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Porsche Cayenne - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Porsche Cayenne ranks 11 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Porsche Cayenne, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Porsche Cayenne is an SUV for those who would rather be driving a sports car. It's a luxurious, sexy and powerful alternative to a minivan or the ho-hum SUVs that make up the luxury midsize pack. Think it's too good to be true? For some, it is -- unless you're rolling in money, the Cayenne's steep sticker price is quite a wake-up call.

 

At around $45,000, the Cayenne's base price may seem like a steal for the Porsche name -- but it can skyrocket to more than $100,000 depending on trim. Of course, for all that cash you're getting genuine Porsche performance, status and style -- all in an SUV. Still, the Cayenne's biggest shortfall is definitely its price. While competitors can't match its sheer power, there are a few that might be perfectly acceptable for buyers who just want a plush daily driver.

Anyone considering the Cayenne should also look at the Volkswagen Touareg. Since the two are platform-mates, the Touareg's mechanics are identical to the base Cayenne -- and it costs considerably less. The highest trim level starts at just $48,900. Compare that to the Cayenne S, the second tier in a long list of trims, which starts at $60,700. If you can live without the Porsche name and higher-end engines, the Touareg is undoubtedly a better value.

Take note, however -- both the Touareg and Cayenne's base 14/20 mpg fuel economy ratings are among the worst in their class. If better fuel economy is important to you, check out the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Though it can't match the Cayenne's sporty ride, its base price is about the same and it comes with the same high level of prestige and refinement. Best of all, it boasts a 16/21 fuel economy rating. Of course, the M-Class' most powerful engine only makes 382 horsepower, which is far less than the Cayenne's high-level engines. If you need Porsche-like power, though, you can always trade up to the ML63 AMG model, which boasts a 502-horsepower V8 engine. But note that it starts at nearly $84,000 and ekes out dismal fuel economy.

There's also the new BMW X6 M, which is the only SUV on the market that surpasses the Cayenne Turbo S's 550-horsepower engine. Though the X6 M starts at $88,900 (nearly double what the base Cayenne costs), that price doesn't seem so bad once you price out the Turbo S -- it begins at more than $120,000.

For 2010, Porsche introduces two new models. The GTS Design Edition 3 will appear in select dealerships and comes with sexy racing stripes and tinted windows. The S Transsyberia boasts features that make it even more capable off-road. Unless you want to get your hands on one of these specialized Cayennes, you may do better to buy a 2009 model. You could snag a discount as dealers make room on their lots for the 2010s.

The Cayenne is offered in several trims -- the base model, S, S Transsyberia, GTS, GTS Design Edition 3, Turbo and Turbo S. As soon as 2011, Porsche may also introduce an S hybrid model with a base price around $70,000. A diesel model is available only in Europe.

• "Cayenne is a unique take on the SUV formula, emphasizing sport way more than utility. What else from Porsche? But, the price for Porsche virtues -- thoroughbred handling, blazing acceleration, and nameplate prestige -- will be too high for all but an appreciative few. The cost becomes higher still when costly options are added." -- Consumer Guide
• "Ultimately, anyone willing to pay top dollar for a top-of-line vehicle will get his or her money's worth. Drivers will sit inside their Cayenne, encased in beautiful leather, listening to premium sound and confident that if they need to, they could hit 160 mph. And even at those speeds, the cabin is quiet enough to hear the gasps from the back seats." -- Detroit News
• "It may spit in the face of Porsche's sports car heritage, but the...Porsche Cayenne is a brilliantly engineered and thoroughly competent SUV for families on the (rapid) move." -- Edmunds
• "It's hardly a monumental declaration to say this [GTS model] is one of the best-handling, most-rip-roaring SUVs we've driven, and the six-speed's smoothness means you'll never find yourself in the awkward position of kangarooing clumsily down the road." -- Car and Driver

 

Cayenne Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2010 Porsche Cayenne is just as heavy as it looks, but test drivers find it still has plenty of power and sports-car moves. "For those who want the best-handling SUV money can currently buy, then the Cayenne, with any of its powertrains, is probably what you're looking for," says Road and Track. Favorite features include the stability-enhancing Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system.  Read More

Cayenne Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

Most reviewers love the Cayenne's sexy, refined styling. The subtle changes made to its design in the 2008 model year are still positively received. The Detroit News notes, "The changes are hardly noticeable at first glance, but somehow they make the Cayenne look cleaner and smarter without sacrificing its strong Porsche lines."  Read More

Cayenne Interior - 7.9 (Good)

Critics love the Cayenne's posh five-seat cabin, which comes with an ultra-spacious second row and a power tailgate. "Materials quality is superb -- every major surface feels worthy of a vehicle with such a large price tag, right down to the richly carpeted footwells," writes Edmunds. "As you add things like extended leather and an Alcantara headliner, that quality improves even more." Nonetheless, as is the case with many upscale vehicles, the Cayenne's biggest flaw -- other than its bloated price tag -- is that its complex gadgetry comes with a steep learning curve.  Read More

Cayenne Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

The 2010 Porsche Cayenne has not been crash tested, but offers impressive advanced safety systems like Porsche Stability Management, Dynamic Curve Lights and Park Assist.  Read More

Cayenne Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Porsche Cayenne reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Cayenne comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.  Read More