Porsche Cayenne Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
503 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 241 through 250 of 503.00
  • New to 04 Porsche Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
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    While shopping for the best price on an ‘04 BMW X5 4.4, I found my ’04 Cayenne S. First I thought the price was going to be more expensive than the ’04 X5, so I really only looked at out of curiosity. When I took this SUV for a test drive I was shocked at the performance…Wow! The power and handling are superb! I was able to buy my Porsche for $9,000 less than other dealers wanted for an ’04 BMW X5.

  • Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
    By -

    I bought the Cayenne S Tip after looking for a long time, I wasnt sure I wanted to spend the money! It has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have had to change the headlights a few times, nothing anyone with a little common sense couldnt do themselves. I have three young children but wasnt ready to give up my need for performance! Handles awesomely, acceleration is amazing. I am in the market for another Porsche, although I dont like the new rear end on the Cayennes I love the Panamara!!

  • true thoughts - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
    By -

    GOOD QUALITY AND FUN

  • Cayennes vs. BMW X-5 - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
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    The Cayennes turbo is definitely the king of the hill in any comparison if you dont mind the 90K+ price tag. Yet the S-version was a big disappointment. The dead start acceleration was a dismal performance with no thrill or excitement. The X-5 will outperform the S in every comparison test. If you opt to equip the S like the standard features offered in the X-5, the price tag will easily exceed the listed $68,500 of X- 5 and you still dont have the performance like the X-5. The choice is yours.

  • Pain in the ...... - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
    By -

    My ass cant fit in the seat. It feels like it is riding on both sides of the seat. All of the weight is on my hips. I only weigh 185 lbs!!! Does anyone else have this problem?

  • Pure Pleasure - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
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    Fom day one, I have not had any buyers remorse about my Porsche Cayenne S. It provides pure driving pleasure! I just returned from a road trip from California to Oregon and back. The vehicle performed wonderfully. Its steering, handling, power, Bose stereo, Navigation system, extra power from the S model, etc... I cant wait to go on my next road trip to Canada. Thank you, Porsche!

  • Smooth Ride - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
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    I love it! I have been a Porshe owner for many years and the Cayenne S is great. I sold my Carrera 911 for the Cayenne S. I wish I had done it sooner. It is truly a joy to drive, a serious road car. I travel about 80 miles a day round trip, 5 days a week. The downside to the SUV is the gas mileage.

  • love it! - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
    By -

    i love this car. it drives awsome and handles great in the snow and rain.

  • My "Annie" - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
    By -

    I will never own another car! The Cayenne drives solidly. It provides great handling and I feel safe in it. I can carry so much stuff in the back with the seats down, more than my husbands truck and my daughters H3. The Cayenne has great power to get out of any situation. I use this car like a workhorse and put tons of miles on it. I wish I could use regular gas in it, this is my only complaint.

  • Wish Porsche Got it Right, Rev. Blindly - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
    By -

    Although my Cayenne is sporty and zippy when necessary, Porsche has got some configuring to do. For starters, it is SMALL!!! Be prepared if you have kids, this is not the truck for you. There is little space to bring a SINGLE stroller along let alone anything else, groceries are impossible. The truck is a bit of a dog! Yes, you can pretend to drive it in manual but the fact is the truck doesnt have the sack youd think it would have by its appearance... very disappointing!!! Lastly, but most importantly, reversing, this SUV is a nightmare. Visibility is nil... like reversing blind folded ! If youve got a car seat directly behind the drivers side, forget visibility altogether.

Porsche Cayenne Reviews By Year:
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