2017 Porsche Cayenne Review

Name: 2017 Porsche Cayenne Review
Brand: Porsche
Price: 27372 USD

2017 Porsche Cayenne Base 4dr SUV Exterior

2017 Porsche Cayenne GTS 4dr SUV Exterior

2017 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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$27,372 - $41,998

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Porsche Cayenne model years

Porsche Cayenne for Sale

Porsche Cayenne types

SUV
Plug-in Hybrid

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJames Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Truly impressive handling for a crossover SUV
Wide selection of strong engines available
Exquisite interior and build quality
Plenty of customization options

Cons

Relatively small cargo capacity for the segment
Quite a few optional features should be standard given the price tag

What’s new

The 2017 Cayenne gets Porsche's latest (PCM 4.0) touchscreen infotainment system on every trim level, improving functionality. Limited Edition Cayenne and Cayenne S E-Hybrid Platinum models also join the range, bringing the trim level count up to eight. The Cayenne Diesel has been discontinued due to the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal.

Vehicle overview

The 2017 Porsche Cayenne is both sporty and indulgent, and its comprehensive lineup ranges from a green-cred plug-in hybrid to a sports-car-beating all-star with a turbo V8. Park a Cayenne in your garage and you could be convinced that it's the best all-around crossover on the market.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Porsche Cayenne 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$260/mo

$196/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Regardless of where you start in the Cayenne line — be it the 300-horsepower base model or 570-hp Turbo S — there is no shortage of options to equip and customize it to your liking. You've got close to 20 wheel choices alone, plus a dozen leather interior arrangements and numerous trim accents such as aluminum, carbon fiber, imitation suede or even more leather. Porsche offers an adjustable air suspension, electronically controlled dampers and active anti-roll bars that endow the Cayenne with physics-defying levels of handling.

Now, is the Cayenne vice-free? No. There are several optional features that should probably be standard from a utility standpoint. And although there is indeed a useful amount of passenger and cargo space, most similarly priced rivals outdo it. The E-Hybrid model is also so frustrating to drive that we would not recommend it. But with so much else to like from the 2017 Cayenne lineup, it is very much worthy of your consideration.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

4.5 / 5

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Porsche Cayenne S (turbo 3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD). Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Cayenne since there have been no significant changes since then.

Scorecard

Overall	4.5 / 5
Driving	5.0
Comfort	5.0
Interior	4.0
Utility	3.0

Driving

5.0

The 2017 Porsche Cayenne S isn't the sportiest trim available from Porsche, but it provides a surprisingly high level of on-road performance, even by sedan standards. Combine this with a good tow rating plus off-road competence, and you end up with a surprisingly versatile SUV.

Acceleration

5.0

Motivating more than two-and-a-half tons of vehicle to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds is a tall order, but the Cayenne S does so without breaking a sweat. At full throttle, the all-wheel-drive Cayenne launches from a standstill without drama.

Braking

5.0

The Cayenne S needed just 106 feet to stop from 60 mph in our tests, which is better than many dedicated sports cars with summer tires.

Steering

5.0

The steering response and feel are about as good as it gets in a SUV. The reduced assist (heavier steering feel) in Sport and Sport Plus modes is suitable for enthusiastic driving, while Comfort mode provides effortless parking-lot and around-town maneuvering.

Handling

5.0

The Cayenne's handling is impressive in a vehicle of this size. Although it had a nose-heavy attitude around the long, sustained arc of our skid pad test, the Cayenne S handles real-world driving amazingly well.

Drivability

4.0

This is an easy SUV to drive overall, but leaving stoplights can take longer than expected due to a slight delay from both the eight-speed automatic transmission and the engine. The auto start-stop system isn't intrusive unless driving in very heavy traffic.

Off-road

4.0

The Cayenne's specialty is peerless stability on curvy roads, yet it's also decent in an off-road environment. The height-adjustable air suspension provides plenty of clearance. You can't get low-range gearing in the Cayenne, though.

Comfort

5.0

The 2017 Cayenne S combines a quiet cabin with seating that preserves comfort for long-distance cruising and still offers excellent support for more dynamic driving. The optional adjustable air suspension is key in this area, offering varied height and ride-comfort settings.

Seat comfort

5.0

Several front seat designs are available, but they mostly differ in the number of adjustments, including those for the bolsters. All are superb in terms of long-distance and cornering support. The rear bench is split 40/20/40 for improved comfort and versatility.

Ride comfort

4.0

On the softest suspension setting of three available (Comfort), the Cayenne's underlying sporting nature can still be discerned. The ride isn't harsh in the least, but if you're expecting pillow-like comfort, look elsewhere.

Noise & vibration

4.5

The Cayenne's cabin is quiet at all times and keeps wind and road noise to a minimum. A low-frequency engine/exhaust note at idle is a little louder than expected, especially given the Cayenne's lack of a burly exhaust sound at full throttle.

Interior

4.0

Porsche does interiors well. The 2017 Cayenne's cabin layout is highly intuitive and well insulated, and it has excellent fit and finish. Whether you spend your time commuting or taking long road trips, the Cayenne provides a fast-moving sanctuary of comfort from the world outside.

Ease of use

5.0

Like Apple's iPhone, the Cayenne's controls and switchgear require little instruction and effort to use. The number of buttons may be dizzying at first glance, but the layout is thoughtful and quickly becomes second nature.

Getting in/getting out

5.0

The door openings are typical for an SUV, opening to nearly 90 degrees. The seat cushions have more aggressive lateral bolstering than in most rivals (even in the back), but the adjustable air suspension option allows for low step-in and loading heights.

Driving position

With so many available adjustments, the Cayenne's many seating options should all provide a better driving position than can be achieved in most other vehicles. A low-slung, 911-like seating position it's not, but you'll definitely feel in control and part of the car.

Roominess

4.0

Headroom is abundant, as is shoulder and hip room for the front passengers. The high center console reduces some open cabin air space, but it isn't a hindrance. In back, rear legroom is adequate, but not much more.

Visibility

3.0

The door-mounted side mirrors provide a clearer view out the windows (compared to the more typical mounting next to the roof pillar), but the mirrors themselves are small. The optional Lane Change Assist is pretty much a necessity.

Quality

5.0

Build quality is something at which Porsche consistently excels, and the Cayenne is no exception. The interior design is thoughtful and functional, with high-quality materials and tight fit. Everything is finished to an elegant standard.

Utility

3.0

Does the Cayenne offer more utility than other Porsches and other vehicles similar performance? Yes. However, for an SUV of its size and weight, its utility disappoints. Similarly priced rivals are almost all better in this regard.

Small-item storage

3.0

With its high center console packed with buttons, there really isn't much opportunity for small item storage beyond the smallish under-armrest bin and glovebox. At least the door pockets are of a fair size.

Cargo space

2.5

The Cayenne concedes considerable cargo room to its competition, with 24 cubic feet with the seats raised and 63 cubic feet with them folded. That's about what you can expect from compact luxury SUVs (though it is a fair bit more room than the Macan has).

Towing

4.5

The Cayenne S is rated to tow up to 7,716 pounds, more than most other luxury crossover SUVs.

Technology

The Porsche Cayenne offers most of the infotainment and safety tech expected at this price range. Note we said "offers" because most of it is optional. Features such as a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and forward collision warning are often standard these days on far cheaper cars.

Audio & navigation

The Cayenne gets a jolt for 2017 with Porsche's new touchscreen interface. It's quicker to respond, easier to use, less prone to fingerprints and can be equipped with Apple CarPlay. Pretty good for the segment, though, you may prefer the functionality of rival systems.

Driver aids

Essentially all driving aids are optional: a rearview camera, parking sensors, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, adaptive cruise control (includes forward collision warning with auto-brake). Some of this should be standard at this price.

2017 Porsche Cayenne models

The 2017 Porsche Cayenne is a five-passenger midsize SUV available in an usually high number of trim levels: Cayenne, S, S E-Hybrid, GTS, Turbo and Turbo S. Each of these have different engines and a consequent increase in performance, although they do typically include a few extra features beyond what the trim below provides. For 2017 there are also two limited-edition models: the Cayenne Platinum and Cayenne S E-Hybrid Platinum. All come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard feature highlights for the base Cayenne include a 3.6-liter V6 (300 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque), 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, a power tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, partial leather upholstery, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat (with slide and recline), a 7-inch central touchscreen, a navigation system, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker audio system.

The Cayenne S upgrades to a 3.6-liter turbocharged V6 (420 hp, 406 lb-ft) plus 19-inch wheels, speed-sensitive variable steering effort (Power Steering Plus), a power-adjustable steering wheel, a sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, and driver-seat memory settings.

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid has a special hybrid-electric powertrain that features a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor that together produce 416 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. It also includes adaptive suspension dampers (PASM), Porsche Car Connect with E-Mobility (provides remote access to important hybrid features via a smartphone app), a 3.6-kilowatt onboard charger (a 7.2-kW charger is available) and an energy management display in the instrument cluster.

When you pick the Cayenne GTS you're back with a regular powertrain, in this case a more powerful version of the S engine good for 440 hp and 443 lb-ft. It also gets a variety of additional performance-enhancing elements that include 20-inch wheels, a specially tuned adjustable air suspension, larger high-performance brakes, front sport seats, partial simulated-suede upholstery and headliner, and unique exterior styling elements.

The Cayenne Turbo adds to the Cayenne S equipment a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 (520 hp, 553 lb-ft), adaptive LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, a full leather interior, upgraded front seats, heated rear outboard sport seats, and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.

The range-topping Cayenne Turbo S adds an even more powerful version of the Turbo V8 (570 hp, 590 lb-ft) plus 21-inch wheels, two-tone leather upholstery, carbon-fiber interior trim and the Sport Chrono package with dash-mounted timer. It also includes handling upgrades such as active anti-roll bars (PDCC), brake torque-vectoring and electronic-locking rear differential (PTV Plus) and ultra high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes.

The two Platinum Edition models adds a selection of popular options plus exclusive 20-inch wheels and special exterior trim. The E-Hybrid version also includes an auxiliary climate system that allows preheating or precooling of the cabin before occupants enter

Many features that come standard on upper trim levels can be ordered as stand-alone options. Indeed, like other Porsches, the Cayenne is one of the most customizable vehicles you can buy.

Then you've got even more choice from a dizzying options list. It starts with four main packages — Sport, Porsche Connect Plus, Premium and Premium Package Plus — and then goes to a huge list of standalone choices. All serve to enhance the Cayenne's performance, technology and audio, comfort, safety, and exterior and interior style. For a price, of course.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

2.5/5Average

#25 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs

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.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Porsche Cayenne from 2008-2022.}

$776/yr

vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.98x/yr

vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

15.6%

vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Porsche Cayenne.

5 (60%)

4 (17%)

3 (10%)

2 (8%)

1 (5%)

4.2

40 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Great vehicle

Banx, 01/31/2018

2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (4.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A)

2/2019 update: Edmunds asked for an update from the 17,060 odometer reading. It now has 19,810 miles on odometer. Fuel average is now at 15.3 mpg, using 93 octane, with a 50/50 mix of city and highway. Oil additions are now at an average of needing a half-quart of Mobil 1 0w-40 added every 946 miles, but 1 standard deviation is 513 miles; the lowest it has gone before needing a half … quart added was 356 miles and the longest was 2084 miles - 2nd longest was 1511 miles. There have been no maintenance issues yet. We traded in our '12 Turbo (500 hp) for this used but certified '16. Both the '12 and '16 had/have the sport chrono pkg. The buttons on the center console area are very easy to use. This vehicle has been fantastic to drive. With 520 hp, it accelerates 0-60 in about 4.2 seconds and there is zero turbo lag at any time. One big advantage of this model is the buttons on the console that allow the climate for driver or passenger to have air flow exactly as they wish in any combination of air flow outlets. The Bose sound is very good, way better than the Harmon Kardon in our two Mercedes cars (wagon and CLS) that have the weakest bass sound ever. The navigation system works well - this car doesn't have voice control (note: Mercedes nav is horrible). Heated steering wheel is very comfortable in the winter. The 15.6 mpg over the 8900 miles I've been tracking it on a spreadsheet is 0.3 mpg less than what the trip computer has calculated. The EPA, which always overstates mpg, has it rated as 14/21 for city/hwy. It requires 93 octane like all Porsches, so if you live in an area where 91 octane is the highest available, the ECU will not nearly give you the acceleration performance that this car could give you. Reliability has been fine so far (expect to pay about $2K when the front brakes (rotors and pads) are replaced). There is no oil dipstick; once the car has been driven around 10 miles, a dash view of oil level can be seen in a submenu. This has averaged needing a half-quart of Mobil 1 0w-40 added every 870 miles, which is about normal for their twin turbo V-8. Cargo space in the rear is fine for us - it carries a few golf bags, etc. and has WAY more trunk capacity than the Macan or Audi Q5. While I'd love a Macan, they're just too small in the cargo area and the front leg area is too short for me. One problem with Cayennes is removing the retractable cargo cover shade entirely out of the bracket that holds it in place. It is a ridiculously tough chore! This '16 has the sport exhaust option and the sound is quite exciting outside the vehicle, but you barely hear it inside - it sounds much more thrilling on this V-8 than on the Cayenne V-6 loaner I got. While we have a locking differential control, we've only used it a couple of times while clambering up a snowy, pine-covered trail to a camp. If you really need that go anywhere capability, I'd guess the Range Rover would be the one to get. This came with summer tires - as soon as it got cold I took them off and put on all-season tires on the 21 inch wheels. The ride would be a bit more comfortable on rougher roads with smaller wheels. The LED low beam headlights have a sharp cutoff - I'd prefer them to light up more of the road in front of us. There is an extremely annoying start/stop function - even though we turn it off, the '16 resets itself to "on" each time the engine is turned off. That split second, when you don't realize the start/stop is functioning and you're turning left while seeing oncoming traffic, and you'll understand what I mean. You're saving a few cents a week in gas but the starter is being used 20 times a day - what'll that Porsche starter cost to replace after the warranty is up? This has parking sensors front and rear that work very well (those in our Mercedes are useless), and the blind spot monitors are good too. Fortunately, the cruise control is NOT the adaptive option - I do not like those. Heated and ventilated seats work very well in front - the rear only has the base heated seats. Transmission has worked flawlessly so far.

Its a Porsche for a reason

Sean, 02/13/2017

2016 Porsche Cayenne 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I have had this vehicle for almost a year now coming from a bigger and somewhat slower SUV ( Full-Size Range Rover) this Porsche is a performance vehicle and once you step on the gas you feel it. The breaking system is unbelievable precise (also very expensive to replace via the dealer) the infotainment and interior design is that of airplane if your familiar Porsche then its pretty …

1 year ownership review

Wayne, 06/10/2018

2017 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Platinum Edition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C gas/electric hybrid 8A)

I got the car last year and had driven it for about 8000 miles. For interior, Cayenne hybrid build quality is great. The car had practicality in mind without overdone and over engineering. I would consider MB interior are overdone with too much distraction, Tesla features are over-engineering. I am OK with some of the plastic on the switches. That's how you keep the weight down. It is … not Rolls or Bentley nonetheless. For performance, the acceleration is good(about 5.4s from 0-60). Brake is very sensitive. For reliability, I expect Porsche reliability is great. So far, no problem what-so-ever from my car. So, I will consider it excellent. This car has a very steep learning curve, it can achieve most of the stuff it promised, but you just need to take some time to learn and understand how this machine work. For example, one reviewer complain that the in-car navigation cannot be cancelled. Actually, it can be cancelled pretty easily. just wave you hand in front of the navigation. The proximity sensor will bring up optional choice to cancel the current destination. Climate control is automatic. you can turn off the AC with the AC button. Heat will come-in automatically once you set the temperature. So, I am very pleased with its comfort during the harsh winter. Fuel economy is also great if you know how to use it, cruise control on high speed can save you a lot of fuel, especially during downhill and soft braking. I only refilled my tank 6 times from initial 100 miles in odometer(I admit I charge my car a lot). 1 tank of fuel supposed to last for 400 miles only. I especially like the full electric mode that is literally like a second set of engine that you can use in most light weight short distant city driving. With my current driving habit, I expect this car to last for a long time. Porsche engineering is up there, you got what you pay for, for such powerful and complicated machine, you have got to take some time to learn how to use it properly. One last thing I want to say is, Cayenne hybrid is like having an option to drive a hybrid or a Porsche. If you drive like a hybrid, it delivers great fuel economy and quiet comfort, don't expect super fast acceleration and exciting throttle noise in this mode. If you drive like a Porsche under sport plus mode, it deliver great handling and good acceleration, but the fuel economy will not be good(~23mpg in pure gas engine). With Porsche, you are the driver with options.

Great Surprise

Richard Seban, 07/11/2016

2016 Porsche Cayenne Diesel 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)

We are now over 50K and the car is the same as it was when it was new. The is our second Cayenne and we love it. The diesel has over 700 miles in range and with the air flow seats it is so comfortable only bathroom breaks are necessary. We just took a road trip (5000 miles) and the car performed perfectly. Can't say enough good things about it. Worth every penny! We have now owned …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Porsche Cayenne, so we've included reviews for other years of the Cayenne since its last redesign.

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2017 Cayenne Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$59,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$260/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Cayenne models:

Porsche Active Safe: Warns you about impending forward collisions and automatically applies the brakes if necessary. Bundled with the adaptive cruise control.
Reversing Camera: Shows what's behind you. A surround-view version is also available. It's a must-have.
Multi-Collision Brake System: Automatically applies the Cayenne's brakes after an initial collision occurs to minimize further damage to other vehicles.

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