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Thanks: BigTimeAuto 2023 Porsche Cayenne Starting at $ Highs Strong powertrains, sports-sedan driving traits, impressive 7700 pounds of max trailering. Lows Easily optioned into six-figure territory, rides too stiffly on the largest tires, optional PSCB brakes are touchy. Verdict If you consider an SUV a necessary evil, know that the fun-to-drive Cayenne is a bona fide superhero that's ready to save the day. Overview People love SUVs because the space is useful, the cabin is comfy, and some come with incredible towing capability. The Porsche Cayenne offers all of that but what puts it above the usual snore-utility vehicles is its rapid pulse. It's fun to drive and quick on its feet thanks to either a 335-hp turbo V-6, 434-hp twin-turbo V-6, or a more potent 460-hp twin-turbo V-8 exclusively available on the sporty Cayenne GTS. A 455-hp plug-in hybrid is feisty too, with a penchant for fuel saving as the most efficient Cayenne available. Its fiercest competitors, such as the Genesis GV80 and BMW X5 all have lower starting prices but they also have trouble keeping up with the peppery Cayenne when the driving gets speedy. What's New for 2023? Porsche keeps almost everything the same this year for the 2023 Cayenne, though Chromite Black Metallic paint has replaced the previously offered Jet Black Metallic. Pricing and Which One to Buy Cayenne: $73,650 Cayenne E-Hybrid: $87,950 Cayenne S: $92,350 Cayenne GTS: $114,550 We're very fond of the normal Cayenne, which comes standard with a touchscreen, a 10-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hotspot—among other popular equipment—and our preferred configuration would expand upon that with thoughtful options. We'd add the Premium package that includes 14-way power front seats, adaptive LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, a more powerful Bose surround-sound system, hands-free passive entry, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. We'd also optimize its on-road performance and off-road capabilities with the Sport Chrono package (expanded drive modes and launch control, the Off-Road package (extra underbody protection and additional displays), and the adaptive air suspension. Individual options that would improve its style and increase its luxury include a set of 20-inch wheels, four-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, massaging front seats, and soft-close doors. Engine, Transmission, and Performance If you want more giddy-up than what the base Cayenne's 335-hp turbo V-6 provides, the 434-hp Cayenne S offers an even zestier setup courtesy of its twin-turbo V-6. The plug-in hybrid (called the E-Hybrid) marries an electric motor and a turbocharged V-6 for a combined 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne GTS boasts a 460-hp twin-turbo V-8 with a great-sounding exhaust note and breathtaking acceleration. All engines pair with an astute eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While making anything that weighs more than two tons move gracefully is challenging, the engineers in Stuttgart were successful with the Cayenne. The S model that we tested moved quietly and steadily at highway speeds before seamlessly transitioning to twisty sections, where it showcased surprising athleticism for its size. However, the largest rollers diminish its ride quality on uneven roads. Most models have performance options that include adaptive dampers with or without an adjustable air suspension, four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability, and active anti-roll bars for flatter cornering. The Cayenne's brakes can be upgraded to Porsche's tungsten-coated iron rotors (called Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, or PSCB) or costly carbon-ceramic stoppers. The base model we tested had neither setup but still needed only 159 feet to stop from 70 mph. Read More 📌 Instagram ▶ 📌 Tiktok ▶ @cartvpress
