Porsche Cayenne (03-09) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on 16 July 2007

Last Updated: 25 June 2009

Porsche took a big risk when it launched the Cayenne - up until then it had only ever built small sports cars. But the large four-wheel drive has proved a popular choice as an alternative to models such as the Range Rover Sport and BMW X5. The Porsche badge has helped in part, but that's not to say the Cayenne is all about show. It uses a sophisticated four-wheel drive system to give superb traction, while the handling is nothing short of amazing, considering the sheer size and weight. The original design was rather unattractive - as if a 911 body had been stretched over a large 4x4 silhouette. Thankfully significant changes in 2007 introduced a sleeker, more attractive look along with more powerful engines. However the biggest change was in early 2009 when a diesel model was introduced - making the Cayenne the first ever Porsche to be powered by a diesel engine.

4 out of 5

Other Porsche reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£35,808 - £92,083

Used price range:

£8,236 - £57,420

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Porsche performance and quality, diesel engine available, car-like handling

Ungainly styling on pre-facelifted cars, firm ride, expensive running costs

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Driving & Performance

Performance

4.5 out of 5
"The Cayenne shares its original six-cylinder engine with Volkswagen, albeit with a few tweaks."
Handling

4.5 out of 5
"The Cayenne brings previously unseen levels of grip and handling to the 4x4 market - provided you..."

Comfort

Comfort

3.5 out of 5
"The Cayenne will seat five comfortably and leather seats are standard on all models. Early versions..."
Practicality

4 out of 5
"Unlike several other large 4x4s, the Cayenne isn't available with seven seats. However rear..."
Equipment

4 out of 5
"All models come with the usual equipment you'd expect at this level including air conditioning..."
Behind the wheel

4 out of 5
"Despite the Cayenne sharing many components with the Volkswagen Touareg, the instruments and..."

Costs

Running costs

2 out of 5
"Porsche may have a reputation for high prices, but the Cayenne is now on par with other 4x4s like..."
Green credentials

2 out of 5
"The Cayenne’s powerful petrol engine line-up returns just 19mpg on average, so it's no surprise that..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4 out of 5
"All Cayennes come with front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control and traction..."
Reliability

3.5 out of 5
"Porsche's two-year warranty is 12 months short of most on the market, but we've heard of few..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

2 out of 5
"Discount isn't a word that's heard in Porsche dealerships, although it's worth asking for one or two..."
Buying used

3 out of 5
"The market has settled down since the first used models were commanding premiums over list prices..."
Selling

4.5 out of 5
"The Cayenne will always generate plenty of interest - helped in no small part by the Porsche badge."