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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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Thinking - February 9 - 6:30 am

  No complaints at all 2,000+ miles in. Looked at Caddy SRX, 2006 Mercedes ML350, Lexus RX330 and others. Rides great and it gets a lot of second looks (you dont see one every 10 yards like the Lexus). You can tell its well constructed -- manufactured in Germany -- not like the Mercedes (Alabama). Fantastic dealer experience.

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  Cayenne Rocks! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By smcayenne - February 4 - 2:05 am

  I bought my 2006 CPO in 2010 and love it. It has been incredibly reliable and it drives like a sports sedan. It is the perfect size-plenty of room but I dont feel like Im driving a bus. It is incredibly responsive, great acceleration and power and true 4wd.

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  Love You Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By mafore - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the PERFECT CAR all built into one. It has the space and dominance on the road like and SUV. It has the grace, comfort, and roominess of a LUXURY 4 DOOR SEDAN. It has the engine, drive, and sound of a SPORT COUP. Great Bose Stereo!

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  4 Wheel Drive System - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By 4 wheel Drive - January 10 - 8:40 am

  I recently purchased my Cayenne in October. The dealer told me there was no speed limit driving in 4 wheel high. This is not true. I find the 4 wheel drive system to be lacking in Cayenne. The shifting is jerky and there is a big delay when starting from a standstill. The system should also be shift on the fly. You can lock the diffentials when moving, up to a certain speed but the car must be in neutral. The 4 wheel drive system in my 1999 jeep wrangler is far superior. My thought is this is basically a sports car with all wheel drive. It handles great and rides well. However, if you want to go off road you are better off with a jeep. Fit and finish on mine are excellent.

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  Makes you want to drive more - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By urgod001 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Cynn S makes you want to drive more, and take the longer route! This is an SUV which handles like a fine sports car, responsive, able and very capable sports car. S with the bonus Utility Vehicle with the real cargo space. Outside noise level is minimal, BOSE sound system is excellent. Did I mention the breaks? Stops when u want & how u want it.

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  Great Ride! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By ZOOOMZOOOM - January 1 - 9:00 am

  Great SUV for business and for fun! A real head turner. Best price for a SUV in the market!

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  you can have it all - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Jerome Casper - December 22 - 4:53 am

  In the past, I needed an SUV plus a "fun" car, but with the Cayenne Turbo I have it all. Its great fun to drive and I can have more than one passenger to enjoy it with. The size is perfect.

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  great fun - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By porsche fan - December 8 - 2:33 am

  Bought this 04 turbo after driving the S model all day, then I drove the Turbo for 100" only. What a different car truely there is nothing like it on the road the only time I feel I am in an SUV is when I look at the gas mileage. This is the ultimate all year around car Porsche combined a winter AWD vehicle and a high performance summer car and you still have the option of off roading with pride....If you can justify the MSRP buy this car you will never regret it.

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  Would buy another! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Marshall Howell - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I considered an E320 and the new 530i while searching for a new business car. I had not considered the Cayenne until I drove home one night in the ice and snow in my old Land Rover Discovery and decided I needed all wheel drive. I drove the Cayenne S the next week and my decision was made. It is great to drive and feels like a sedan. Although no turbo, I feel the power is ample. All the kids fit in well. The stereo is awesome with the surround sound feature. I read that after I drove it, I may want to trade in my 911 Cab...Its good, but not that good! Im definitely getting rid of the Discovery.

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  X5 4.4 tradeup - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By dunndriver - December 7 - 2:00 am

  German made build quality, definitely not a So. Carolina (aka US) built car. Bose sound also a huge improvement over my00 X5. Brakes better, handles better, but yes I am paying 2-3 miles per gallon at only 18 mpg, but thats all my 911 ever gets anyway. I had the 19" Sport wheels on the X5, and settled for 19"s on the Cayenne. I would get 20"s if you have the chance.