Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Porsche Cayenne review – one of the best-handling SUVs

"The Porsche Cayenne offers the brand's expected driving appeal, packaged as a practical, comfortable SUV"

Carbuyer Rating

3.9 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Scorching performance
  • Remarkable handling
  • Everyday practicality

Cons

  • Predictable looks
  • High running costs
  • No seven-seat option

Verdict - Is the Porsche Cayenne a good car?

The Porsche Cayenne has long been praised for its ability to handle well ‘for an SUV’ – now though, that caveat can be thrown in the bin, because the Cayenne handles brilliantly full-stop. However, we do wish air suspension was standard, given how well it improves the balance of comfort and handling in the E-Hybrid model. The plug-in E-Hybrid models still feel remarkably good to drive despite their weight, too, and the Cayenne as a whole is still very practical despite the lack of a seven-seat option. Beware of high running costs, though, and while the Cayenne is certainly not bad-looking, it may be too subtle if you want something that stands out.

Porsche Cayenne models, specs and alternatives

It’s now common for most manufacturers to offer an SUV model in their lineup, but back when the Porsche Cayenne was first introduced, it was a controversial step for the brand known for its sleek sports cars. The Cayenne revolutionised the way an SUV could drive and proved a success for Porsche, allowing the brand to survive for future generations, so it’s safe to say it’s an important car. The modern version now faces a wide range of rivals in the performance SUV segment, including the Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX, Maserati Levante and Ferrari Purosangue.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Cayenne sits on the same platform as the Audi Q8 and Bentley Bentayga but offers plenty of choice for buyers. A facelift in 2023 brought updates to the Cayenne’s looks, including new, more angular matrix-LED headlights, a revised front bumper, sharper front wings, a new bonnet and a revised light bar at the back. 

Best luxury SUVsTop 10 best luxury SUVs 2024

The range of petrol and hybrid powertrains was also revised. The entry-level Cayenne models now feature the brand’s latest 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which competes with the Mercedes GLE, BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport. The E-Hybrid model uses this V6 engine and pairs it with an electric motor and larger 25.8kWh battery than before, giving an improved maximum 56-mile range compared with the pre-facelift model’s 25 miles.

Cayenne S models swap the previous 2.9-litre V6 engine for 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 power, and the Turbo model has been removed from the range entirely in the UK. Above this now sits the Cayenne S E-Hybrid model, with even more power from the 3.0-litre V6 hybrid system than the standard E-Hybrid. Right at the top of the range is the most powerful Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, which instead pairs the V8 engine with a hybrid system for an eyewatering 729bhp.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The latest car is easily recognised as a Cayenne and has overtones of the smaller Porsche Macan, a car that looks far more lithe and dynamic than previous Cayennes ever did. While Porsche hasn't taken any big risks with the latest model's looks, it's undeniably handsome and fits in well with other models in the range – not looking uncomfortable in the presence of the Porsche 718 Cayman or Porsche 911 sports cars. Now, there's also the Porsche Cayenne Coupe that boasts the same engine range (plus a Turbo E-Hybrid GT range-topper) but with sleeker looks.

The same is true inside, where the look and feel is very much like the Porsche Panamera hatchback or its shooting-brake-styled Panamera Sport Turismo sister – the interior’s 2023 redesign brings more extensive use of digital dashboard tech, as seen in the Porsche Taycan, with a second infotainment screen in front of the passenger seat. It’s taken the Cayenne another step ahead of its closest rivals, with excellent materials and crystal-clear graphics on those screens, while the physical controls that remain are still great to use.

There's plenty of interior space, and the boot is at least as generous as its rivals. However, it's on the road that Porsche has taken the most effort to ensure it fits with expectations of the brand.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ve now driven the revised Porsche Cayenne in both its base form and as the Cayenne E-Hybrid, and it’s no less impressive than it’s ever been. The basic car’s new 3.0-litre V6 has resulted in a subtle but welcome uptick in performance, with improved responses and a sporty sound when you’re working it hard, but enough refinement to fade into the background at a cruise. It still does the same trick of feeling like a smaller car on the road than you’d expect, too.

The E-Hybrid also benefits from Porsche’s chassis updates, including adaptive dampers with more highly adjustable valve compression and rebound settings, allowing for finer control over its wheel and body movement. It’s even more fun to drive than before, and comfort has been improved at low speeds around town. The big SUV still feels slightly lumpy on 22-inch wheels and on steel springs, with the worst bumps occasionally transmitted through to the cabin, but the facelift’s chassis offers a better balance that has also reduced body roll at higher speeds. Air suspension is not fitted as standard on this model, but we highly recommend opting for it, as it really improves the Cayenne’s ride and handling, making it even more versatile.

It comes as no surprise that this third generation of Porsche Cayenne is the best yet, but it comes as quite a shock that it should be quite so responsive and involving to drive. Taking the SUV route when choosing a fast, practical family car used to involve compromised driver appeal – even the previous Porsche Cayenne struggled to feel truly agile and fleet-footed. The latest model, though, feels truly worthy of the Porsche crest on its nose.

Porsche models aren't always crash-tested, but the Cayenne's popularity means Euro NCAP has tested its flagship SUV, and given it the top five stars, reassuring customers. It's also noteworthy that Porsche topped our 2021 Driver Power survey.

Porsche describes the Cayenne as its 'sports car for five'. A bold claim, but one that rings true. It's expensive and the usual Porsche running cost caveats apply, but few practical family SUVs are quite so rewarding to drive.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Bentley Bentayga review – an opulent and comfortable SUV
Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
In-depth reviews
27 Mar 2024

Bentley Bentayga review – an opulent and comfortable SUV

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes
Skoda Karoq SportLine
In-depth reviews
26 Mar 2024

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV review
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
22 Mar 2024

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV review

Kia Sportage review – a popular, economical hybrid SUV
Kia Sportage drive front quarter
In-depth reviews
22 Mar 2024

Kia Sportage review – a popular, economical hybrid SUV

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

More on Cayenne

Top 10 best used luxury cars 2024
best used luxury cars
Best cars
20 Mar 2024

Top 10 best used luxury cars 2024

A used luxury car can provide opulent motoring for hatchback money – here are the 10 best to look out for
Top 10 best sports and performance SUVs 2024
Top sports and performance SUVs hero
Best cars
8 Jan 2024

Top 10 best sports and performance SUVs 2024

Need a blend of speed and space? These are the best performance SUVs to choose
Porsche Cayenne Coupe review - less practical, even more fun
Porsche Cayenne Coupe
In-depth reviews
4 Dec 2023

Porsche Cayenne Coupe review - less practical, even more fun

"The Porsche Cayenne Coupe trades a little practicality for a sportier exterior look"
Skip advert
Advertisement
New 2024 Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe full reveal
2024 Porsche Cayenne
News
18 Apr 2023

New 2024 Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe full reveal

The revised Porsche Cayenne has arrived, and here are the latest pictures and details
Special edition cars: the best, worst and weirdest
News
15 Dec 2020

Special edition cars: the best, worst and weirdest

Take a look at the best and most memorable special edition cars
Top 3 used luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs for £45,000
Tips and advice
1 May 2020

Top 3 used luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs for £45,000

“Dear Carbuyer, I want a used luxury hybrid SUV for £45,000. It must have a nice interior and plenty of kit. What do you recommend?”
New Porsche Cayenne Coupe GTS set to join range
Porsche Cayenne Coupe GTS
News
9 Apr 2020

New Porsche Cayenne Coupe GTS set to join range

Porsche’s coupe-SUV line-up will expand thanks to 453bhp V8 model
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe revealed
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe front driving
News
18 Feb 2020

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe revealed

Hot 603bhp Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe will take on BMW X6 M and Porsche Cayenne Coupe this spring
Skip advert
Advertisement
2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid prototype review
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid
News
13 Aug 2019

2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid prototype review

We drive Porsche’s new flagship SUV, the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, to see if it’s the pick of the range
Skip advert
Advertisement
New 671bhp Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid revealed
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid - front 3/4 dynamic
News
12 Aug 2019

New 671bhp Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid revealed

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is more powerful than the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus
434bhp Porsche Cayenne S Coupe arrives
Porsche Cayenne S Coupe - front quarter
News
15 May 2019

434bhp Porsche Cayenne S Coupe arrives

Twin-turbo V6 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe is available to order now
Porsche Cayenne Coupe officially revealed
News
22 Mar 2019

Porsche Cayenne Coupe officially revealed

The four-seat Cayenne Coupe is available to order now, with prices starting at £62,129
Range Rover Sport SVR review
Road tests
17 Oct 2018

Range Rover Sport SVR review

Supercar performance meets SUV style and off-road ability
Porsche Cayenne S review
Road tests
17 Oct 2018

Porsche Cayenne S review

The Porsche Cayenne S demonstrates that 434bhp in an SUV is more than sufficient
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid SUV (2018-2018)
In-depth reviews
15 May 2018

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid SUV (2018-2018)

"The Cayenne E-Hybrid is almost the perfect package for luxury SUV buyers who want performance as well as space, practicality and reasonable economy"
Skip advert
Advertisement
2018 Jaguar F-Pace gets improved tech
News
8 May 2018

2018 Jaguar F-Pace gets improved tech

Driver assistance, infotainment and convenience features added to the 2018 Jaguar F-Pace
New Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid launched
News
2 May 2018

New Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid launched

Up to 88.3mpg claimed for plug-in Cayenne E-Hybrid
Skip advert
Advertisement
2018 Range Rover facelift revealed
News
28 Nov 2017

2018 Range Rover facelift revealed

Flagship Range Rover now available as a hybrid and is more luxurious than ever
2018 Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Turbo revealed
News
14 Sep 2017

2018 Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Turbo revealed

New Porsche Cayenne – priced from £55,965 – launches with serious performance & tech; Turbo reaches 62mph in 3.9 seconds
Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid SUV (2010-2017)
In-depth reviews
10 Aug 2017

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid SUV (2010-2017)

"The Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid is one of the best hybrid SUVs to drive but it's not cheap to run and the interior is starting to show its age."
Porsche Cayenne SUV (2011-2017)
In-depth reviews
6 Jun 2017

Porsche Cayenne SUV (2011-2017)

“The Porsche Cayenne blends the attributes of a 4x4 with the performance and handling of a sports car, but those traits don’t come cheap”
Skip advert
Advertisement
Porsche reveals new 911 and Cayenne models
News
12 Jan 2015

Porsche reveals new 911 and Cayenne models

Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS and flagship Porsche Cayenne Turbo S SUV to get first public airing in Detroit
Entry-level Porsche Cayenne revealed
News
5 Nov 2014

Entry-level Porsche Cayenne revealed

Porsche Cayenne now starts from £49,576, as sporty GTS model also joins range

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024