2003-2006 Porsche Cayenne: Road Test

No Cayenne V6 has been tested, but with automatic it should match the 9.2-second 0-60 mph acceleration achieved in a similar Volkswagen Touareg. Expect a bit quicker performance with manual shift. Both V8s feel strong, but annoy with nonlinear power delivery. The S needs a heavy throttle foot for maximum zip. Porsche's Turbo responds with less-than-expected power in some situations, but more than needed in others. Porsche pegged the S model at around 7.0 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph; the Turbo, about 5.5 seconds. Fuel economy is a sore point. A test Turbo averaged 14.8 mpg. Test V6 Touaregs logged 12.5 to 15.1 mpg. All engines require premium-grade gasoline. Taut always, the Cayenne suspension delivers the best ride with standard 18-inch tires. Short sidewalls on 19s and 20s mean poor bump absorption. Even so, only sharp potholes produce jarring. The air suspension firms progressively through Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes. Some unwanted rebounding occurs in Comfort mode, while Sport jiggles on even gentle ripples. Communicative steering is accompanied by unerring grip, even in bumpy turns, and excellent directional stability. Constant power feed of 38-percent front and 62-percent rear delivers high-performance-sedan feel. Brakes could be called arresting, though a test Turbo's squeaked upon application. Summer tires have been standard, so winter traction is questionable. In snowy regions, we recommend use of all-season tires, available through Porsche dealers. Cayennes can be impressive off-road on available all-terrain tires. Little wind rush is noticeable below 80 mph. Appropriate exhaust growl appears, plus a hint of whistle on Turbos. Cayenne's 20-inch tires are noisy on all but smooth surfaces. Loaded with buttons, the dashboard conveys plenty of information, but pre-drive familiarization is required. The gauge cluster is "busy" with six analog dials and various digital readouts. Small audio buttons contrast with simple toggles for climate, suspension, and transfer-case adjustments. The cabin's mix of leather, wood, and aluminum is classy but not opulent. Front occupants get adequate headroom and generous seat travel. Lateral support is excellent, though seat bottoms may pinch some physiques. Forward visibility is great. Large outside mirrors are helpful, but headrests and a narrow rear window obstruct rearward views. Slight step-up into the cabin is needed, but otherwise riders enjoy no-fuss entry/exit. Optional proximity keyless entry needlessly complicates locking and unlocking. Adequate rear headroom is accompanied by good leg and foot space. The back cushion is supportive, but too firm for some testers. Doors open wide, but passengers practically need to twist their ankles to clear doorframes while exiting. With the rear seat up, cargo space is good but not expansive for an SUV. Split 60/40, that seat folds flat for plenty of space, but you must first flip the cushions, then remove and stow headrests. Separate-opening tailgate glass requires an awkward reach into the cargo bay. Cabin storage is adequate. No spare tire is included, unless the original owner specified a space-saver tire or bought an outside tire mount.

Value for the Money
Cayenne impresses for Porsche-worthy road manners, engineering and solidity, and off-road manners. New or used, it's far from cheap, and the V8 versions' sometimes-ragged power delivery is very un-Porsche. The Cayenne V6 lacks the expected Porsche punch. Unless you simply must have a 450-hp SUV, a V6 or V8 Touareg should satisfy as much--and save money, new or secondhand. Shop the competition, too.