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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  Worst ride I ever had - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By dorothy duffner - November 2 - 3:00 pm

  Bought my Porsche Cayenne new, was back three times for repairs, the last one was in the shop six weeks, the ride is like a mack truck, couldnt wait to unload it. Make sure you get a really good ride before purchasing this car. It does not ride like a sports car, I have had a couple Corvettes that had a better ride.

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  2004 Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By John Ulrich - October 31 - 12:46 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for 2 months and have had an excellent driving and ownership experience. I am a road warrior and needed a tow vehicle that had some prestige associated with it. Towing 7700 lbs, quiet, plenty of power, excellent handling. If you can afford it, get it!

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  Insanely Fast - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lawrence - October 6 - 12:13 pm

  This is not an SUV. Its a sports car that merely looks like one. Acceleration and cornering performance are outstanding, and rival all but a handful of true sports cars. I wanted a 911 turbo, but live in the mountains and need a SUV. I dont feel Im missing out on the driving experience at all. New front end is beautiful and aggressive. Highly recommend it.

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  Exhilaration! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By jamie83 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This car will shave 10 years off your age faster than a White House intern. It does everything great - performance, handling, comfort, looks and gadgets. It gives the feel of total authority over the road. It is probably overpriced, but it is a better value to the equally priced S500 4MATIC. Life is short. Drive fast.

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  Ultimate Sport "Utility" Vehicle - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ethan - October 1 - 8:20 am

  The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is the ultimate "utility" vehicle, being extremely capable on the road, offering good performance off-road, a good towing capacity of 7,700 lbs., and feeling good doing it all. Nothing else really compares to it. If you are not planning on taking advantage of this superb technology, I would suggest getting a BMW X5, Lexus RX350, or an Audi Q7. Most SUV owners never tow or take the vehicle off road, so save your money and shop elsewhere. Also, the Cayenne Turbo is equipped with high performance, soft Pirelli tires that wear quickly...something the customer needs to understand.

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  LOVE THE TURBO & EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SUV! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By kingr2r - October 1 - 3:22 am

  I have owned this super rocket for some time now and I have no complaints. If you can afford this car, I strongly suggest to buy one and you wont regret it. I got this car used at Princeton Porsche, NJ and the car was in immaculate condition, black on black w/ dark wood trimmings. It even smelled like new since the previous owner really took care of this baby. I also had the opportunity of owning a 2006 Range Rover Sport Supercharged (my review is also posted here in edmunds - My supercharged rover! By Rick Respicio on July 26, 2006 23:45pm) but it just cant compare to the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne is faster, sportier and more luxurious than the Rover. Test drive one and youll agree!

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  Hard to believe it is a Porsche - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Early Man Fan - September 30 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned this since March of 2007. It has been back to the dealer 3 times already and I still have issues with it. Initially there were very bad paint runs on both side of the license plate. These had to be wet sanded off. There is a puttering sound that comes from the rear passenger area. According to dealer and Porsche this is normal and will be found on all 2008 models. It is something to do with the fuel pump. Returned to dealer again when I discovered that the entire hood was covered with "splotches" under the clear coat. Again, wet sanding was done on a brand new car. Definitely should have purchased S model. Acceleration is poor and seems to shift gears sluggish,

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  Drives like a Porsche - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lynnsey - September 29 - 4:46 pm

  I got a nail in my tire and had a flat at 45 mph in traffic.. it still drove like a Porsche as the tire was falling off the rim!!! It is simply amazing and so very much fun to drive or be seen in! People are always trying to see what it is or asking questions. It deserves all of the attention and it still is pure pleasure to drive or ride in! WTG PORSCHE!!! Not only am I proud of my car, it delivers on every thing a Porsche should be! I have a Boxster as well, but this is the car that goes everywhere for every occasion! Since it is spring, maybe the Boxster will have a better chance! Porsche is a family tradition.. because NO ONE DOES IT BETTER!

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  An honest review - 2010 Porsche Cayenne
  By Don - September 28 - 11:16 am

  We saw it, loved the look/style, we got it, and we enjoy it. Driving is exactly what you would expect from a Porsche SUV - exciting and fun (not a soft ride, its a sports SUV). Behind the wheel is FUN and EXCITING - the car responds so well anywhere and it sounds like a powerful car should. Utilitarian also: it has lots of room in the rear end for gold clubs and much more. 4 People ride ok, no more! The large Porsche wheels stand out so nice in their design. Unfortunately, like German lux cars, they need to be cleaned regularly - they get black brake dust on them way too fast. Expect about 14 MPG (if you drive regular + some fun driving).

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  2008 model is so much better - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Andrew M - September 18 - 3:40 am

  People say only Porsche enthusiasts can tell difference between 08 and older Cayennes. Well I just switched from 04 Cayenne S which I loved to new 2008 model and I have to disagree. Front of new S has been redesigned to give slicker lines, more aggressive looking grilles and there is an unknown something but when my wife and kids saw it (in same color) they all said it looked much sportier. The extra power in the new S (extra 45hp) makes a big difference. If you want you can drive in sports mode (change gears at 6k) and acceleration and smoothness of change is noticable. New nav system is much better than the old. What can I say, I think new model is big upgrade on old and worth looking at.