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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  This Car Rocks! - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By 08 Cayenne - September 2 - 10:43 am

  Ive owned a BMW M Roadster, 4 Audis & 3 Porsches including Audi "S4s as well as Carrera CR4s, and I can tell you I love my Cayenne. Heavy and not so fast, but all Porsche. Stock, the suspension feels as refined as any SUV on the planet and better than most cars including my wifes Audi A4. Built like a rock solid as one too, comfortable, luxurious and a good compromise between speed and economy. We just traveled across country as a family (6,000 miles) and we all still love this car. Can you say that!

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  the perfect car - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By PorscheMan - August 2 - 2:00 am

  base line nothing better anything you could ever hope for speed manuverability unfortunately..price isnt one of them

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  A Rocket - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By ken goldblum - July 29 - 1:46 am

  I have owned Porsche 911s for over 25 years. The Cayenne turbo is by far the fastest car I have owned. It handles fantastically. The interior computer takes a little time to master but once accomplished it has all the information one would need. The handling is far superior to any previous SUV I have owned. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  my cayenne - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By griffen99 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  should i by a sports car or an SUV? dont settle, buy a Cayenne. While I have had it for less than one month, this vehicle is awesome. Handles like nothing else out there, I have the "S", and the 340HP is GREAT. Sure Id rather havve 450HP, but this works just fine. Thye took there time and gave us a GREAT SUV. X5 doesnt even come close.

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  Great handling SUV - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Dan Kohn - July 5 - 4:00 am

  I have just moved up from a Freelander, which also is a very good handling car. The Cayenne is far more responsive and fun to drive.

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  1st 5000 miles in my Cayenne Turbo - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Cayenne - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Really having FUN is the best way I can describe my 5 month experience with the Cayenne. If you are looking for a non sports car vechicle but has as close to a sports car drive this is it. The 450 HP turbo will press you a any passengers heads back on the rests of this 3 ton rocket. Besides being quick it handles on windy tight corners like a Porsche. Took it out in the first ice & snow storm last week and PSM system really helped keeping the vehicle under control. Trust me it is a blast to drive! I guess one of the strongest statement is after I let a friend drive it he went and bought one.

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  My dream car - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Benjamin Kim - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I never thought Id be this much happy with a car. I feel it very safe and fun driving it especially with my two kids. And I also enjoy when people recognize that you own one of the most luxurious car in the whole world.

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  Beautiful - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By David Barowich - May 24 - 1:13 am

  I have a big family of 5 and this SUV fits us perfectly. It gives an amazing ride and has the most beautiful interior you could see. The warranty covers practically everything. This is an all around awesome vehicle. I recommend it!

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  Just for Looks! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Racer - May 12 - 11:13 am

  I bought my 6-cylinder Cayenne almost a year ago. I have owned Porsches in the past, but I must say THIS IS THE WORST MODEL Porsche has ever made! The fuel economy is absolutely not acceptable. I get about 12 miles per gallon! You would expect more acceleration and power with that kind of fuel consumption, but the vehicle shows very little power and acceleration! Theres a dead delay after you floor the gas pedal, and the transmission takes a long time to decide which gear to choose! I am very disappointed at this model!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Edwin C. - May 11 - 4:16 pm

  I LOVE my 04 Cayenne Turbo, except at the gas pump! I am averaging 14.1 MPG, having to add a quart of oil every 2,000 miles or so, and it goes though a set of Pirellis every 10,000 miles or so. Other than that its perfect. Im thinking of getting a n 8,000 lb trailer.