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2006 Porsche Cayenne Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Porsche Cayenne Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2006 Porsche Cayenne Review
Porsche adds a more powerful turbocharged model to its SUV lineup for 2006. Cayenne shares a basic design with the Volkswagen Touareg, but differs in styling and engine choices. The base Cayenne has a 247-hp V6, the S model a 340-hp V8, the Turbo version a 450-hp turbocharged V8. Added during the 2006 model year, the Turbo S has a 520-hp turbocharged V8. The V6 comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic, the V8s with the automatic only. Cayennes have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing and locking center differential. An off-road option includes a locking rear differential. Standard on Turbos and optional on the others is a load-leveling suspension that allows driver adjustment for firmness and ride height. Turbo S models have specific suspension tuning and larger brakes.
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, ABS, and traction/antiskid control are standard. A navigation system is optional. Also available are heated steering wheel and seats, and front and rear obstacle detection. Ability to heat and cool the interior with the ignition off is newly available.
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, ABS, and traction/antiskid control are standard. A navigation system is optional. Also available are heated steering wheel and seats, and front and rear obstacle detection. Ability to heat and cool the interior with the ignition off is newly available.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.
Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.
Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.
News
Having now expanded to four models, Porsche's SUV is due to get a front-end restyle and other cosmetic updates for 2007, say reliable sources. An uprated base model with 275-hp 3.6-liter V6 is also expected. Porsche was known to be mulling a long-wheelbase wagon, a short-chassis 2-dr wagon, and even a 4-dr crew cab pickup, but it's unclear if these ideas are still on the board. Further out, a second-generation Cayenne is expected by model-year 2010 with a gasoline/electric drive system among the powertrain choices. Porsche has promised to offer a hybrid Cayenne using technology shared with one of several mass-market manufacturers, but nothing more is known at the moment.
Meantime, Porsche is working on its first sedan, a sleek 4-dr intended to take on the BMW 6-Series, Mercedes CLS, and other high-style 4-seaters. To be called Panamera, it's expected by 2009 or '10 on a new front-engine platform mounting Cayenne V8s. Production reportedly will be limited to about 20,000 per year for worldwide sale.
Meantime, Porsche is working on its first sedan, a sleek 4-dr intended to take on the BMW 6-Series, Mercedes CLS, and other high-style 4-seaters. To be called Panamera, it's expected by 2009 or '10 on a new front-engine platform mounting Cayenne V8s. Production reportedly will be limited to about 20,000 per year for worldwide sale.
2006 Porsche Cayenne Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Handling/roadholding | |
| Cargo room | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Little wind rush below 80 mph. Appropriate exhaust growl; hint of whistle on Turbo. Twenty-inch tires noisy on all but smooth surfaces.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
| Base w/18-in. whls., auto. | S | S w/20-in. whls. | Turbo w/20-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 58 | 59 | 55 | 55 | 61.5 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 52 | |
| Average Score | 61 | |
| High Score | 73 |
2006 Porsche Cayenne Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon | $42,200 | $36,771 | $815 |
|
|
|||
| S 4-door wagon | $57,200 | $49,904 | $815 |
|
|
|||
| Turbo 4-door wagon | $90,200 | $78,795 | $815 |
Price note: Turbo S prices and equipment not available at time of publication.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, hill-holder clutch, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, locking center differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 12-way power front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, cooled glovebox, variable-intermittent wipers, heated washers, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels.
S adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.5-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, Bose sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
255/55R18 tires.
Turbo adds to S:
Powertrain
4.5-liter turbocharged V8 engine.
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system, power tilt/telescope heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, memory system (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights w/washers, cornering lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Height-adjustable and load-leveling active suspension w/manual shock absorber control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Pkg.
|
||
|
Turbo
|
$3,790
|
$
|
|
Power sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, trailer hitch.
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Preferred Pkg. Plus
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||
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S
|
$7,790
|
$
|
|
Preferred Pkg. plus navigation system.
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Light Comfort Pkg.
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$610
|
$
|
|
Automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, dimmer-controlled interior lights, automatic headlights, programmable approach lights.
|
||
|
Advanced Off-Road Tech Pkg.
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$4,290
|
$
|
|
Locking rear differential, hydraulically disconnectable stabilizer bars, skid plates.
|
||
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Wood Pkg.
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||
|
Base
|
$1,040
|
$
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Turbo
|
$345
|
$
|
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S
|
$1,385
|
$
|
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Wood interior trim.
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||
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SportDesign Pkg.
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||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$5,870
|
$
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Bodyside cladding, rear spoiler.
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Powertrain |
||
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6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
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Base
|
$3,000
|
$
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Deletes hill-holder clutch.
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Safety |
||
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Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
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Base, S
|
$990
|
$
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Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system w/rearview camera
|
||
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Base, S
|
$2,670
|
$
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Requires navigation system.
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Tire-pressure monitor
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||
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Base, S, Turbo
|
$590
|
$
|
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
|
||
|
Base
|
$550
|
$
|
|
4-zone automatic climate controls
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,240
|
$
|
|
S, Turbo
|
$1,690
|
$
|
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Includes rear controls.
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Parking heater
|
||
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Base, S, Turbo
|
$1,570
|
$
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Navigation system
|
||
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Base, S
|
$3,070
|
$
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Includes voice recognition. Std. Turbo.
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Extended navigation system
|
||
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Base, S
|
$3,275
|
$
|
|
Turbo
|
$205
|
$
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Includes off-road navigation and reverse-route guide.
|
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Rearview camera
|
||
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Turbo
|
$1,680
|
$
|
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$1,150
|
$
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Panoramic power sunroof
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$3,900
|
$
|
|
Variable-assist power steering
|
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Base, S
|
$270
|
$
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Std. Turbo.
|
||
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Keyless access and starting
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$995
|
$
|
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6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$650
|
$
|
|
Bose sound system
|
||
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Base
|
$1,625
|
$
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
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Base, S, Turbo
|
$990
|
$
|
|
Requires monthly fee.
|
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Smooth leather
|
||
|
Base, S
|
$3,040
|
$
|
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Std. Turbo.
|
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Comfort seats
|
||
|
Base, S
|
$1,290
|
$
|
|
Includes driver-seat memory.
|
||
|
Sport seats
|
||
|
Base, S
|
$1,290
|
$
|
|
Turbo
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Base, S include driver-seat memory.
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||
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Heated front seats
|
||
|
Base, S
|
$560
|
$
|
|
Includes steering wheel.
|
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Heated front and rear seats
|
||
|
Base, S
|
$990
|
$
|
|
Includes steering wheel.
|
||
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Ski sack
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$130
|
$
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Bi-xenon headlights
|
||
|
Base, S
|
$1,240
|
$
|
|
Includes washers, cornering lights.
|
||
|
Black exterior trim
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$320
|
$
|
|
Roof rails
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$820
|
$
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
Base, S, Turbo
|
$495
|
$
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Height-adjustable load-leveling active suspension
|
||
|
Base, S
|
$2,990
|
$
|
|
Includes manual shock-absorber control.
|
||
|
All-season tires
|
||
|
Base, S
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
255/55R18 tires
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,190
|
$
|
|
Cayenne Design Wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,390
|
$
|
|
S
|
$1,200
|
$
|
|
Turbo
|
$1,050
|
$
|
|
Includes 275/45R19 tires.
|
||
|
Cayenne Sport Design Wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$3,500
|
$
|
|
S
|
$2,310
|
$
|
|
Turbo
|
$2,160
|
$
|
|
Includes 275/40R20 tires.
|
||
|
Rear-mounted spare tire
|
||
|
S, Turbo
|
$1,980
|
$
|
|
Base
|
$1,595
|
$
|
|
|
||
2006 Porsche Cayenne Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Porsche Cayenne 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4762 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 62.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | dohc V8 | Turbocharged dohc V8 | Turbocharged dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.2 /195 | 4.5 /275 | 4.5 /275 | 4.5 /275 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 247 @ 6000 | 340 @ 6000 | 450 @ 6000 | 520 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 229 @ 2500 | 310 @ 2500 | 460 @ 2250 | 530 @ 2750 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 6-speed manual | 15/20 | --/-- | --/-- | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | 15/19 | 14/18 | 13/18 | NA/NA |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Porsche Cayenne 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 10/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Porsche Cayenne Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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