2009 Porsche Cayenne Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Porsche Cayenne receives another trim level for 2009, adding yet another configuration for the larger of its two available engines. The...
The Porsche Cayenne receives another trim level for 2009, adding yet another configuration for the larger of its two available engines. The Base trim gets a 290-hp, 3.6-liter V6, while the S, GTS, Turbo, and the new Turbo S trims all enjoy V8 power, in sequentially rising levels of 385, 405, 500, and 550 hp. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on Base and GTS trims, with the option of a six-speed automatic, while all remaining trims are limited to the automatic transmission.
Power is adequate with the V6, although lacking in certain high-stress situations, and impressive with the 385-hp S trim’s V8. From there, any extra power seems to be for fun-factor alone. The GTS’s 405-hp V8 pulls confidently from line to line, although some complaints have been seen regarding the manual transmission’s sloppy action. Regardless, the GTS is the trim where the Cayenne breaks the 6-second 0-60 barrier, and it only gets faster from there. The automatic transmission has been almost universally lauded over the manual, even though a manual transmission in a V8 “sport” SUV is nothing to ignore. All engines require premium-grade gasoline.
No matter the trim, the Cayenne comes with AWD equipped with a low-range gear for off-roading, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds - not unimpressive for a “truck” that’s still darned fun to drive. A Sport button comes standard, which allows the driver to select “Comfort,” “Normal,” and “Sport” settings - although if test drives are any indication, it’d be best to leave “Normal” engaged on anything other than freshly paved roads. That said, while the engines get a lot of press, perhaps the best aspect of the Cayenne is its handling. Normal is anything but, showing other entrants into the class just how well an SUV that’s approaching three tons can handle.
Dual front, front side, and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, an anti-skid system with rollover sensors, and a tire-pressure monitoring system all come standard across all Cayenne trims.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2009 Porsche Cayenne love its impressive performance, strong acceleration, and luxurious interior. Reviewers frequently mention the powerful V8 engine and how it handles well both on and off-road, with features like air suspension enhancing the driving experience. However, many drivers express dissatisfaction with its poor gas mileage, which is a common drawback across multiple reviews."
Vehicle is known for it performance and even though its a high mileage specimen it is also proven to be maintained because it is still in existence. If it were not maintained it would have never made it as far as it has. Well built these vehicles were designed to do a million miles if maintained. Great into the high miles and still a lot of fun.
July 16, 2025My Cayenne turbo S handles like a dream. She carves through traffic like a hot knife through butter. If a person wants one vehicle that has the capability to do everything, and do it extremely well, this is your vehicle. I highly recommend this, or any Cayenne Turbo, as a great family vehicle.
March 21, 2014It's the best compromise for someone who loves to drive a sports car but needs to carry two little ones in the snowy great white north. the PASM air suspension and PDCC chassis control makes the car amazing to handle despite the size. And the V8 produces amazing sound and strong output. love it.. Can't live without a Porsche.
March 19, 2010What owners say
Vehicle is known for it performance and even though its a high mileage specimen it is also proven to be maintained because it is still in existence. If it were not maintained it would have never made it as far as it has. Well built these vehicles were designed to do a million miles if maintained. Great into the high miles and still a lot of fun.
July 16, 2025My Cayenne turbo S handles like a dream. She carves through traffic like a hot knife through butter. If a person wants one vehicle that has the capability to do everything, and do it extremely well, this is your vehicle. I highly recommend this, or any Cayenne Turbo, as a great family vehicle.
March 21, 2014It's the best compromise for someone who loves to drive a sports car but needs to carry two little ones in the snowy great white north. the PASM air suspension and PDCC chassis control makes the car amazing to handle despite the size. And the V8 produces amazing sound and strong output. love it.. Can't live without a Porsche.
March 19, 2010Awesome ride with unlimited power but really poor gas mileage. All blacked out...panoramic moonroof...very comfortable and supportive seating all around. Front and back stainless steel skid plates....awesome Bose stereo...new Escort Passport 9500ci radar/laser system professionally installed!
April 15, 2013This car definitely catches looks as you drive. The GTS has the body kit and rims of the Turbo/Turbo S...so the look is definitely there. You are just coming in at a much lower price (and power!). I was a little surprised that the rear seats didn't offer more room. I am 6'3" and the passenger sitting behind me is not exactly blessed with legroom. With the multiple ride heights, via air suspension, and the multiple dampening settings the GTS will give you as cushy or stiff a ride as you could want. The sound of the exhaust in Sport mode (electronic muffling valve opens) is bordering on aggresive, which I love!
September 4, 2012Nice traveling vehicle with the performance handling just in case you needed. This SUV offers luxury, off road capability, and performance all in one. The most impressive part of this vehicle is how it handles. Everything you would expect from a Porsche. I'm glad I own this vehicle and I've enjoyed every minute of it.
April 12, 2015A 405 hp V8 engine with a 500 ibs of torque and a top speed of 253 km/h. 6 speed auto/tiptronic gear box. 21" cayenne turbo rims pianted in the same color of the car. black interior with red gauges and seat belts. the main body in gts red-z6z6 color and a black trim. and i never get enough driving from this gorgeous monster.
August 10, 2009the performance has good acceleration, excellent braking system and perfect handling. The build quality is solid and reliable. As for appearance, both of the interior and exterior is styled to perfection and represents the swiftness performance. The car is indeed fun to drive!
September 7, 2009this car is fun to drive its v8 4.8 and its very luxery from inside and out and it have a drift whells and its very light car but that is good and have an good acceleration it can do from 0-100 at 4.5 s and that is good for a big car.
August 9, 2009this used to be my dads car, that thing is fast, its the perfect balance for performance and beauty, the cayenne turbo s could burnout on any surface with all four wheels, but the car costs waaayy too much on gas.
December 12, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $123,600 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.8L 550 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 19.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $97,700 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.8L 500 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 19.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $44,600 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 290 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 19.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $70,900 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.8L 405 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 19.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $59,400 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.8L 385 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 19.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain AWD |
