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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  Amazing value, amazing car - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Brit - September 19 - 12:56 pm

  This is my first Porsche. I bought a 2 year old Turbo for about half the new price. All I can say is that it has been fantastic and the higher running costs should be more than offset by the fact that it has taken most of its depreciation!

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  Wonderful CS - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By enjoyPorsche - September 15 - 5:16 pm

  This is a sports car on steroids. For its size, it should not be possible to move as efficiently when prompted by the right, or even the left, pedal. Interior is beautiful. Nice lines and great color of black with aluminum accents, very sporting. Really do enjoy driving this car every day. Often take this car out on trips over the 996, and not due to the weather. So glad that we decided on Porsche over the VW. Extra payment well worth knowing Im driving the best of the best. No regrets. Great handling in wet weather.

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  Like nothing else! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Dr. No - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Porsche has developed a vehicle that stands without peer in its ability to offer luxury, utility, performance, quality, and style. No other SUV or hybrid vehicle can offer such acceleration (0-60 in 5 sec.), top end performance (170mph top speed), over the road comfort, off-road functionality, and sheer driving fun. Fast and responsive as many of the worlds most exotic sports cars, smoother and quieter than most luxury sedans, and with the hauling capability of the SUV alternatives, it stands alone in its ability to be everything one could want, except for a convertible. The materials, fit and finish, and design are top shelf and well thought out.

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  Cayenne GTS - An Absolute Gem - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By PIOTRUS - September 1 - 4:26 pm

  Ordered gts in nov 07, got it in March. Absolutely phenomenal car! Base Price $72k, beware options are numerous, expensive, and can easily add at least $15k to the Price. No bluetooth, but that’s not a problem, next week I Will have tooki bluetooth system installed (3rd party), it works seamlessly with the existing nav. Better solution that Porsche’s phone module where you would have to insert your sim card into nav to use a phone. With the ‘sport’ option enabled the car’s engine has deep, loud roar. A truly unique Porsche sound. I get 13 city, 17 highway, something I expected, especially for a 405 hp engine. Had bmw x5 4.4 for many years, this Cayenne simply blows it away in every way.

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  Get a Cayenne - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By huron - August 17 - 2:23 am

  I love the looks of this car. Performance is cat quick. As for handling, its a porsche and you get what you expect. Rock solid and built like a tank

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  Family Values - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By claudio dicovskiy - August 10 - 12:00 am

  My Porsche Cayenne Turbo is really something. I own an a Mercedes-Benz SL 55 a Porsche Boxster S and this SUV hangs in there niceley in performance with the added benefit that I can take my whole family for the ride! My kids get a blast from the acceleration through a tight corner like the on ramp to the George Washington Bridge when comming from the Henry Hudson Pkwy. Its like a roller coaster ride! The fuel economy is notoriously bad, but one is rewarded by the thrill of driving this.

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By matt rinard - August 4 - 5:20 pm

  This is my second Porsche Cayenne S. The Germans fixed few items since the 2003 model, such as improving the horrible keyless entry. The new one is great. The seats are a total pain in the rear to fold down, you have to take off the head rest and move the front seat forward. It only takes about three minutes but it seems like forever. The build quality is great. The handling is the best out there. The downfall is its closest competitor is the BMW free service for 3 years. The Porsche people stick it to you for the oil change...over $200 and you have to leave your car. So buy the paper filter for $15 at Porsche and go to Speedy Oil and it is only $80 but done in 15 minutes. Great car if you dont mind spending the money.

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  Join the Herd - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Frank JG - July 30 - 6:30 pm

  Traded one of 911c/2 (cab 6 spd) for CS. Tested at high speed, rides like 996 c/2 only one foot taller. Gas mileage was surprising when I keep my lead foot off. Had 7 BMW (740, 740l, 735, 528, 318c, Z3, 325), 4 MB (430CLK, S430, SL380, S550). This SUV rides like 911 c/2 in an S550 interior.

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  Wow - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Chizzy - July 21 - 6:26 pm

  Worth every penny. Initially purchased the base cayenne with 6 cyl. Later drove the GTS and I was hooked. NO comparison. I Love this car. I have had them all range rover, bmw, lexus... this car blows them all away hands down.

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  UNNNBELIVEABLE - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Thomas Enge - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a truly and amazing vehicle. Power and handling are superb. Fit and Finish are a step above the current Porsches. If can afford only 1 Porsche this is the one to own. You will never feel left out of the Sports Car experience.