Cons: Stiff ride gets worse with the available 21-inch wheels; copious fuel thirst in Turbo models; complicated, button-heavy control layout; sky-high prices[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][vc_column_text]CG Says: For 2015, the Porsche Cayenne gets a significant refresh that includes updated styling, a plug-in “E-Hybrid” model, and a 420-horsepower 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 in the S model (which replaces the previous 4.8-liter V8). The base model, the high-performance GTS, and the line-topping Turbo S model have been pared from the Cayenne lineup for now, but are likely to be reintroduced soon. Not surprisingly, the literal “Porsche of SUVs” goes, stops, and handles more like a welterweight sports sedan than a burly wagon. But though few rivals come close to matching Cayenne’s on-road abilities, many offer superior ride comfort and/or off-road prowess and at least as much in the way of luxury features. Porsches appeal to serious drivers, so those folks will be most attracted to the rapid, tautly sprung V8 models (the top-engine choice–not listed below–is a 520-hp turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 rated at 14 mpg city/21 highway). Other Cayennes are less awe-inspiring, but are still plenty quick and rather more frugal to own and operate. The E-Hybrid is one of the most refined gas/electric vehicles of any kind. As with other Porsches, though, top-flight engineering and a platinum-grade brand image carry a high price–too high, in our view, unless you understand and value the “Porsche Way.” But if you can afford to indulge, Cayenne is a compelling alternative to usual-suspect premium SUVs, and more exclusive with it. We’d opt for a modestly equipped S or Hybrid as the best blend of practicality and performance.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][mk_content_box heading=”The Facts”][mk_table el_class=”new-review-specs”]
| Class | Premium Midsize SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Porsche |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | Diesel: $61,700 S: $74,100 E-Hybrid: $76,400 Turbo: $113,600 |
| Base Engine turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 420 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24 |
| Optional Engine supercharged 3.0-liter V6/plug-in electric |
| Horsepower 416 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24 |
Links
5 Ways Hybrids are Different[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”https://consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/P14_0601_a4_rgb.jpg” image_width=”600″ image_height=”300″ title=”2015 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid” caption_location=”outside-image” margin_bottom=”20″ crop=”false”][mk_image src=”https://consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/P14_0599_a4_rgb_crop.jpg” image_width=”600″ image_height=”300″ title=”2015 Porsche Cayenne Turbo” caption_location=”outside-image” margin_bottom=”20″ crop=”false”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
