Porsche Cayenne Review (2018-present)

The Porsche Cayenne SUV has long been the go-to choice for buyers who want an upmarket high-performance SUV and this, the third-generation model, continues that trend.

Porsche didn’t just give the previous version a tweak and send it out as a new model, however; the third-generation Cayenne, which was unveiled in August 2017, got a new platform, a fresh engine line-up featuring turbocharged V6s, more modern looks and a host of new equipment options.

It was also up to 65kg lighter than its predecessor, despite a small increase in the size of its footprint, and was also far more practical, with a more spacious interior and larger boot.

Two versions were offered in the UK initially: the Cayenne, with a turbocharged 335bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and the more sporting Cayenne S, which was equipped with a 435bhp twin-turbo, 2.9-litre V6.

The Cayenne range would later swell tremendously to include the motorsports-inspired Cayenne GTS variant, the tremendously powerful Turbo, the more efficient Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid model and the range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Porsche also unveiled the sleeker Porsche Cayenne Coupe in 2019, which was designed to tackle rival offerings such as the BMW X6, Maserati Levante and Range Rover Velar. This also included the addition of a track-focussed GT model, which is arguably the best SUV ever for keen drivers, provided they’ve got deep pockets.

However, should you be willing to stomach the costs, any Porsche Cayenne remains a high-quality, high-performance SUV that can tackle daily and family life effortlessly, all while being more compelling and rewarding to drive than many rivals.

The latest Cayenne is a big car on the outside, but that does at least translate into a lot of space on the inside. In fact, few large sporting off-roaders are as practical and family-friendly as the Porsche, which can accommodate almost everything you throw at it.

Occupants in the back get plenty of room to stretch out, while there’s even space for three adults to sit three abreast without feeling too hemmed in. This is even true of the Coupe models, where the rear seat bases have been lowered to compensate for the sleeker and lower roofline. What’s more, the rear bench reclines and slides back and forth, so you can choose between extra space for people or luggage.

Speaking of which, the boot has an impressive 770-litre capacity, which is 100-litres more than its already cavernous predecessor. Drop the rear seats and the available storage space climbs to a van-like 1,710 litres. Bear in mind, however, that the need to accommodate a large battery means that space in the hybrid models drops to 645-litres with the rear bench in place. The Coupe is worse still, with a figure of 600-litres.

The driver and front seat passenger get plenty of space to play with, while an extremely wide range of seat and wheel adjustment means it’s easy to get comfy behind the wheel. It’s also clear the Cayenne was designed with families in mind, as there’s loads of useful storage, including large door bins that’ll accommodate 1.5-litre bottles, a large lidded compartment between the front seats, a number of cupholders and enough USB and power sockets to keep a smartphone-obsessed teen always connected.

As ever, the Cayenne’s real brilliance is that it combines the space, practicality and comfort of a large SUV with genuine driving thrills. It’s still a big old bus, but virtually no other of this size and weight drives with such poise and polish as the Porsche.

Even the entry-level Cayenne can sprint from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds, which is impressive considering its two-tonne weight. The Cayenne S is even quicker, dipping down to 5.3 seconds, while the GTS is faster still. For the ultimate in performance you’ll need the Turbo or Turbo S E-Hybrid. The former packs 542bhp and will crack the acceleration benchmark in 4.1 seconds, while the latter combines a twin turbo V8 and electric motor to deliver a muscular 671bhp and a 3.8 seconds 0-62mph time.

Yet it’s the way the Cayenne deals with the corners between the straight stretches of road that’s really impressive. Despite weighing as much as a modest semi-detached house (well, almost), the Porsche dives into and out of bends with sort of zeal you’d normally associate with a hot hatch back.

The steering is quick and meatily-weighted, there’s strong grip and limpet-like four-wheel drive traction, while the air suspension always keeps body movements under control. Specify the expensive 48 volt active anti-roll bars and the Cayenne scoots through corners with barely any body roll. It also benefits from powerful brakes that both stop the car quickly and offer great feel and progression through the pedal.

However, take it a little easier and the Porsche turns into a refined and relaxed executive express. Adaptive dampers means you can dial-up a supple ride at the touch of a button, while wind, road and engine noise are well suppressed. The Cayenne even feels at home around town, where that elevated driving position and good visibility make it a doddle to place accurately. Its eight-speed automatic gearbox also shuffles gears with the speed and smoothness of a Monte Carlo casino croupier dealing a deck of cards.

And if you’re bored with the beaten track, then you can always head into the wilderness. True, not many Cayenne owners will take their cars onto rutted and muddy tracks, but with its air suspension extended to its maximum height and one of the off-road traction control settings engaged, the Porsche is only likely to be defeated by the toughest obstacles.

An entry-level Cayenne has a standard equipment list that includes automatic LED headlights, heated electric folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay support, a digital radio and a powered tailgate. That might sound quite extensive but, for comparison, a less costly base-model Range Rover Velar will also get features such as heated seats and a 3D surround-view camera. Porsche does offer a long list of options, of course, but the cost soon racks up if you start ticking boxes.

All models get Porsche’s latest touchscreen infotainment system, which looks slick and is relatively easy to use, thanks partly to the fact the brand still uses physical ‘hot keys’ to shortcut to the most commonly used functions. Even so, the menus are well laid out and it’s easy to connect your Apple smartphone using the brand’s CarPlay set-up. Be aware, however, that only the latest models equipped with the brand’s PCM 6.0 set-up have Android Auto compatibility.

This third generation model was the first Cayenne to be tested by EuroNCAP, scoring the full five stars in 2017, thanks in part to a 95 percent rating for adult occupant protection and 90 percent for children. The Porsche is also available with a whole raft of driver assistance systems, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, although some of these features are on the expensive options list.

A Porsche Cayenne will be an expensive car to run, regardless of which version you opt for, but that’s par for the course with a large high-performance SUV. Unsurprisingly, given its weight, it's power and its all-wheel drive, good fuel economy isn’t the forte of the conventional Cayennes. Even the standard model averages a best of 24.1mpg on the more stringent WLTP test cycle, while its CO2 emissions clock in at a similarly ruinous maximum of 289g/km.

Those figures get increasingly worse as you climb the conventionally powered Cayenne scale, with the Turbo model returning up to 20.9mpg and while its CO2 emissions peak at 319g/km. Every standard petrol Cayenne subsequently has expensive first-year VED rates and, because no variant costs less than £40,000, you’ll also get hit by an additional VED premium for five years.

There’s no high-efficiency, low-CO2 diesel variant of the Cayenne but consolation comes in the form of the plug-in E-Hybrid model, which offers up to 91.1mpg and emissions as low as 71g/km of CO2. It’ll cost less in VED and could be a more viable option for business users, while those who plug it in regularly will also be able to keep their fuel costs down.

Servicing is required at least every 20,000 miles or two years, regardless of variant, although the on-board computer will let you know if attention is needed before then. But, while ownership aspects such as insurance can be more expensive than less upmarket alternatives, servicing shouldn’t be extortionate. It’s only as the cars get older, and consumables such as brakes need replacing, that the running costs can spike.

On the plus side, a set of tyres for a standard Cayenne will cost in the region of a reasonable £700, while the car’s strong residual values should further help keep overall running costs in check.

As a new car, the Porsche Cayenne comes with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. That’s not exceptional compared to mainstream offerings such as Kia’s seven-year warranty, but it’s a pretty standard arrangement in the premium sector.

That said, Porsche does also include three years of roadside assistance. It’s valid for the whole of Europe and includes a host of features, ranging from replacement vehicles in the UK for up to four days, to onward European travel and accommodation if the vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside. Consequently, you should have little to worry about if you’re heading out on a holiday or business trip through Europe.

Typically, Porsche doesn't fare particularly well in customer satisfaction and reliability surveys, but that can often be the result of customers being justifiably more demanding and expecting flawless cars and service. And, at the very least, the firm does often place higher in such surveys than many other mainstream and premium brands.

As is often the case, the quality of service provided is often very dependent on the dealership in question. It’s worth investigating the reputation of any local Porsche specialists as a result. Similarly, it’s worth exploring if there are local independent specialists as they may be able to offer both lower prices and a higher standard of service.

The Porsche Approved Pre-Owned Cars scheme, in any case, is a great option if you want a used Cayenne. The cars are put through a comprehensive check, serviced and fitted with new parts where required, valeted and then resold with a 24-month, unlimited-mileage warranty. The warranty is extendable up to 15 years and 125,000 miles, too, which could help keep costs in check.

There have also been a handful of Cayenne recalls, so it’s worth using the government website – or speaking to a dealer – to check if the car you’re interested in is subject to those recalls, or if it has been updated and fixed already.