2010 Porsche Cayenne

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• Exterior
• Interior
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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Porsche Cayenne is comfortable, with reasonable cargo room and outstanding build quality and materials. The biggest problem reviewers can find with this luxury SUV, beyond its steep price, is that its abundance of tech goodies can be complex and will take time for drivers to learn.

• "As expected at this price level, Cayenne's interior is impeccably assembled with top-notch materials. GTS has Alcantara leather upholstery that looks and feels especially rich." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Cayenne is not as richly appointed as a similarly priced Range Rover Sport, but it's not supposed to be. The emphasis here is sporting flair and German efficiency rather than traditional luxury. (We like both vehicles for different reasons.)" - Automotive.com
• "When I looked through the Cayenne's window and saw it was black, I let out an audible groan. I know I sound spoiled. However, when I opened the door and saw the suede interior I actually squealed in delight. It's actually Alcantara, a simulated suede, but it sure fooled me. Unlike black leather, it looked so cozy and luxurious, and it behaved accordingly. It was even on the headliner, people." -- Mother Proof

Seating

The Porsche Cayenne's seating for five is plush. Reviewers like the SUV's supple leather material and also praise the cushions' lateral support. Several others highlight the roomy area for three passengers in the rear row, which is a rarity in the midsize SUV class.

• "Front seats are large and well-bolstered for lively driving. The center of the back seat is too stiff for comfort, but there's a fold down center armrest with cupholders." -- MSN
• "The rear seats are roomy in terms of leg and head room but the bottom cushion is mounted rather low. However, though it negates a good outward view, in this case the low hip point doesn't compromise thigh support." -- Autobytel
• "Ample headroom and generous seat travel contribute to fine overall comfort. Lateral support is excellent, though the seat bottoms may pinch some physiques. ... Slight step-up into cabin, but no-fuss entry and exit." -- Consumer Guide
• "What other passengers also embraced was the amount of space in the backseat. It was surprising because the Cayenne looks so compact." -- Mother Proof

Interior Features

The Cayenne's standard features include a 12-speaker CD player, climate control, a leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and heated side mirrors. Standard on all models is Porsche Communication Management, which comes with a 6.5-inch color monitor, touch-screen controls and a DVD navigation system.

The higher trims boast automatic climate control, Bose Surround Sound Stereo and a heated steering wheel. Testers find the Cayenne is laid out in typical Porsche opulence, but some worry the buttons and features could be overwhelming.

• "In proper Porsche fashion, the ignition lock is placed to the left of the steering column, while the instrument faces have the no-nonsense look of a sports model." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Glance at the Cayenne's center stack with the intention of changing a radio station, adjusting cabin temperature, or programming the navigation system and the daunting array of small buttons with even smaller and sometimes enigmatic markings." -- Autobytel
• "Dashboard has lots of buttons, conveys lots of information, and requires pre-drive familiarization--especially with the navigation system. Small audio buttons contrast with large, simple toggles for climate, suspension, and transfer-case adjustments. Some testers complain of the left-mounted ignition switch--a Porsche tradition that others find unobjectionable." -- Consumer Guide
• "With a 911-style instrument cluster (meaning large, clear gauges) and left-side ignition switch, the Cayenne's interior is all Porsche. Sadly, this means that the climate and audio controls are comprised of many small, look-alike buttons that take some getting used to." -- Edmunds

Cargo

Reviews are generally positive on the space and convenience of the 2010 Porsche Cayenne's trunk. The SUV offers approximately 19 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use. Folding the rear seats expands total load space to 63 cubic feet. A power liftgate with a separate-opening, remote-controlled window is standard.

The Cayenne's cargo space is about average for a midsize SUV. If you need more cargo space, consider the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. It boasts 29.4 cubic feet with all seats in use and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

• "The spacious cargo area can be made even roomier by folding the rear seats entirely forward. A standard power hatch moves up and down fairly quickly." -- MSN
• "Maximum cargo capacity, at 62.5 cubic feet, is on the small side for a midsize luxury SUV." -- Edmunds
• "Cargo room is good with the rear seat up, but overall is not expansive for an SUV. The seat splits 60/40 and folds flat for plenty of space, but you must first flip the bottom cushions, then remove and stow the headrests. Center-console storage is generous, but there's not much other room for small items." -- Consumer Guide
• "The cargo area is also surprisingly roomy. It's not double-stroller roomy, but it is single-kid-stroller roomy." -- Mother Proof