AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING8.0/10
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Safety8.0/10
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PRACTICALITY9.0/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS8.0/10
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FEATURES7.0/10
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POWER9.0/10
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COMFORT9.0/10
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DRIVING FEEL9.0/10
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FUEL ECONOMY7.0/10
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VALUE7.0/10
Gasoline and electricity can combine for some pretty impressive performance, and that’s the case with the 2025 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid.
It’s the new midrange plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for the equally-new third generation of Porsche’s largest SUV. The 512-hp Cayenne S E-Hybrid slips in between the E-Hybrid and the 700-hp Turbo E-Hybrid. It’s also between them in price, starting at $116,550 including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,950. Porsche famously offers numerous options, and this tester had more than $22,000 worth of them, bringing it to $143,480 before taxes.
Styling: 8/10
The Cayenne also comes as the fastback-style coupe, but my ride was the conventionally styled SUV. It requires an eagle eye to spot the subtle differences on the refresh, which include new head- and tail lights, new hood, and taller front fenders.
The cabin features a 12.6-inch instrument display and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which can also be joined by an optional 10.9-inch screen for the passenger. From its original collection of buttons around the gear selector, the Cayenne has ended up with a combination of physical toggles and haptic switches in the centre console; and that shift lever is now a tap-style switch on the dash.
Safety: 8/10
As a low-volume premium vehicle, the Porsche Cayenne isn’t typically crash-rated by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard driver-assist technologies include emergency front braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and surround-view monitoring, but adaptive cruise control is extra.
Features: 7/10
As per Porsche’s practice of offering options, some standard features here seem underwhelming, such as eight-way power-adjustable seats and dual-zone climate control, which were upgraded to 14-way chairs and a four-zone system in this tester. The stock list includes an adaptive air suspension, the Sport Chrono package, auto-dimming mirrors, a hands-free tailgate, cargo privacy cover, wireless charger, and integrated garage door opener; but it’s extra to get ventilated seats, heated rear seats, or a panoramic roof, which are standard elsewhere.
User-Friendliness: 8/10
While Porsche cut down on its buttons, it didn’t stuff everything into the touchscreen as some rivals have, and most items are very easy to use. Cabin temperature and fan speed are handled by metal toggle switches, and there’s a dial for the stereo volume. The same would be nice for the heated and cooled seats, too, as you have to look down to be sure you’re tapping the right spot.
Practicality: 8/10
Rather than wedge in a tight third row, the Cayenne has two sets of seats, and offers 627 L of cargo space when the rear ones are upright. Those seats fold in a 40/20/40 split, so you can carry two passengers and still fit long items like snowboards between them. Should you have too much cargo, the S E-Hybrid can tow 3,500 kg (7,716 lb), and handle up to 100 kg (220 lb) on a rooftop carrier.
Comfort: 9/10
In typical German fashion, the Cayenne’s seats aren’t cushy but they are supportive, and that spinal support keeps them comfortable during long drives. However, that’s comfort for four, as the middle second-row position is only for those desperate for a ride. Legroom is generous in both rows. The ride is smooth and the cabin is quiet.
Power: 9/10
The Cayenne S E-Hybrid uses a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that on its own makes 348 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque; but throw in the hybrid system and you get a combined 512 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive (AWD). The PHEV system’s lithium-ion battery is larger than before at 25.9 kWh (21.8 kWh net).
This Cayenne has the expected impressive acceleration, but with the linear smoothness of a luxury SUV. In selectable hybrid mode it will switch between gasoline and electricity according to driving conditions, but in sport or sport+, the combustion engine stays on. It also keeps the hybrid battery well-charged, providing combined maximum power when you hit the throttle hard. When the Cayenne is plugged in and charged, it can drive on electricity alone at speeds as fast as 135 km/h. When the stored charge depletes, it automatically reverts to conventional hybrid operation.
Driving Feel: 9/10
The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is heavy, but it feels tight and takes curves with more control and grace than expected for something this big. The speed-sensitive steering is beautifully weighted, and the turning circle is very tight. Ceramic composite brakes are available, but the stock stoppers with six-piston fronts and four-piston rears have good bite. Once you’re done with your local winding road, the Cayenne settles nicely into everyday traffic, where you can appreciate its silent electric-only ability.
Fuel Economy: 7/10
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) hadn’t rated the Cayenne S E-Hybrid for its all-electric range and fuel efficiency at the time of this writing. On a full charge, the instrument display showed between 63 and 69 km of all-electric driving. That’s comparable to PHEV models like the Lexus RX 450h+ at 60 km, or the BMW X5 xDrive 50e at 63 km; but short of Land Rover Range Rover plug-ins at an estimated 82 km of range.
Value: 7/10
The trio of plug-in Porsches are the Cayenne E-Hybrid starting at $111,550; this S E-Hybrid at $120,850; and the Turbo E-Hybrid at $182,350. Comparisons can be difficult because not all PHEVs from rivals are head-to-head: The Audi Q5 and Lexus RX PHEVs start around $80,00 and $89,000, respectively, but are smaller and less powerful. The BMW X5 is similarly-sized and starts at $94,795, but the S E-Hybrid has 108 more net hp.
The 2025 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport slot above and below the Cayenne in size, with longer EV-only range and 542 hp, and are priced at $158,350 and $126,100, respectively (all prices including delivery). The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S E is also much smaller, but with 671 hp and a starting price around $110,000.
The Verdict
The Cayenne will soon be available as an all-electric model, but PHEVs are ideal for many who worry about range anxiety. The 2025 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid is a great blend of gas and electric power with its performance, driving chops, and comfortable ride. It’s not cheap, but for those in this bracket, it’s really worth testing.
| Engine Displacement | 3.0L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Turbo V6 |
| Peak Horsepower | 512 net hp |
| Peak Torque | 553 net lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | N/A |
| Cargo Space | 545 / 1,563 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2025 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid |
| Base Price | $117,900 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,950 |
| Price as Tested | $142,580 |
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Optional Equipment
$22,630 — Premium Plus package, $8,170; Black and red leather upholstery, $4,770; 21-inch AeroDesign wheels, $4,270; Ventilated and massaging front seats, $1,100; Aluminum roof rails, $940; Carrara White paint, $910; Heated windshield, $710; Noise-insulated glass, $670; Puddle lights, $370; Heated GT steering wheel, $370; Headrest Porsche crests, $350
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