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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  There is no SUV substitute - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By carnut36 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This truck is fast and handles like no other SUV. I drove this truck at 115 mph with the window open and it felt like I was going 60 mph, very stable and controlled ride.

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  The good and the misleading - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By bgaffney - April 21 - 9:46 am

  Overall it is a good vehicle. I have had it a year and do enjoy it. This car was purchased for the safety and handling features. (I had recently been in an accident where the air bags deployed.)The handling and braking are great. I still drive my Explorer as it is easier to load things in, but if it rains this is the vehicle to be in. Unfortunately I was just notified the staged air bags that were listed on my paperwork were not available when I purchased my car (they did state that the airbags exceeded requirements but that is not enough for me). I am very concerned about that and will look for another vehicle that offers that feature. I have owned Porsches since 1964. I get 16 MPG around town.

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  no baloney - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By william calvin - April 18 - 5:00 am

  Hands down the best vehicle I ever owned. Ive many luxury suvs and cars.... even Porsches etc. But nothing can discribe excellence better than a Porche cayenne S

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  Amazing new direction!!! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By PorCayenne - April 17 - 10:00 am

  what more is there to say? it was a huge risk - could prosche make a safe car, capable of high speed and power, while maintaing balance and control? I guess so...

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  Very Solid SUV - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By JGW - April 17 - 3:30 am

  The car is built very well. I know that the sister car, the Touareg is a lemon. The Cayenne is not. I really enjoy the interior. The navigation system is very nice and easy to use. The standard stereo has a very high quality of sound. The seats are comfortable. It is very fast and when you use the triptonic. I love the sound. It is sooo beefy! That V8 hollers! I had one minor problem with it right when I got it. The antifreeze was leaking into the AC. But the dealer fixed it right away. I really love the car.

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  Cayenne Turbo - 3 months - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By ChliPwr - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Have over 3,000 miles in 3 months. Everything worked from day 1 and nothing has broken. Build quality is exceptional. Sales rep at dealer was exceptional. Used service department ro install after-market options. Their calendar is tight. Like almost everything about the car. It is everything I hoped for and more. Power is great and it handles the dirt as well as our Range Rover. Gas mileage sucks, though - 12 mpg consistently. Expected that. Takes a bit of work to get back seats down for an extended, flat stowage space in back. Feels extremely safe. Good selection of dealer options. Particularly like the rubber floor mats.

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  too much fun - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By psycho-mom - April 9 - 11:30 pm

  traded in my Lexus LS430, Cayenne is a kick to drive and practical too. I can take kids, dogs, or just lots of stuff. Great on dry pavement, off road, or in the snow.

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  great but expensive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By noturn - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Great handling. Tows heavy loads with ease up hill. Points like a sport car on the track (it does have a LOT more mass, though).With active suspension it was surprising to see how little body roll there is when cornering at speed. Off road and in mud and snow the high performance tires are useless, however. Mine came with 20" tires that are great in any condition except snow. In the snow I would recommend the Dunlop WT M2 tires 235/60/R18. No technical or mechanical problems to date. Quart of oil per 600 miles of hard driving used.

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  Nice improvement - 2011 Porsche Cayenne
  By choocho - March 29 - 5:12 pm

  My last car was 04 Cayenne TT. This TT is definitely a much improved car. From being almost a ton lighter (helps maneuverability and speed) , 8 gears (quiet shift and the right gear at any speed), starts from 1st gear instead of 2nd (lighter gear box and better launch), PCCB (no break dust but still squeeks a bit), PDCC (keep turns level), vented sports seats, 4.6 seconds, touch screen navigation, and the list goes on... Still waiting to take this car to an autocross.

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  Lemon - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Robin S McBride - March 19 - 11:16 pm

  After 15 months have settled with Porsche. The vehicle was in the shop 52 days for one problem. Additionally, the drivers seat broke, the remote doesnt work, and tires had to be replaced. This SUV has always driven herky jerky and the brakes squeak. Three months ago I asked the dealership to work with me on a trade in. They offered $30K less than I paid for it, which I thought was ridiculous. When I finally "lemon lawed" it, Porsche called and wanted to settle, fifteen months after I purchased it. I am so disappointed in this car and would recommend to everyone to not buy it.