The third-generation 2022 Porsche Cayenne is impressive on many levels. It's among the most fun-to-drive models in its class and backs it up with an impressive interior and plenty of opportunity for customization. This Cayenne builds a strong case for buyers whose life circumstances preclude a 911.
Revised infotainment system adds Android Auto compatibility
New Platinum Edition trim
Part of the third Cayenne generation introduced for 2019
What is the Porsche Cayenne?
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury midsize SUV with a sporty demeanor, and it's one of our favorites in its class. The 2021 Cayenne is tied for second place in our rankings with the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. Both are a few tenths of a point shy of our No. 1 pick, the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Our editors have praised the Cayenne for its impressive handling, wide assortment of powerful engines, and top-notch interior with excellent build quality.
A new Cayenne variant, the GTS, was added for 2021. It features a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, sourced from the Turbo and Turbo S E-Hybrid models but making less power. The 453-horsepower GTS sits between the Cayenne S (434 hp) and the Turbo (541 hp) in the lineup. The GTS also comes with a few extra performance-oriented features as standard equipment.
Early reports suggest the 2022 Cayenne could get a face-lift, with revised headlights and taillights. These cosmetic changes are often accompanied by a refreshed interior, but we've yet to see anything concrete. Stay tuned to Edmunds for all the latest updates.
Edmunds says
The Porsche Cayenne is one of our top picks in the luxury midsize SUV class, and unless you absolutely can't stand the current Cayenne's styling, there's no need to wait for a possible refresh for 2022. Check out all the details on the 2021 model and reach out to your nearest dealership to take a test drive.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
This is my third Porsche. My other two cars right now are a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Diesel and a 981 Boxster S (manual). The car was leased new and has around 600 miles on it so these are initial impressions.
Lets address the pros first. The car is very fast and handles exceptionally well. When is Sport or Sport + the car accelerates faster than my Boxster S (or at least … feels that way) and handles the curves superbly well. The seats are comfortable and there is a lot of room in the back seat. The battery gives you about 20 miles of range on fully electric which is speedy enough to get you around short errands easily.
Now for the cons. First, my vehicle had an MSRP of around $91K so pretty basic trim. Premium package plus the ventilated seats. But this is still $91K! I compare that against what I got in my Jeep Grand Cherokee (~$45K) and the value is simply not there (even for a Porsche).
Second, the are some pretty bad fit and finish quality issues. The paint is a joke and will scratch and get holes it in as if it were Play Doh. It also has an area where it looks like the paint dripped. How this got through quality control in Bratislava is concerning. I've toured the factory in Stuttgart and it wouldn't have gotten through those guys. I had to get ceramic coating because the paint is so bad and its a lease! There are also panels inside the car that do not align well (e.g., A pillar). Finally, I hear rattles with certain radio songs (at moderate volume) and it just doesn't seem as well put together as the JGC when going over bumps which is nuts to say about a Porsche.
Third, with the government subsidy the e-hybrid is the one to get over the S but if I were buying and not leasing I'd get the base. The hybrid tech is truly amazing (good job to the engineers), its hard to tell when the vehicle goes from electric to gas. However, if I were planning on owning (as opposed to leasing) I'd worry long-term about the impact of the hybrid drive and power train on the engine. The car needs to engage the ICE engine at any time (even if cold) and it will constantly need to go back and forth which is a lot for any engine to handle. The range of 20 very limiting and once its over, you don't have the speed anymore (just the weight). Overall, if you want an electric car, get a Tesla Porsche is just not there yet and the uncertainty of long-term residuals is too much to buy vs. lease. Plus the tech is changing at an exponential rate.
Fourth: Porsche, please go pick up a 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and make it a required course for the folks who design your ergonomics. I've had Jeep, Toyota, Nissan, MB, and other Porsches and this is the worst ergonomic design I've ever seen. Simple things like being able to select previous track on the steering wheel, hang grocery bags in the back seats (or rear), and ability to easily control music are impossible in the new Cayenne. The controls look great but I think this car is a step back in this respect relative to the previous generation.
Fifth: The Bose Stereo system is not great. I have a lot of Bose products (e.g., headphones, speakers, stereo in Boxster) and this one is just not as good. It sounds only slightly better than the system in my JGC. I've tried every setting combination, multiple different sources, and even Tidal which streams at more than CD quality. Its just not a great system.
Having owned a couple of other Porsches, this doesn't feel of the same quality. Frankly it doesn't feel special. I think they need to bring the production back to Germany ASAP. Will report back after a few months.
3rd time is a charm
4 out of 5 stars
DM Taylor, 12/29/2019
2019 Porsche Cayenne 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
This is my 3rd Porsche. Previously owned a Boxster S and traded in a 2015 Macan S for the base 2019 Cayenne. Have put 4,000 miles on it over five months. Picked it over a Panamera.
Likes are the interior which is the most comfortable and elegant I have seen. Actually prefer the Cayenne’s ZF transmission over the PDK in the Macan! The Macan was always sluggish to get the turbo to spin … up. I always felt the programming was off.
The handling and acceleration are top shelf. Reliability has been bulletproof and the Biscayne Blue get s many compliments
Dislikes: The Macan could scroll through my favorite radio stations using the thumb ball on the steering wheel, and also adjust volume. Can’t do that on the Cayenne. Macan also displayed the speed limit on the dash. Again missing from Cayenne. I have completely given up on using my foot to get the rear to open. It has never worked for me, and when the dealer tried it, most of the time they couldn’t get it to open either.
Car breaking safety issue
1 out of 5 stars
DefectivePorscheBuyer, 04/29/2021
2020 Porsche Cayenne S 4dr SUV AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
My new Cayenne 2020 S had three different issues within the first week. The are four (4) different rattling noises, a dangerous braking issue (sudden jolts forward when you're trying to slow down) and an app that rarely connects. I'm now fighting with the dealership as they say these issues are "normal". Suffice to say, I've filed a complaint with the NHTSA and will pursue other legal … and non-legal means until they resolve this.
I would strongly recommend not buying the Cayenne. The breaking issue simply makes it unsafe.
Drives great but problems on brand new vehicle
1 out of 5 stars
JP, 12/16/2021
2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
After 2000 KM a rattling noise started, I thought it was just a slight rattle on a heat shield at low RPM, and was only intermittent. The throttle felt odd at times but I just attributed it to me not being accustomed to the transmission. By 2800 KM the rattling noise was very loud and heard all the time. Emergency brake sensor issue. First they blamed bad gas, problem continues after … they drain gas and put in new gas. Also I have a 2014 ML63 that I fill up at all the same gas stations, no problems for almost 7 years. Took 3 months - They changed Motor, Turbos and Throttle Body. Told emergency brake sensor will arrive in 30 days. Now after 500KM of driving the rattling sound has returned intermittently and today was very loud, appointment at dealership tomorrow morning. Have owned this vehicle 6 months and only been able to drive it about 10 weeks.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Porsche Cayenne, so we've included reviews for other years of the Cayenne since its last redesign.
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