2012 Porsche Cayenne Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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One year off a redesign the Cayenne gets some small changes. Rest assured, the divisive design of the controversial crossover will remain unchanged, as adjustments here are made exclusively to the various drivetrains involved. S Hybrid and Turbo trims both get powerplant pushes in 2012, upping power and efficiency in this most illogical offering.
But logical or no, the Cayenne has been a big success for Porsche, even beating out the immortal 911 in terms of sales. This despite being an SUV that in its various forms doesn’t do well as an off-road vehicle, isn’t all that sporty a sport crossover and isn’t very efficient as a hybrid. But these are the very issues addressed in 2012, with the Turbo trim getting the same powerkit offered to the Panamera S, which will boost power from its 4.8-liter turbocharged V8 to 540 hp – good enough to vault the Cayenne Turbo to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 176 mph. The Turbo also gets larger, 420mm front brake discs this year, to compensate for the extra speed, presumably.
The S Hybrid on the other hand gets changes to its hybrid management systems. This will allow its 3-phase synchronous electric motors to engage low-speed EV mode from a cold start, as opposed to needing the conventional engine to reach operating temperature first, as in previous years. This means the Cayenne S Hybrid can start and even drive at low speed on electric power alone. Sadly, the S Hybrid still uses older NiMH batteries instead of the lighter, more efficient lithium-ion. Total power output from the electric motor and the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 is 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, with claims of running on electric-only power up to 40 mph.
The Base trim gets no changes to its 300-hp, 3.6-liter V6, however, which just got an increase of 10 hp last year, as well as 22 extra lb-ft of torque, for a total of 295 available at 3,000 rpm. That engine gets a 6-speed manual transmission, with an 8-speed automatic available as an option for the Base and standard elsewhere.
While the suspension of the Base, S and Turbo trims is quite car-like, the optional Sport and Comfort modes offered with the adjustable suspension on the Turbo trim go too far in either direction – Sport is too abrupt and stiff, and Comfort is too soft and swaying. The 19-inch alloy wheels make things a little more harsh than the 18-inch units on the Base and S, and the 21-inch options just ruin things altogether. The Hybrid has its own problems with wooden, abrupt braking and vague, numb steering. Anything but sporty.
But more power and greater efficiency are concepts most find hard to criticize. Yes, there’s a bit of a price increase this year, but it’s a small portion of an already exaggerated cost. We’ll wait around for the feel to be put back into the Hybrid, as well as some more modern batteries, but until then the remaining three trims are all impressive options. If only the diesel version would come to our shores as well.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2012 Porsche Cayenne
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Alexander C
Jan 10, 2025
I really love this car. Hopefully one day I can buy one of those Jan 10, 2025
by Michael K
May 20, 2024
Great vehicle, fun to drive , great for date night May 20, 2024
by Anonymous
Mar 23, 2024
I give it 4.5 stars. I bought this car and the only things that are missing is a rear end camera and more trunk storage.Mar 23, 2024
User rating:
by Alexander C
Jan 10, 2025
I really love this car. Hopefully one day I can buy one of those Jan 10, 2025
by Michael K
May 20, 2024
Great vehicle, fun to drive , great for date night May 20, 2024
by Anonymous
Mar 23, 2024
I give it 4.5 stars. I bought this car and the only things that are missing is a rear end camera and more trunk storage.Mar 23, 2024
by James B
Aug 09, 2023
A Beautiful car..well maintained...would love to own..Lifetime dream auto Aug 09, 2023
by Denis G
Oct 24, 2022
Great value. Looked to be in great condition when comparing it to similar models. Oct 24, 2022
by Anonymous
Sep 12, 2022
I was looking only at the Cayenne Turbo because of the luxury and performance features that very few SUVs compare with. The BMX X6 M has great performance and power, buy lacks the full luxury feeling you get from Porsche. However, the newer X6 M models seem to have it all... for a price. Sep 12, 2022
by Matthew J
May 07, 2022
This vehicle is exactly what you would expect from a Porsche. The overall driving experience is phenomenal. I strongly recommend this vehicle.May 07, 2022
by Randy S
Jan 06, 2022
Great vehicle for the money. A lot of features and luxury will plus the added reliability for the 2012 and up models makes this vehicle very attractive.Jan 06, 2022
by Dennis V
Sep 24, 2021
The features are what I expedited.
RX450 Lexus, Acura MDX, and Benz
Sep 24, 2021
by Keith V
Aug 09, 2021
Its looks as if its in good and working condition, but price is too high. Aug 09, 2021
by Dave C
Apr 22, 2021
Finest car Ive ever owned.
This car is in perfect shapeApr 22, 2021
by John M
Oct 08, 2020
Its a Porche that can be driven off road. GTS is the lowest trim I would recommendOct 08, 2020
by Gorilla G
Jul 09, 2020
The care is sub luxury an speed I compare it to BMW x6 or audi Q seriesJul 09, 2020
by Cheryl J
Jul 03, 2020
Ive wanted a cayenne for a long time. This is a turbo with what seems like every option. We bought online and had it delivered. From the moment we made our decision, we had the car within 24 hours.
Inside and out - the car is in perfect shape. Will be giving the manual a good workout learning about all the options.
It has the deluxe seats package which are incredibly comfortable. The drivers seat warmer/cooler isnt working. Taking to my local repair guy in a few days. I researched it and hopefully its just a loose sensor.
So excited to have my dream car. Were taking it on a road trip next week!Jul 03, 2020
by Pierre c
Jun 28, 2020
Porsche there is no substit Porsche there is no substituteuteJun 28, 2020
by Thomas P
May 03, 2014
Have this car since mid 2011 and still love to drive it (which is unusual for me as I usually trade cars every 2 years). Its'a keeper. The only downside is the tire wear as they are very expensive and mine last about 10K miles (mainly the rear ones) before I have to replace them.May 03, 2014
by richard l
Dec 18, 2013
I love everything about my Cayenne. Great gas mileage, seats, tech package, nav, cargo space, and over all look and feel. The Cayenne is the sexiest SUV on the road with not a single competitor SUV that even comes close.Dec 18, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 02, 2013
Great Touring car... loved getting out on back roads and enjoy the Porsche experience. You would never believe you are driving a SUV. It's deceivingly fast and I recommend sport mode. If you love driving, this is a must have.Dec 02, 2013
by Langley S
Sep 23, 2011
Was looking for a car with some punch but one that also handles well in the snow and can take 3 kids to school in a pinch. Viola. Now first off, this car is not cheap, nor does it have great gas mileage (18/24), but having said all that this car is sooooo... much fun to drive. It is kind of odd, no weird that this car can handle like a much smaller sports car. In the turns, this car sticks to the road like glue. The interior is very well done - nice leather seats, great iphone integration as well as phone integration. Overall this car is a ton of fun to drive, not cheap but way fun.....
After owning the car for 3 months, I have to say that I love this car more than the first day I got it. Sep 23, 2011
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Top Comparisons
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2012 Porsche Cayenne Pricing
Original MSRP
$48,200 to $107,100Price range
$13,457 to $14,545Average price on CG
$13,457YoY price change
$13,802 to $13,457Trims & 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 · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 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: 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: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: Servotronic · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo net · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Heated: multi-level heating · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Paint: premium · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Skid plate(s): front · 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: sliding sunshade · Roof rack color: aluminum · Roof rails: black · Sunroof: power panoramic
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
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
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Wheels
Width: 9
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · 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 · 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: Burmester · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · 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: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather and carbon
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · 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 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Skid plate(s): front · 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: 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: tilt/slide · Roof rack color: aluminum · Roof rails: black · Sunroof: power panoramic
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
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): front
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
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Wheels
Width: 8
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Burmester · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 100 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Paint: metallic · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Skid plate(s): front · 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: self-leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black · Sunroof: power panoramic
Safety
Camera system: rearview
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · 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: DVD navigation system · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 21 · Profile: 35 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Wheels
Width: 9
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent