History/Overview
The Porsche model that likely saved the company from financial ruin is probably also the one the brand’s purists hate the most. But you can’t argue with the Cayenne’s success, which brought Porsche cachet to one of today’s most practical and desirable upscale vehicle types. Introduced in 2003, the Cayenne is now in its third generation, which debuted here as a 2019 model.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
New this year is a Turbo GT version of the Cayenne Coupe, which becomes the most powerful non-hybrid Cayenne model.
Available Trims
Porsche offers the Cayenne in a dizzying array of trims: the line starts with a base model, and then there are E-Hybrid, S, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S E-Hybrid, and Turbo GT. All trims are available in standard and coupe body styles, save Turbo GT, which is coupe only.
Power sources include V6s and V8s, all turbocharged, with E-Hybrid versions adding plug-in hybrid capability. EV driving range is limited, with the electric assist aimed mostly at adding performance. Eight-speed transmissions and AWD are standard across the range.
Standard Features
Base Cayenne models come with 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated/power front seats, power tailgate, LED headlights, forward collision mitigation, front and rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel, dual-zone A/C, and 10-speaker audio.
Cayenne E-Hybrid and S models add Porsche Active Suspension Management to go with their extra performance.
Cayenne GTS gains air suspension with a lowered ride height, 21-inch wheels, tinted head- and taillights, sport seats, and a variety of trim-specific interior treatments.
Turbo models get adaptive headlights, 18-way adjustable front seats, head-up display, heated rear seats, auto-dimming mirrors, and 14-speaker audio. Turbo S E-Hybrid adds an adaptive rear spoiler.
Finally, the Turbo GT Coupe gets ceramic composite brakes and 22-inch wheels.
Key Options
Cayenne options include upgraded seats, and an off-road package with underbody protection.
A premium package brings a panoramic roof, Bose audio, passive keyless entry, lane change assist, ambient lighting, auto-dimming mirrors, and adaptive headlights. A premium plus group adds LED matrix headlights, four-zone A/C, and ventilated front and heated rear seats.
An assistance package gains surround view cameras, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and night vision assist.
A GTS lightweight sport pack brings a carbon fibre interior package and roof, 22-inch wheels, sport exhaust, and matte black exterior trim.
Fuel Economy
As we write this, the only 2022 Cayenne powertrains for which Porsche has published fuel consumption estimates are the E-Hybrid variants: the base model is rated for 5.1 Le/100 km on electric power, and 11.8/10.6 L/100 km (city/highway) in gas-electric hybrid driving; the Turbo S E-Hybrid’s ratings are 5.6 Le/100 km on battery, and 13.8/12.2 L/100 km as a hybrid.
Those figures are the same as those for 2021, so we feel confident in saying the rest of last year’s estimates will carry forward, too: 12.5/10.3 L/100 km (city/highway) for the base model; 13.1/10.5 L/100 km for Cayenne S; 15.8/12.3 in GTS form; and 15.6/12.4 for the Cayenne Turbo. All of those numbers apply to the Cayenne’s SUV configuration; the coupe’s ratings differ slightly in most trims.
Competition
The Porsche Cayenne’s key competitors are the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Others include the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90.
