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2011 Porsche Cayenne Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Porsche has put its Cayenne on a diet. Despite near-constant grumblings from the public about maintaining brand purity, the SUV has been a huge success for the German manufacturer, trading off best-selling status with the 911 since its introduction in 2002. With chops like that, Porsche would’ve needed no explanation to simply sit back and collect the checks, but instead they’ve opted for a model refresh that not only gives the Cayenne a facelift, but drops pounds and increases efficiency.
The visual changes have gotten a lot of press for this latest iteration of the Cayenne, and deservedly so. The transition to a more “orga” look is a pleasant depart from the more “mecha-inspired” lines of the previous model years. Much more important however, is the deletion of the heavy off-road equipment that, let’s face it, no one was using anyway. With that, the two-speed transfer case is out, and with it a lot of dead weight. A new production process for the doors sheds an additional 86 pounds, and the use of many aluminum components in the chassis drops another 146 pounds. Altogether, the Cayenne S will drive up to the scale an impressive 396 pounds shy of last year’s total. These weight savings should certainly help achieve a claimed 23% reduction in fuel consumption for all its gasoline engines, despite power increases.
In fact the Base trim starts out with a 300-hp, 3.6-liter V6, an increase of 10 hp over last year, with an additional increase of 22 lb-ft of torque, for a total of 295 available at 3,000 rpm. Fifteen hp were added to the S trim’s 4.8-liter V8, now producing an even 400 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged version of the 4.8-liter engine in the Turbo trim offers 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque at just 2,250 rpm, just as it did last year.
The big news for 2011 is the delayed introduction of the S Hybrid trim, which offers a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 mated to a three-phase synchronous electric motor. Total power output will be 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, both available from 1,000 rpm. Porsche claims the S Hybrid can run on electric-only power up to 40 mph and can go into an electric-only coasting mode up to 97 mph. Not too shabby for a first effort!
While a six-speed manual transmission is standard in the Base trim, an eight-speed automatic is optional and standard in the rest of the lineup. Maximum towing capacity exceeds 7,700 pounds, but really it’s the performance prowess of the Cayenne that has been most impressive, something that should only improve with the longer, wider, and lower Cayenne of 2011. Still, I expect most people will still concentrate on how much “prettier” the Cayenne is in 2011, and they’re right. It is pretty.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2011 Porsche Cayenne
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by Tim M
Jun 03, 2024
Love this Porsche. Can’t wait to have one of my own Jun 03, 2024
by Patrick B
Oct 26, 2023
The Cayenne Turbo has all the features one could ask for. The power, drivability and smoothness of the ride is incredible. My dream car has met all expectations. Oct 26, 2023
by Perry S
Oct 31, 2022
First year of the gen 2 (958) Cayenne. Like the 2011 so much that I have 2. Both are the S model. One is a daily driver with about 105K miles. Super reliable and all the creature comforts except for the automatic dimming mirrors. The other, 136K miles, I am setting up for overlanding. Two inch lift with 265/65r18 KO2s. Has the mirrors, but no backup camera. What is up with no backup camera from the factory. The only complaint I can come with for the 2011 Cayenne. A small thing in the big picture, but what was Porsche thinking. A car is either loaded or it isnt. You have to give up the backup camera for a heated steering wheel and elctro-chromic mirrors? All in all, though, nothing really compares. Get a 2011 S in good condition, and youve got the most reliable high performance SUV you can get for under $20K.Oct 31, 2022
User rating:
by Tim M
Jun 03, 2024
Love this Porsche. Can’t wait to have one of my own Jun 03, 2024
by Patrick B
Oct 26, 2023
The Cayenne Turbo has all the features one could ask for. The power, drivability and smoothness of the ride is incredible. My dream car has met all expectations. Oct 26, 2023
by Perry S
Oct 31, 2022
First year of the gen 2 (958) Cayenne. Like the 2011 so much that I have 2. Both are the S model. One is a daily driver with about 105K miles. Super reliable and all the creature comforts except for the automatic dimming mirrors. The other, 136K miles, I am setting up for overlanding. Two inch lift with 265/65r18 KO2s. Has the mirrors, but no backup camera. What is up with no backup camera from the factory. The only complaint I can come with for the 2011 Cayenne. A small thing in the big picture, but what was Porsche thinking. A car is either loaded or it isnt. You have to give up the backup camera for a heated steering wheel and elctro-chromic mirrors? All in all, though, nothing really compares. Get a 2011 S in good condition, and youve got the most reliable high performance SUV you can get for under $20K.Oct 31, 2022
by tom f
Oct 21, 2022
Great all around car! I have owned the S, Turbo and base of every generation through the 958. My cayenne base is the go to vehicle for everything. Home Depot to cross state travel. Pulling my boat or a trailer of tree branch’s. Refined quick and dependable. Oct 21, 2022
by Tom S
Jun 01, 2022
I think they are incomparable! I own a 2010
Would love to get daughter the 2011 but a little pricey!
ThanksJun 01, 2022
by Barnard E
Apr 14, 2022
I Love The Power In This Cayenne S, Great Car, Hopefully Enjoy It For Many Years To Come!!!!! Apr 14, 2022
by Ty L
Feb 11, 2022
High mileage for the price and will need some help with in the next year or so Feb 11, 2022
by Thomas M
Nov 28, 2020
Everything went well with regard to the 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Very clean car and good valueNov 28, 2020
by Ronald Y
Jan 21, 2015
My second Cayenne S. 400HP, brutally fast, powerful, reasonable gas mileage. Amazing storage capacity, handling, looks awesome, option list (like vented seats) is endless. Schedule 179 deduction lets you buy used and deduct $25K 1st year! I love this car. Next will be Plug-in e-hybrid (read Panamera S review).Jan 21, 2015
by Anonymous
Sep 10, 2014
Amazing SUV drives like a car and acceleration is amazing for SUV. If you haven't drove one I would suggest taking one for a test drive, words aren't enough to explain this suv. Once you go Porsche you wont go back.Sep 10, 2014
by Langley S
Aug 11, 2011
Wanted to find a sporty drive that I can also use to take kids to school, throw my bike in for trips, has good handling in the snow and is a ton of fun to drive... viola...
First off this car is quite expensive so that has to be taken into consideration right off the bat. But, having said that this is the most amazing car I've ever driven. The truly amazing thing about this car is the handling. This is a fairly heavy SUV, but it handles like a small sports car. yes it is very fast in a straight line but what is bizarre is how tight and stable it is going into turns. It is like it is a small 911 or other sports car. This is achieved with quite a bit of technology - namely PDCC. Porsche uses special software and shocks to manage body roll in the car so the car is absolutely flat going into turns. it is strange how nimble this car feels in hard cornering.
The interior of this car is simply amazing. The seats are sports seats and hold you in tight, vs. sloppy bucket seats. The interior has tons of wonderful leather. The back seats are plenty large for 2 adults or 3 kids. Cargo space is pretty decent and you can put the back seats down for a very large cargo space.
I used to own the 2005 cayenne turbo and my biggest complaint about that car was the transmission. It was a 6 speed transmission but the software for the shifting was horrible. The car was always in the wrong gear, resulting in hesitation on acceleration or bad handling in turns. This car has a wonderful 8 speed transmission that seems to know exactly what gear to be in. You can switch to manual shifting but in this car you won't need to as the transmission is perfect. Always in the right gear.
Iphone integration is wonderful. You songs and phone book map beautifully with the display in the car so you have access to all that information in the car via a great touch screen display.
The gas mileage in this car is not great, it is greatly improved over previous versions 18 city, 24 highway but the mileage is not great.
Overall, this is an expensive car.... let's get that on the table first off. But.... if you want a sports car feel for a wonderful "sports sedan" that can haul your 3 kids to school, handle your ski or biking gear and is a ton of fun to drive (including the winter snow weather), this is an amazing car. but.. it is expensive....
Update 2 years later - I've now owned this car for 2 years and I actually love it more than the day I bought it. Continue to be amazed at the handling of this car. Despite it being an SUV, it handles like a sports sedan. The car is very tight and handles curves like a 911 - goes into and stays flat in turns with no sway. The only downside to this car is the mileage, the price and the fact that you have to pay attention when on highways. This car is so stable and quiet that if you do not pay attention you will be going 90 MPH before you now it. Aug 11, 2011
by Anonymous
Aug 27, 2010
well mines on order, an S due to arrive late september so these comments relate to a test drive of the S. Bare in mind this was about a 30 mile drive with the sales rep sat next to me so theres a limit to how much i was going to push the car. Clearly i liked it or i wouldnt have bought it, but these are the things that stood out. First was quality of the interior. The seats were very comfortable and i like the distinctive new look and the way it feels. On the move i was struck by how quiet/refined the drive felt, the engive volume was very subdued unless pushed very hard. the 8 speed tiptronic was smooth, i'm not that used to tip tronic so maybe didnt get the best out of it but it seemed to get caught out a few times when i stamped on the loud pedal - maybe i didnt have it in the sport setting at the time. the ride felt pretty good in all modes (it had air suspension). over rough surface i notied a feeling of vibration (difficult to describe exactly but jittery feel)as if the suspension cant react quickly enough to the surface change. the car had 20 inch wheels with 275 width tyres (why do they mix imperial and metric on tyre sizing) which may have contributed. handling was as expected very good for a big car with no lack of grip and very good body control in the sport and normal setting. Brakes must have been fine because i didnt think they felt bad in any way but i cant say i really pushed them with full on braking efforts It felt reasonably quick. i have a carrera s which feels tighter and quicker but thats probably no surprise. overall as a family car that can seat 5 and luggage and be a work horse as well as enjoyable to drive im struggling to see what can beat it. if i had to choose one car out of the carrera s or the cayenne it would have to be the cayenne on practicality grounds. Oh and the exterior looks...well miles better than the old version and overall i like it. it does look a bit Hyundai santa fe from certain angles and i dont like the plastic wheel arch trims, crikes they cant stick with these surely on what is an premium price car. was it fun to drive? yes i think it was and mixing this into a very practical package is some feat. hope this helps.Aug 27, 2010
by Masoom K
Jul 27, 2010
Best SUV in the World..
The all new Porsche Cayenne Turbo
0-60 in just 3.2 seconds
Superb car
Silver in colour
Loaded with all accesories is my Porsche Cayenne Turbo
and yes it is fun to drive Porsche Cayenne turbo
Jul 27, 2010
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Top Comparisons
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2011 Porsche Cayenne Pricing
Original MSRP
$47,700 to $106,000Price range
$12,745 to $13,499Average price on CG
$13,111YoY price change
$13,499 to $13,111Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 585 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: carbon · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Heated: multi-level heating · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.70 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Paint: premium · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Skid plate(s): front and rear · Window trim: black
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 4.8 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Heated: multi-level heating · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Heated: multi-level heating · Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black · Sunroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Damper Control: electronic · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: w/DVD · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 21 · Profile: 35 · Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Wheels
Width: 8
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 585 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: carbon ceramic disc · Rear brakes: carbon ceramic disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: carbon · Door trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Heated: multi-level heating · Power adjustments: 18
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.09 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Paint: premium · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Skid plate(s): engine · Window trim: black
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 4.8 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Heated: multi-level heating · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Heated: multi-level heating · Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black · Sunroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Damper Control: electronic · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 21 · Profile: 35 · Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Wheels
Width: 8.5
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Burmester · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · 100 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: carbon · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather and carbon
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo net · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.92 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Paint: premium · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Skid plate(s): engine · Window trim: black
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 4.8 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: aluminum · Roof rails: black · Sunroof: privacy glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 21 · Profile: 35 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Wheels
Width: 8.5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent