2007 Porsche Cayenne: Road Test
2007 Porsche Cayenne ▼
- MSRP: $42,200 - $90,200
- Invoice: $36,771 - $78,795
Explore
Features & Specifications
Related to Porsche Cayenne
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2007 Porsche Cayenne includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Porsche Cayenne from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Porsche Cayenne, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Porsche Cayenne help you decide if a 2007 Porsche Cayenne is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.2 |
No opportunity yet to test Turbo S. V6 adequate, but struggles to keep up with fast 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. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
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 S or Turbo S. All engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Taut always. Short sidewalls on 19- and 20-inch tires mean poor bump absorption, but only sharp potholes really jar. Self-leveling "active" 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, offer up to 10.7 inches ground clearance.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Power split 38/62 percent front/rear provides almost sports-sedan driving feel. Communicative steering. Unerring grip even in bumpy turns. Excellent directional stability. Arresting brakes, though occasionally squeaky on test Turbo. Summer tires standard, so optimal winter traction requires changing treads; all-season tires available for Base and S. Cayenne impresses off-road.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Little wind rush below 70 mph. Appropriate exhaust growl; hint of whistle on Turbo. Twenty-inch tires noisy on all but smooth surfaces.
CONTROLS
| Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.5 |
Controls and readouts surround driver, require predrive familiarization. Small audio buttons contrast with large, simple toggles for climate, suspension, transfer-case settings. No opportunity to test with navigation system. Cabin materials classy, but not opulent for this price level.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
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, narrow liftgate window impede view aft. Slight step-up into cabin, but no-fuss entry/exit. Optional keyless entry needlessly complicates locking/unlocking.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | 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. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Good with rear seat up, but not expansive for an SUV. Seat splits 60/40, folds flat for plenty of space, but you must first flip cushions, then remove and stow headrests. Adequate cabin storage. Spare tire not included, just an emergency inflator kit. Optional spare mounts on tail.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/18-in. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5.9 |
V6 Cayennes lack the expected Porsche punch, and the V8 versions' nonlinear 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. wheels, auto. | S | S w/20-in. wheels | Turbo w/20-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 59 | 55 | 55 | 61.3 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
