2019 Porsche Cayenne Review

Name: 2019 Porsche Cayenne Review
Brand: Porsche

Price Range: $29,495 - $70,990

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

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

Cons

Quite a few optional features should be standard given the price tag
Gloss-black interior panels can look dirty almost immediately
Poor rear visibility
Fans are weak at low speeds and too noisy at high speeds

What's new

Completely redesigned and restyled
More powerful engines
New and improved E-Hybrid model
This is the first year of the third-generation Cayenne

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne has been redesigned from front to back and now bears more of a resemblance to the 911 than ever before. Power from every available engine has been increased and there's a new Cayenne E-Hybrid, which replaces last year's S E-Hybrid. Porsche has also managed to make the Cayenne weigh less than the previous year.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Porsche Cayenne 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 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 $3.90 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$234/mo

$178/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Inside, the Cayenne sees an updated interior, complete with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for control over most of the SUV's systems. It's very similar to the one found in the current Panamera. The instrument panel, too, has been updated with two 7-inch multifunction digital displays. The cargo area has been made larger for 2019, too.

Of course, Porsche still provides a myriad of personalization options for every Cayenne. Combinations can seem almost endless and include a wide variety of colors, wheels, interior materials and performance-related upgrades. But all of these options can send the price straight into orbit.

As well-rounded as the Porsche Cayenne may be, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. We consider the rear seat and cargo area to be adequate, but other SUVs in the class offer more room. And some features, which are standard on competitors, are pricey options on the Cayenne. But we've always been fans of the Porsche Cayenne, and with the improvements Porsche has made to the 2019 model, we see no reason to change our opinion.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Porsche Carenne as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury SUVs for this year.

For more background on the new Cayenne, read our 2019 Cayenne First Look, 2019 Cayenne First Drive and 2019 Cayenne E-Hybrid First Look.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.1 / 10

Redesigned for 2019, the Porsche Cayenne has something for everybody. It's an SUV renowned for its performance potential, yet it's also luxurious and easy to drive. Engines start with a V6 and range all the way up to a wildly powerful twin-turbo V8. And there's even a hybrid.

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 Porsche Cayenne w/ Air Suspension and 21-inch wheels (turbo 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	8.1 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0
Technology	8.0

Driving

8.5

Large SUVs aren't expected to feel so quick, but when that SUV wears a Porsche badge, it's assumed. The Cayenne unspools steady streams of power from any double-digit speed and has seemingly endless grip in curves. The steering is heavier than a family SUV requires, and only the brakes feel less than seamless.

Acceleration

8.5

The Cayenne accelerates without effort, swifter than you'd think possible of a 4,700-pound SUV. It's not a pin-you-to-your-seat kind of speed, but rather steady and robust for passing and a raging gallop when you really need it. Flooring the pedal from a stop produces some lag, but the Cayenne still makes the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.3 seconds.

Braking

7.5

The pedal feels firm, but the pedal action is longer than we'd expect of a Porsche. It also doesn't transmit much feel, so it takes a bit of familiarization before you can accurately judge your input. Our test sample executed a panic stop from 60 mph in just 106 feet at our track, an impressively short distance for a large SUV, even if it was aided by expensive optional tires.

Steering

8.0

The steering is almost unnecessarily heavy and resistant at lower speeds, but that's part of the bargain with Porsche. Some drivers will like it. We think it's heavy for heavy's sake, especially in what is essentially a family SUV. The effort and feedback make a lot more sense on a winding stretch of road, where the steering imparts a keen sense of control.

Handling

9.0

The optional wide (and expensive) tires skew the performance here, but the Cayenne's inherent balance is remarkable. This Porsche is the kind of SUV where you can pick a line through a curve and continue to coax power from the throttle without inducing any noticeable body roll. It's about as controlled as it gets.

Drivability

8.5

The throttle feels well-calibrated. It's easy to dial in precise amounts of speed and just as easy to back off without the transmission getting jumpy. Selectable drive modes are offered, but you'll only ever need Sport on the street. (Comfort is comparatively dull and Sport Plus is high-strung.)

Off-road

8.5

The adjustable chassis height and four terrain modes that optimize traction and throttle settings give the Cayenne legitimate off-road ability absent in many of its rivals. And that's before you factor in standard all-wheel drive and up to 9.4 inches of ground clearance from the optional air suspension. It's not a Jeep, but this optional package makes it more capable than its direct rivals.

Comfort

8.0

Porsche's secret sauce for combining athletic and confident handling with a firm and cushy luxury ride quality is on full display in the Cayenne. The standard seats stay comfortable over long distances for a range of body types. There's some noise but little vibration. But you'll want to keep a hand fan within reach. Hot and cool air dribbles weakly through the vents at low fan speeds.

Seat comfort

8.0

The seats are a fairly generic shape but quite comfortable with firm cushioning, moderate thigh bolstering and thigh extenders. Some of our test drivers, however, wished for more lateral support under hard cornering. Lumbar support can get pretty aggressive if you need it to.

Ride comfort

8.5

The air suspension absorbs bumps with quick, tight compression. The ride is firm but not hard, jarring or shaky. It's more like tight and controlled. Its quickness and responsiveness soak up road rash, too. Porsche expertly manages the trick of combining the sort of firm, controlled ride that conveys sportiness with excellent comfort.

Noise & vibration

7.5

There's a bit more ruckus than you might expect of a Porsche, mostly wind noise, followed by white noise fizz from the road. However, it's not enough to impede a conversation at normal voice levels, and it's negated somewhat by the satisfying engine and exhaust noise. The suspension keeps things nicely damped despite the huge wheels, with not much vibration.

Climate control

7.0

The airflow is surprisingly weak at lower settings, but cranking up the fan speed also cranks up the fan noise. This system does not move a lot of air otherwise, but it cools the cabin nicely. A set point of 75 degrees actually feels a bit on the cool side. Seat heaters are a stand-alone option ($530) and work quickly.

Interior

8.0

A broad range of driving positions and spacious quarters allow the Cayenne to feel either like a proper sports car or a more conventional SUV. It's easy to slide in and out of, even with the rear "stadium-style" seating. The unique exterior shape makes seeing out the rear sides a challenge, though.

Ease of use

7.5

The center console buttons and functions have haptic feedback. The knurled dials, rocker and roller-type controls are nice, but some are placed awkwardly and tightly in front of the gear selector. And these are redundant controls; most drivers will default to the steering wheel controls.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

Getting in or out is easy at the vehicle's standard height and even easier when you lower the body via the adjustable suspension. The relatively low seat bolsters make it easy to slide into and out of the seats. The doorsills are narrow enough not to provide an impediment, but the rear seats are perched slightly higher on a raised platform.

Driving position

8.5

There's a wide range of seat adjustment, whether you like to sit low, sports-car style, or perched high in conventional SUV style. The power-adjustable steering column also means anyone can find a comfortable, confident driving position.

Roominess

8.0

The wide, straight and horizontal instrument panel feels almost like the cabin of a small aircraft, but the dashtop is angled down and creates a nice visual space. A broad center console creates some distance between the driver and the passenger. There's plenty of elbow room in front and back and ample rear legroom and headroom, too, even for 6-foot-tall or taller riders.

Visibility

6.5

An expansive windshield and angled dashtop offer a good view of the hood, which in turn gives a good sense of the space around the front side fenders. But the comically thick rear pillars interfere with visibility to the rear sides. And blind-spot monitoring isn't included here either.

Quality

9.0

Build quality is excellent all around as you might expect from Porsche. The interior handles and surfaces feel rock-solid, and the knobs and switches have a confident heft. Detail worth noting: the window seals. They open and close with a damped quality and tight seal that no doubt helps keep plenty of outside noise at bay.

Utility

8.0

Cargo space is on the low side, and interior storage is a mixed bag, but there's enough here to give the Cayenne real daily usefulness. A 40/20/40-split folding rear seat boosts versatility, and the optional air suspension comes in handy to lower the load floor height for large and bulky items. It isn't a cheap option but worth it for heavy cargo users.

Small-item storage

7.0

The center console is large and bulky but not especially roomy. There's enough space for a couple of wallets and phones but not much else. A phone cubby and two cupholders with anti-tip claws sit behind the gear selector, and the door pockets offer molded spaces wide enough for medium-size bottles.

Cargo space

7.5

The Cayenne's 60.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space isn't exceptional — some compact crossovers offer more. But the shape is useful, and the netting helps make use of the wheelwell space. The adjustable air suspension can drop the load height, making it easier to load heavy or bulky items, but it's a pricey option.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

Standard Isofix anchors are easy to access at the base of the rear seat cushions but are nicely hidden out of the way behind plastic tabs. The upper anchors are easily located on the rear seatbacks, and there's enough room for large rear-facing seats to fit without impinging on the comfort of front-seat occupants.

Towing

8.0

Like the last-generation model, this Cayenne can tow up to 7,713 pounds, a pretty stout number for a turbo V6-powered SUV. The hitch package comes with a seven-pin wiring socket and is pre-wired for any electric trailer brake controller you may want to add.

Technology

8.0

Redesigned infotainment is a highlight of this refreshed Cayenne, and the wide touchscreen is the centerpiece. It's one of the best interfaces in the class, easy and intuitive to use and highly configurable. A more extensive range of voice commands, the addition of Android Auto, and at least some basic standard driver assistance features would make the system even better.

Audio & navigation

9.0

The widescreen 12-inch touchscreen display is excellent, with crisp map colors and graphics and a customizable home screen using drag-and-drop tile icons. Keep microfiber towels on hand, though; finger smudges collect and show up quickly. The standard 10-speaker audio system sounds fine but distorts as volume increases. Serious music lovers will want the optional Bose or Burmester upgrade.

Smartphone integration

7.5

Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay come standard, but Android Auto is still absent. Controlling smartphone features through the Cayenne's native PCM system is easy and seamless enough, though.

Driver aids

7.0

The automatic emergency braking comes standard, but most everything else — blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, parking sensors, adaptive cruise — are options. It's unsurprising given Porsche's traditional sales model, but we think that blind-spot warning should come standard given the Cayenne's poor rear-side visibility.

Voice control

7.5

The native system responds well to normal speech patterns, but it offers a fairly narrow range of commands for controlling audio sources, routing navigation or placing calls. The voice button can be held to break through to Siri on an iPhone, but Android users will lament the absence of Android Auto's similarly expansive voice commands.

Compare 2019 Porsche Cayenne trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Porsche Cayenne models

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne is a five-passenger midsize SUV available in four trim levels: base, S, E-Hybrid and Turbo. These trim levels mainly differ by what engine is under the hood, though they do typically include a few extra features with each step up as well. All come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The base Cayenne is nothing to sneeze at, with plenty of performance coming from its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (335 horsepower, 332 lb-ft). Nineteen-inch wheels are standard, as are LED headlights, partial leather seats and a 12.4-inch touchscreen, among other features.

The Cayenne S comes with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine (434 hp, 406 lb-ft), different 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension — dubbed Porsche Active Suspension Management, or PASM — tinted taillights and a panoramic roof.

The E-Hybrid is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine aided by an electric motor (455 hp, 516 lb-ft combined). A plug-in hybrid, the E-Hybrid can drive about 27 miles on all-electric power before the gas engine switches on. It adds PASM and the Sport Chrono package as standard equipment.

The Turbo replaces the V6 engine with a twin-turbo V8 engine (541 hp, 561 lb-ft). Over and above the standard Cayenne, the turbo includes upgraded front sport seats, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, an air suspension with PASM, upgraded brakes, front and rear heated seats, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system.

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 choices from a dizzying options list. It starts with two main packages — Premium and Premium Package Plus — and then goes to a huge list of stand-alone choices. All serve to enhance the Cayenne's performance, technology and audio, comfort, safety, and exterior and interior style. All for a price, of course.

See Edmunds pricing data

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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.}

Porsche Cayenne Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.5

26 reviews

5(38%)

4(19%)

3(11%)

2(13%)

1(19%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2019 Cayenne Hybird, so close, yet so far away...

PorscheFanGuy, 12/09/2019

2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

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

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 …

2019 Porsche Cayenne - The Real Deal

Kevin, 01/26/2019

2019 Porsche Cayenne 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

We were shopping for a new vehicle and narrowed it down to three vehicles: BMW X5, Range Rover HSE Sport, or a Porsche Cayenne. There is no comparison. The Porsche Cayenne is the best. X5 is nice, but cheap feeling interior and not very comfortable. RR Sport just does not have the quality fit, finish, and mechanical dependability. The Porsche Cayenne is a work of art that is quite …

Awesome to drive

Gdude, 09/30/2019

2019 Porsche Cayenne S 4dr SUV AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

Love driving this car. Only problem is the squeaking when breaking at low speeds. I’ve owned RR sport and q7 and after driving this there really is no comparison.

See all 26 reviews of the Porsche Cayenne

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2019 Porsche Cayenne videos

2019 Porsche Cayenne Test Drive

Edmunds gets a First Drive of the all-new 2019 Porsche Cayenne. Take a spin in the all-new 2019 Porsche Cayenne with Edmunds Senior Writer Carlos Lago. The Cayenne enters its third generation thoroughly redesigned, though it's hard to tell at first glance. It retains the same look and…

2019 Cayenne Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$65,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$234/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Cayenne models:

Night Vision Assist: Helps drivers navigate dark roads with the help of a thermal imaging camera.
Pedestrian Protection: Detects unsighted pedestrians and automatically applies the brakes to help prevent a collision.
InnoDrive: Assists the driver in navigating unfamiliar roads using GPS-based navigation, topography, road sign and speed limit information.

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2019 Porsche Cayenne Review

Price & Payment

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2019 Porsche CayenneBase 4dr SUV

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2019 Porsche CayenneBase 4dr SUV

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2019 Porsche CayenneBase 4dr SUV

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Porsche Cayenne 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 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 $3.90 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Cayenne does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Porsche Cayenne models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Porsche Cayenne Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2019 Cayenne Hybird, so close, yet so far away...

3rd time is a charm

2019 Porsche Cayenne - The Real Deal

Awesome to drive

2019 Porsche Cayenne videos

2019 Porsche Cayenne Test Drive

2019 Cayenne Highlights

Safety

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2019 Porsche Cayenne
Base 4dr SUV

2019 Porsche Cayenne
Base 4dr SUV

2019 Porsche Cayenne
Base 4dr SUV

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Porsche Cayenne 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 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 $3.90 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}