History/Overview
Porsche redesigned its Cayenne SUV in 2019, lending it styling that better links it to the brand's other recently redesigned models.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
New for 2020 is an all-new coupe body style that follows in the footsteps of cars like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Available Trims
Porsche offers the Cayenne in five flavours, multiplied by SUV and coupe body styles, for a total of 10 distinct configurations.
Base, E-Hybrid, S, Turbo, and Turbo S E-Hybrid trims are all built around unique powertrains. Base and E-Hybrid cars use a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine, which is backed up by an electric motor in the E-Hybrid. Cayenne S uses a 2.9L turbo V6 for more gasoline-only power, and Cayenne Turbo trims get a 4.0L V8. Finally, Turbo S E-Hybrid matches that V8 with electric power to create the most potent Cayenne variant.
All Cayenne trims are standard with AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both E-Hybrid variants are plug-ins capable of some electric-only driving.
Standard Features
Base Cayenne models come with engine auto start/stop, tire pressure monitoring, 19-inch wheels, an electric parking brake, heated/power-folding side mirrors, an electric tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights, LED interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustment, three 12-volt power outlets, four USB-C charging ports, push-button start, cruise control, an integrated garage door opener, a heated steering wheel, partial leather upholstery, and a 10-speaker stereo with Apple CarPlay and satellite radio.
E-Hybrid models add a sport chrono package, larger brakes and active suspension management.
Cayenne S brings larger brakes (again), front and rear park assist, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking.
Cayenne Turbo gains an adaptive air suspension with height adjustment and leveling, 21-inch wheels, another round of brake upgrades, active aerodynamics with adaptive roof spoiler, adaptive headlights, heated rear seats, 18-way front sport seats, Alcantara headlining, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, and a 14-speaker stereo.
Finally, Turbo S E-Hybrid adds even larger brakes.
Key Options
Porsche offers a vast array of options in the Cayenne. In the safety arena, there's a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep and lane change assists, and night-view assist.
Convenience upgrades include passive keyless entry, and soft-close doors.
You can add leather to almost any interior surface; even the key fob can be done in animal hide. There are various ways to add carbon fibre to the mix, too.
There are LED matrix headlights, an off-road package, and a high-tech dynamic chassis control suspension system.
Among the most expensive upgrades is a carbon ceramic brake system that is best reserved for cars that will spend time at the racetrack.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, Porsche had not published fuel consumption figures for the 2020 Cayenne. However, they should be similar to those for the 2019 model: estimates for gas models are 12.5/10.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for the base model; 12.9/10.4 in Cayenne S guise; 15.7/12.4 for the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne E-Hybrid is rated 11.4/10.0 L/100 km; the manufacturer hasn't yet published figures for the Turbo S E-Hybrid.
Competition
With the Cayenne, Porsche mainly challenges other German luxury SUVs like the BMW X5, Audi's Q7, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Sweden's Volvo was first to follow Porsche's lead into the PHEV slice of the segment with the XC90.
Japan's Acura MDX, Lexus RX and Infiniti QX60 compete in the same class, but can't match the Cayenne's performance in its high-end trims.
On the fringe of the upscale SUV segment is the Jeep Cherokee. It can't keep up with the Cayenne in terms of fit and finish, but it'll keep up on a racetrack with its SRT and Trackhawk variants.
