Porsche Cayenne
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. A recent facelift has sharpened the case for Porsche's controversial SUV. It's better looking and better to drive - if you can live with the horrendous running costs.
Review
The Cayenne is undoubtedly the most controversial car that Porsche has made in recent years, its status as a hulking SUV standing in stark contrast to the lightweight, advanced sports cars that made the brand famous.
The thing is, Porsche's dynamic know-how means that the Cayenne manages to deliver an impressively composed and accurate driving experience for something so big and with such a high centre of gravity. It's a guilty pleasure, but its steady popularity around the world (especially in the USA) doesn't really come as a surprise.
The recently revised front end looks far better than the slightly startled appearance of the earlier cars, which appeared to have had a 911's headlamps grafted straight onto an SUV profile. And, as before, the interior is spacious and well finished, although buyers may well be disappointed by the poor levels of standard equipment, especially on more expensive versions.
On the road the Cayenne drives with a fluidity and accuracy that belies its massive size. Cornering is keen and accurate while high-speed stability and refinement remain very impressive. It's even reasonably talented off-road, although low-hanging bodywork limits its ability compared to more rugged rivals.
The entry-level V6 engine feels a bit anaemic when asked to move such a big car, but the V8 and top-ranking Turbo are both seriously rapid. No diesel version is available.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Better than before - but still a serious stretch for the Porsche brand considering its sports car heritage.
Handling
4 star
Excellent for something this size and shape, the Cayenne is accurate and well-controlled over every type of road.
Comfort
4 star
Ride quality is a little bit on the firm side, but the driving position is excellent and the Cayenne is impressively quiet for high-speed cruising.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Parts of the interior feel a bit downmarket compared to obvious rivals, while penny-pinching equipment levels seem stingy next to the competition, too
Performance
5 star
The entry-level V6 motor struggles with the Cayenne's vast bulk, but the 4.2 litre V8 is very quick, while the range-topping Turbo is outrageously fast.
Roominess
4 star
Decently spacious for both front and rear seat occupants and with a reasonably proportioned boot.
Running Costs
2 star
Frankly, scary. Servicing and insurance are pricey while the lack of a diesel option means some weighty fuel bills, especially in the V8 versions.
Value for money
2 star
You're paying handsomely for the Porsche badge, the Cayenne being less well equipped than the equivalent Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Mercedes ML.
