Pros: One of the sharpest-handling midsize SUVs around; spectacular acceleration in Turbo models; impeccably finished interior; lots of high-tech features
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
CG Says: For 2017, Porsche Cayenne adds a new Platinum trim that slots between base and S models. There is also a new Platinum version of the E-Hybrid. The diesel engine has been dropped. Cayenne is a premium midsize SUV with seating for five. 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. Available features include power sunshades, front and rear ventilated seats, heated windshield, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, autonomous braking, lane-departure warning, LED headlights, and ceramic brakes. Porsches appeal to serious drivers, so those folks will be most attracted to the rapid, tautly sprung V8 models. The top-engine choices are a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 rated 520 hp in Turbo or 570 in Turbo S. Other Cayennes are less awe-inspiring, but are still plenty quick and rather more frugal to own and operate. The base 3.6-liter V6 puts out 300 hp, while a turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 develops 440 hp. The plug-in E-Hybrid is one of the most refined gas/electric vehicles of any kind. All Cayennes have an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. 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.
| 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 | Base: $59,600 Platinum: $65,600 S: $76,200 GTS: $97,200 Turbo: $116,500 Turbo S: $159,600 E-Hybrid S: $78,700 E-Hybrid S Platinum: $81,600 |
| Base Engine 3.6-liter V6 (Base, Platinum, S) |
| Horsepower 300 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17-18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23-24 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 (GTS) |
| Horsepower 440 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 (Turbo, Turbo S) |
| Horsepower 520 (570 in Turbo S) |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 14 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21 |
| Optional Engine supercharged 3.0-liter V6/plug-in electric (E-Hybrid S, E-Hybrid S Platinum) |
| Horsepower 416 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA Gas Engine Combined (mpg) 22 |
| EPA Electric Motor Combined (MPGe) 46 |
ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
