Porsche Cayenne - What the Auto Press Says
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne ranks 12 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 53 published reviews and test drives of the Porsche Cayenne, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Porsche Cayenne is an SUV for those who would rather be driving a sports car. It's a luxurious, sexy and powerful alternative to a minivan or the ho-hum SUVs that make up the luxury midsize pack -- and now there’s even a hybrid model for drivers concerned about fuel economy or the environment.
Think the Cayenne is too good to be true? For some, it is. Unless you're rolling in money, the Cayenne's steep sticker price is quite a wake-up call. At $46,700, the Cayenne's base price might seem like a steal for thePorsche name -- but it can skyrocket to more than $100,000 depending on trim (and if you opt for the super-powerful Turbo model, that’s even before you add options). Plus, the all-new S Hybrid starts at $67,700, which makes it the most expensive hybrid SUV on the market.
Of course, for that cash you're getting genuine Porsche performance, status and style with the practicality of an SUV. PLus, if you go for the hybrid, test drivers say it sacrifices surprisingly little in the way of performance for its gas/electric powertrain.
"Perhaps most important is that the Cayenne S Hybrid still largely felt like a Porsche,” says Motor Trend. “Granted, the Cayenne isn't the sportiest member of the Porsche range, but it does offer a level of precision, feel, and driver gratification that is lacking in many other luxury SUVs."
The hybrid model isn’t the only big news for the Cayenne. Porsche has redesigned all Cayenne models with updated styling, more power, and even better fuel economy. The new model has a sleeker exterior design, but it’s actually larger than the previous model. That means more cargo space and room for rear-seat passengers -- a plus for families. The Cayenne has also shaved about 400 pounds off its curb weight, which makes it more agile and fuel-efficient overall.
Other Luxury SUVs to Consider
The Cayenne's biggest shortfall is definitely its price. While competitors can't match its sheer power, there are a few that might be perfectly acceptable for buyers who just want a plush daily driver.
Anyone considering the Cayenne should also look at the Volkswagen Touareg. Since the two are platform-mates, the Touareg's mechanics are identical to the base Cayenne. The VW has also been redesigned for 2011 and costs considerably less than the Porsche. It starts at around $5,700 less than the Cayenne. The Touareg Hybrid, which is also virtually identical to the Cayenne S Hybrid, starts at around $51,000 -- considerably less than the Cayenne Hybrid’s base price of $67,700. If you can live without the Porsche name and higher end engines, the Touareg is undoubtedly a better value.
If you’re looking at a luxury hybrid, also consider the new Mercedes ML450 Hybrid, which starts at $55,000 and still costs considerably less than the Cayenne S Hybrid. Though it can't match the Cayenne's sporty ride, it costs less and comes with the same high level of prestige and refinement. But again, a Benz doesn’t provide the same level of sporty cachet as a Porsche.
Details: Porsche Cayenne
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne comes in several trims: the base Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, and all-new Cayenne S Hybrid. For 2011, Porsche has dropped the super-powerful GTS and Turbo S models. All models come with all-wheel drive. A diesel model is available only in Europe.
- "Cayenne is a unique take on the SUV formula, emphasizing sport way more than utility. What else from Porsche? But, the price for Porsche virtues -- thoroughbred handling, blazing acceleration, and nameplate prestige -- will be too high for all but an appreciative few. The cost becomes higher still when costly options are added." -- Consumer Guide
+"By retaining its high levels of performance and road-holding while combining them with a sizable reduction in weight and big gains in fuel economy, the Cayenne Turbo proves you can have your cake and eat it, too." --Edmunds - "The Cayenne S, Hybrid, and Turbo are all noticeably more competent than their ancestors, and the claimed 23 percent improvement in efficiency is staggering. Expect to pay for those improvements, though." --Popular Mechanics
- "After our brief encounter, we're not sure the world really needs a hybrid Porsche SUV, especially given the availability of rides like the diesel-powered BMW X5. Then again, we didn't think there was much need for a Porsche SUV to begin with, and sales figures have clearly proven us wrong." --Cars.com
Cayenne Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne weighs less and has more power and sporty moves than ever. Best of all, it now offers a fuel-efficient and equally sporty gas/electric hybrid model in its lineup. Read More
Cayenne Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne's sexy, refined styling gets a few tweaks for this year. The design continues to be positively received by reviewers. Read More
Cayenne Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)
Test drivers have always loved the Porsche Cayenne's posh five-seat cabin, which comes with an even more spacious second row thanks to this year’s redesign. Nonetheless, as is the case with many upscale vehicles, one of the Cayenne's biggest flaws is that its complex gadgetry comes with a steep learning curve. Read More
Cayenne Safety - NA
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne has not been crash tested, but offers impressive advanced safety systems like Porsche Stability Management, Dynamic Curve Lights and Park Assist. Read More
Cayenne Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Cayenne comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.
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