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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  Not what I thought it would be - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By European Car Fan - March 29 - 8:16 pm

  Right off the bat the car had a puttering sound coming from the rear passenger side. Turns out that it is normal on the 2008 but not on previous models and is caused by the fuel pump. I had to have two areas of horrible paint runs wet sanded off of the back of the car. Also, had to have the entire roof wet sanded due to flaws left in the clear coat by the protective wrap. I get a great deal of road noise and in cabin noise caused by creaking back seats and various rattles. Excessive air noise coming in front passenger window as well. When you press against lower inside window it stops. Dealer says normal.

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  Wish it was better - 2016 Porsche Cayenne
  By Appleco1 - March 23 - 1:40 pm

  Car makes noise by a speaker Car drips a lot of water on floor when plugged in overnight due to AC cooling battery

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  Cayenne S after 14,000 miles - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By fastdiablo - March 13 - 8:40 pm

  The Porsche Cayenne has a stellar motor, taught suspension, and unreal handling for a 5,000 lb. truck. The tiptronic shifters on the steering wheel are outstanding. The interior fit and finish are superb, its ergonomics are comfortable, and its driving position is firm and supportive. This trucks quality and design are German to the nth degree, which is a great thing. The navigation and stereo are both easy to use. The sound system is excellent. This vehicle has lots of usable space and the back seats are spacious. Folding the seats down could be easier though. Ive had two very small problems in 14,000 miles. First, there was a rattle in the rear door which was a cable that became unfastened - easy fix by the dealer. The second was that the windshield wipers were sqeaky - they were replaced by the dealer. I have never had any mechanical issues.

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  hotdog - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By fjddoc - March 6 - 6:26 pm

  This is one of the smoothests most well engineered vehicles Ive ever driven. It performs and handles exactly like a Porsche 911, but with the weight and safety to be an every day SUV.

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  I cant imagine a better choice - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By JimMc - March 2 - 10:00 am

  As much fun as Ive ever had driving. Its an incredible head-turner...people trying to figure out what it is. The most comfortable seats in my memory and that even includes my Mercedes 300SE. The aluminum trim option is a must. Ive yet to drive a turbo...Im scared I would want it.

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  Good value - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By DM - February 20 - 9:56 am

  I have been very pleased overall with this car. Best handling SUV out there (after driving all of them). Comfortable for me (Im 65") but not for anyone behind me. Not a real good family car. Just not enough room for any length of time with kids or stuff. But the only Porsche you can take the family of 5 in. Could use more power and the mileage is not great for a V6.

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  Tire Eater - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Duke - February 9 - 6:26 am

  I love this vehicle in its entirety. I also have its baby sister in a 2004 911, 996 cabriolet turbo. They both have great handling in all situations. The power of the Cayenne is remarkable and it is a joy to drive at high speeds. The Cayenne Turbo "eats" rubber with tires, all four lasting only about 6,000 miles. This appears to be typical of this model and it doesnt matter whether it has winter or summer tires - they all get eaten up by just cruising. Ive tried Pirelli, Michelin, Continental and all the same wear problem - they wear out far too soon. Also, it is difficult and time consuming to get the rear seats down - but the drive and handling are far superior to any SUV Ive ever driven.

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  85K and no voice control on phone - 2012 Porsche Cayenne
  By murrayr - January 31 - 3:58 pm

  I just bought this 2012 for my wife. The car is fine and drives well (for an SUV). I bought what I thought was a loaded car, only to find that there is no voice control for the phone. You have to look at the dash, scroll through the phone list and select a name. We live in a hands free state!!! Checked Porsches website and found voice control is a 450.00 extra. Really, in an 85k car?? Just want to warn any of you thinking of a purchase, be aware, this is not a petty feature and should be standard on all cars.

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  drives like a sports car - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By dave s - January 30 - 12:30 am

  Apart from some minor electrical problems with the remote the car is glitch free. I am a dad with children ages 5 and 7. I also own a Porsche 996 Carrera. If it is raining or I have carpool duties this car is my absolute favorite to drive. It drives like a sports car and is plenty fast. The true beauty of this car is its cornering stability and braking . As for acceleration and speed , I have to remind myself that high speed driving is not a good idea with young kids in tow and therefore I dont regret not buying the Turbo. If you dont have young kids get the Turbo. The Porsche Carrera is the best car but for rainy days and kid towing I absolutely love my Cayenne. Get it fully loaded - dont skimp.

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  Excellent driving machine - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Mike Weiss - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Handles and performs just like the famous sportscars. I sincerely recommend this to anyone who would like to purchase a Porsche but wants the feel of a sports car.