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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  A Drivers SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By cayennes - January 30 - 10:50 am

  I got my Porsche Cayenne S over the BMW X5 4.4i. In addition to all the precision in handling and world class performance - this SUV is very quiet to cruise around in. The revised 0-60 mph figure of 6.8 seconds is very conservative IMHO. It probably can out run 70% of the sports car on the road and at the same time, I have carried 8 tires (255/55 18) with the rear seats folded down. I have had no problems at all with the snow tires and winter driving / skiing trips, etc. Theh Cayenne is the king of SUV hands down! If you get the Turbo or the Turbo S, you can probably outrun 90-99% of the sports car out there.

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  Quick with no slip - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ben F Grudzien - January 28 - 7:00 am

  My 2004 Porsche Cayenne S is fast, quiet, noticed, great in the snow, has a great sound system, and gets decent gas mileage when driven reasonably.

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  2005 Porsche Cayenne - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By M - January 24 - 11:06 pm

  The Porsche Cayenne is the best of all the SUVs. It has decent off road performance combined with smooth on road performance. If you will do most of your driving on road, get performance tires (not off road or M&S). The ride will be much better, and the cornering performance is on par with many sport sedans.

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  porsche suv fun - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Steve Capo - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Truly a joy to drive! People tell me this is the sexyist car they have ever seen. Power and style to spare.

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  No Substitute! - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Stambo - January 1 - 7:20 am

  Bought Cayenne S as first new car in decades.Had Mercedes E 430 4matic(2001) which was destroyed in a wreck in Feb.Porsche fit and finish is outstanding.340 horses and smooth transmission transport us effortlessly.Have put 1400 miles on it and have no complaints.Has 4 seat heaters,heated steering wheel,very comfortable seating on Napa leather.My 2 big dogs,Boris and Natasha enjoy their view from the back.The Porsche dealer did all the paperwork,got my tags,etc.Got nice letters from corporate welcoming me aboard.A true class act.This is clearly an instance where you get what you pay for.

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  awesome - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By wbakercgar - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the S on 3-15, trading in an X5. I think it is much more attractive in person, but is predicated on the wheels. 20 inch Turbo wheels are a must.I did the Titanium Grey with two tone grey interior, the best combo.

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  Awesome - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By heart - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the finest vehicle I have ever driven. The turbo provides great power and performance. The ride is smooth in all the choices of ride. The interior is very comfortable. Must be driven to appreciate the handling and performance.

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  very good porsche - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By wenckheim - December 9 - 2:00 am

  a lot of fun to drive.

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  Fabulous Vehicle - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By mjw - December 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the best vehicles I have even driven.The feel and handling are amazing.

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  Porsche Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By KiltyM - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Much better than I thought it would be.