2022 Porsche Cayenne

　　

2022 Porsche Cayenne Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Purists once scoffed at the idea of a Porsche SUV. The idea of a sporty family shuttle, infused with the moves of a 911 sports car, seemed as alien as an electric-powered Porsche. Today, both ideas thrive in the Porsche lineup. The 2022 Cayenne expertly melds midsize luxury SUV utility with precise handling, a range of powerful engines, and what feels like an intravenous connection to the road from the driver's seat.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$245/mo  for Cayenne Base

　　Cayenne Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $69,000 MSRPPlatinum Edition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $79,000 MSRPE-Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $83,300 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $86,800 MSRPE-Hybrid Platinum Edition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $92,700 MSRPS Platinum Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $93,400 MSRPGTS 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $109,000 MSRPTurbo 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $129,900 MSRPTurbo S E-Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $165,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　This year, the Cayenne gets an all-new trim level. The Platinum Edition trim was first seen on the Porsche Panamera and adds a few more features and some styling flourishes to a few Cayenne trims. The only other notable change comes with the new sixth-generation infotainment system, which now includes Android Auto smartphone compatibility and refinements to the voice recognition and command system. There's bigger news with the introduction of the 631-horsepower Turbo GT trim level, but it's only available in the Cayenne Coupe body style (which we review separately).

　　The Cayenne may have invigorated the SUV class with surprising power and agility, but it's still a Porsche first, an SUV second. If you need vast interior and cargo space, consider the Mercedes-Benz or BMW competitors. Something a bit more exclusive? Try the Range Rover Sport. Sticker shock after adding a handful of options? Look at the Genesis GV80. All offer different strengths, but none speak to the driver as directly as the Cayenne. Read our Expert Rating to learn why the Cayenne is one of our top SUV picks.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the Cayenne drive? You don't expect a large SUV to feel so quick. But when it wears a Porsche badge, it's expected. Even the base Cayenne unspools steady streams of power from any double-digit speed. We tested the Cayenne with the V6, and 0-60 mph takes just 5.3 seconds, which is impressive for a big SUV that tips the scales at 4,700 pounds. The transmission is well calibrated, but the brake pedal stroke is a little longer than expected for a Porsche.

　　Handling is superb. Our tester — with 21-inch wheels, PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) and the Sport Chrono package — produces seemingly endless amounts of grip in curves. The steering is a little heavier than an SUV requires but certainly plays into the Cayenne's sporting pretensions.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Cayenne? 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 ride quality from the PASM/air suspension combo is firm but comfortable — a Porsche hallmark.

　　The standard seats stay comfortable over long distances for a range of body types, though drivers pushing it through corners might want for additional lateral bolstering. Some exterior noise seeps in, but smaller-diameter tires and optional noise-insulated glass might reduce it.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below