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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  Power for the family - 2009 Porsche Cayenne
  By Charly - January 28 - 3:30 pm

  Although the interiors are not great at all, once you drive the SUV it feels like a true sports car, the power on the road is amazing and the stability & brakes are fantastic. Its a solid sports car for taking the whole family for a ride (100 mph feels like 60 mph). I can not imagine the turbo version or the GTS performance since I drive the base entry level and love it! Solid powerful German car great for a weekend ride!! Pets included.

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  My Cayenne - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Betty Christopher - January 21 - 10:00 pm

  The 2006 Porsche Cayenne S Titanium Edition is an enjoyable and great driving vehicle!

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  Amazing SUV! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By surfer92037 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing SUV with outstanding performance and great comfort.

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  Excellent Redesign - 2011 Porsche Cayenne
  By Rich L - January 1 - 7:50 pm

  Purchased a 2011 Cayenne S in July. The car has been excellent so far. Go for the 19 or 20 inch wheels, the 18s are a little soft on hard corners. Fast as Heck. 0 to 60 comes in 5.15, Porsches estimates are high. Interior is the best I have seen in an SUV. Stereo is great. Great vehicle if youre a hard driver!

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  Turn Heads! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ormsby - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to turn heads and be one of the first to own the Cayenne. Everbody has read and heard about this SUV rocket! A Porsche that you can shop and take friends along. Love it!!

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  WOW!!!!!!! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Quadman - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 MLs (430 & 500), Grand Cherokees and Fords. None of these SUVs are even in the same zip code as the S. Strengths- Fast (0-60 in high 6s), tight suspension that mutes big hits, ride is smooth and quite! Handling, amazing push it in corners and I detect no body lean at all, it tracks like it is on rails. Luxury, better equipped that the MLs, BMW and Lexus. Luxury and performance in one package. Gas mileage is very close to my old ML500. Porsche hit a home run with this one. As an SUV owner I really appreciate this vehicle.

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  IDK - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Stephanie0605 - November 26 - 9:56 pm

  This Suv is the best thing that has ever happened to me! I love driving the thing to and fro. My family and I love it so much we are going to buy my newly driving son one for his first car.

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  Great Handling, Great Mileage, Obsolete Navigation, Insufficient PDLS range - 2014 Porsche Cayenne
  By 2kbusa - November 25 - 7:17 pm

  Ive done a lot of research before purchasing this vehicle. Dealer was quite helpful in research. Custom ordered with Premium+ pkg, pan roof, tow pkg etc on 08/22/2013. It was built, shipped and reach at dealership on 10/31. Impressive! Im quite pleased with what this vehicle offers. Below are a few details: * Handling is awesome with quick acceleration and solid stopping power - its cornering ability is impressive. * Impressive Mileage: I get 30+ mpg driving conservatively in mixed city/hwy mode. * Aggressive driving in sport mode gets me 22+ mpg in combined * Highway driving alone 32+ mpg @ 50-55mph, best keeping it under 2000RPM. goes under 30mpg @ 70+mph,

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  An SUV with real performance - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By RL - November 22 - 2:23 am

  Except for recalls, my 2005 Porsche Cayenne has been an excellent blend of luxury and performance. It is far more luxurious than than the Land Rover Range Rover. It gives great on and off road performance. It comes with most of the bells and whistles that the Lexus RX 330 has, but it is not quite as luxurious. My fuel economy has been better than expected. This vehicle feels and drives like a Porche. It is pretty amazing. The downside is two different sets of tires are required. Performance tires (obviously) cant handle the winter weather.

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  2005 Cayenne - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By jm - October 28 - 12:06 pm

  The Cayennes V6 engine lacks some pickup, but thats not why I bought it. It is roomy and looks good.