Porsche Cayenne

2017 Porsche Cayenne

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.

The Facts
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

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2017 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
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2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
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