2023 Porsche Cayenne Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Since it debuted in 2003, the Porsche Cayenne has proven–quite literally–that a functional SUV doesn't mean sacrificing driving excitement and high performance.

It’s hard to fathom what a splash the Porsche Cayenne made when it first arrived for the 2003 model year. Porsche, the German auto manufacturer of the iconic rear-engine 911 sports car, was suddenly in the business of building a family-friendly SUV? The Cayenne quickly proved–quite literally–that a functional SUV didn’t mean sacrificing driving excitement and high performance. Porsche gave the Cayenne a comprehensive redesign for the 2019 model year.

What’s New for 2023

Porsche is known for continually improving and refining its lineup of coupes, sedans, and SUVs. With this being said, the Cayenne enters the 2023 model year with no notable changes or updates. It continues to be available in four primary trim levels: base Cayenne, S, GTS, and Turbo.

Design

It should come as no surprise that moving up to higher performing trims brings along extra design flourishes like large alloy wheels, carbon fiber exterior trim, and more aggressive front and rear styling. The base Cayenne is hardly a shrinking violet, however. It comes standard with LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and 21-inch alloys are available as part of the Platinum Edition option package. These larger wheels are standard on upper trims such as the GTS and Turbo. While it's not the newest luxury SUV on the block, the Cayenne’s clean and uncluttered shape should mean it ages well compared to trendier rivals.

Powertrain

There are a total of four engine choices across the Cayenne lineup. The base Cayenne engine consists of a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 335-horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. As with every Cayenne, it comes paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Cayenne S is equipped with a 2.9-liter twin turbocharged V6 that produces 434 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Next, the Cayenne GTS is kitted out with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 453 hp and 457 pound-feet of torque. And at the top of heap, the Cayenne Turbo is equipped with the same 4.0-liter V8, though output is cranked up to 541 hp and 567 pound-feet of torque. In this configuration, the Cayenne Turbo takes less than four seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph.

Interior

Given that the Cayenne is Porsche’s range-topping SUV, it comes equipped with a wide range of comfort features. This includes leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, and a split-folding rear seatback. Upgrades consist of heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function, quad-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, soft-close doors, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof, to name only a few.

Technology

A 12.3-inch touchscreen serves as the hub of the Cayenne’s infotainment system. It comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, four USB ports, and a 10-speaker stereo. Audiophiles take note, the sound system can be upgraded to either a rich sounding 14-speaker Bose unit, or a booming 21-speaker Burmester surround-sound system. To keep rear-seat occupants from getting bored during longer journeys, Porsche also offers a rear-seat entertainment system that consists of dual 10.1-inch screens.

Safety

The Cayenne proves it has a practical family-friendly side courtesy of its lineup of standard and available safety features. Every 2023 Cayenne is equipped with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and front and rear parking sensors. Options include rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view parking camera.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Porsche Cayenne starts at $72,200, though it quickly streaks upwards when adding options or moving to higher trims. The Cayenne S commands $90,900, while the GTS registers at more than $113,000. At the top of the lineup, the Cayenne Turbo has an asking price of $135,900.