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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Better than an X5 - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By Austinmav - June 1 - 10:00 amIve had two BMW X5s and the difference between the Cayenne and the BMW is incredible. I wasnt hot on the looks of the Cayenne until I drove it. The power, sound system, interior comfort are all several steps higher.
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Best SUV on the market - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By thebest2004 - May 26 - 10:00 amBuilt like a tank. Anyone who claims it is underpowered clearly had never driven it before. Softer ride than V8. Turn PSM off and it can race with any exotic cars out there. The Cayenne series out there are the best SUVs in the market now. It provides conveniences of an SUV and performance of Boxter/911. Truly an engineering marvel. Lots of technology built into it. Very powerful brake, even better than the X3s. Lastly, it is similar to the VW Touraeg, but DIFFERENT. Sportier ride, and better engine throttle response. Porsche revised it to the point that its different than the V6 in the VW. Dont believe me? Go test drive both vehicles yourself.
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The SUV looks good and is fun to drive - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
By Young - May 1 - 7:40 pmThis SUV was acquired in February 2005. It was a dream of mine and I love it (not in the habit of associating love with materialism). It looks good and handles even better. Im really enjoying it, but Im having a seat belt problem and fine the dealer and manufacturer to be un-responsive.
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Not Happy - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
By sailing707 - April 24 - 2:00 amI have not enjoyed this car at all. They are still working out the problems with the car and the service departments are horrible. The car has been in the shop more than it has been on the road. Im going back to the X5.
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Fun to drive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By dporsche - April 24 - 2:00 amThe Cayenne S is a superb vehicle to drive. It has the performance and handling (18 inch wheels) that matches or exceeds virtually every car that I have ever driven. The ride is quite and comfortable and the handling is top-notch. The DVD is well integrated with the audio system and is a worthwhile option. Good workmanship on interior and exterior components. I havent had a chance to try it off- road yet.
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My car - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By Toxic - April 24 - 2:00 amThe most exilirating part is that when you drive fast, you do not even feel at which speed you are driving at, and the faster you drive it, it feels sturdier. I was a proud owner of a Range Rover, but this car was so slow in acceleration it drove me crazy. And to top it off, it was always in the shop, always some kind of technical problems! Not to mention the amount of gas it guzzled! This car is an SUV, a safe family car, yet deliciously sporty, fast and sexy! The gas does disappear fast, but still beats a Range Rover.
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more suv fun - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By traingod1 - April 19 - 10:00 amAwesome SUV. Been thru everryhting and keeps on trucking.No spare tire standard a drawback. Need a spare if off road or in back country. Fun to drive.
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Porsche Cayenne S: 8 cylinder - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
By the dog woman - April 14 - 12:43 amSafe, extremely sound and you know exactly where you are on the road, no floating, the driver is always in complete control: and just cant wait to get back in and DRIVE..
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it is very much fun to drive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By berdie giattina - April 13 - 10:00 amInterior takes a while to get used to, too many options that take awhile to learn to use.
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Porsche Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By Jim Ball - April 13 - 10:00 amI pruchased this vehicle about 1 month ago, it is truly a great car. The prosche name has lived up to its history. I saw this car about a year ago at the auto show and was impressed then, I finally got around to buying one. The quality is very impressive, the power is very strong and the finish is all porsche. I have never owned a porsche so this is a new experience for me, I was not let down.
