit-n-finish quality; just look around the window seams!

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  Great SUV the best so far - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By hoon - September 6 - 3:10 am

  I couldnt decide with X5 for the first time but after I took a test drive for both I knew I want Cayenne. I have 2005 model. I had 3 BMWs and many japanese cars and SUVs before but Cayenne is the best so far. Great feel of accelation although its not really fast. More comfort than X5 in ride. Really fun to drive. Too much gas than other competitors but bigger gas tanks makes me feel better.

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  first impressions of v6 cayenne - 2012 Porsche Cayenne
  By bigleadfoot - September 3 - 8:55 am

  Just bought my first porsche and my first SUV. Here are the specs/options for my v6 Cayenne: 8-speed automatic panoramic sunroof running boards, roof rails, and trailer hitch adjustable suspension with PASM heated seats and steering wheel