2006 Porsche Cayenne Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 Porsche Cayenne includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Porsche Cayenne from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Porsche Cayenne, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Porsche Cayenne help you decide if a 2006 Porsche Cayenne is right for you.

2006 Porsche Cayenne Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Handling/roadholding

Cargo room

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
5	7	7	8	6.2

No opportunity yet to test Turbo S. V6 adequate, but needs full throttle to merge with or pass freeway traffic; Porsche quotes 8.5 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission, 9.1 with automatic. It pegs Cayenne S around 7.0 sec 0-60, Turbo about 5.5. Both V8s feel strong, but annoy with nonlinear power delivery. S also needs heavy throttle foot for maximum zip. Turbo responds with less-than-expected power in some situations, more than needed in others.

Fuel Economy

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
4	3	3	3	3.4

Test automatic-transmission V6 averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test Turbo averaged 14.8 mpg in mixed driving. No opportunity to measure with S. All engines require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
6	6	4	4	5.5

Taut always. Short sidewalls on 19- and 20-inch tires mean poor bump absorption. Even so, only sharp potholes jar. Available adjustable suspension firms progressively through Comfort, Normal, Sport modes. Some unwanted rebounding in Comfort. Sport jiggles on even gentle ripples. All Cayennes highly capable off-road; self-leveling suspension adjusts for up to 10.7 inches ground clearance.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.7

Constant power feed of 38 percent front, 62 percent rear delivers performance-sedan feel. Communicative steering. Unerring grip even in bumpy turns. Excellent directional stability. Arresting brakes, though test Turbo's squeaked upon application. Summer tires standard, so optimal winter traction requires other treads; all-season tires are available for Base and S. Cayenne impresses off-road.

Quietness

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
7	7	6	6	6.6

Little wind rush below 80 mph. Appropriate exhaust growl; hint of whistle on Turbo. Twenty-inch tires noisy on all but smooth surfaces.

Controls

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	6.6

Dashboard has lots of buttons, conveys lots of information, requires predrive familiarization. Small audio buttons contrast with large, simple toggles for climate, suspension, transfer-case adjustments. No opportunity to test with navigation system. Cabin's mix of materials classy but not opulent.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.5

Ample head room. Generous seat travel. Excellent lateral support, though seat bottoms may pinch some physiques. Standard tilt/telescope wheel. Great forward visibility. Large outside mirrors, but headrests and narrow rear window obstruct view aft. Slight step-up into cabin, but no-fuss entry/exit. Optional Proximity keyless entry needlessly complicates locking and unlocking.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	6.3

Adequate head room. Good leg, toe space. Cushion supportive, but too firm for some testers. Doors open wide, but passengers need to twist ankles to clear door frames on exit.

Cargo Room

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.9

Good with rear seat up, but not expansive for an SUV. Seat splits 60/40 and folds flat for plenty of space, but you must first flip cushions, then remove and stow headrests. Adequate cabin storage. No spare tire included; instead, Cayenne comes with an emergency inflator kit. Optional spare mounts on tail.

Value within Class

Base w/18-in. whls., auto.	S	S w/20-in. whls.	Turbo w/20-in. whls.	Class Average
4	4	3	2	5.8

V6 Cayennes lack the expected Porsche punch, and the V8 versions' sometimes-ragged power delivery disappoints. But all Cayennes have Porsche-worthy road manners, and impress for engineering, solidity, and off-road prowess.

Total Score