Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne proves itself to be a serious, if slightly unattractive, off-roader

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Porsche Cayenne
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Despite the restyled looks, the Cayenne is still no beauty queen. However, if you like your off-roaders fast and furious, the Porsche takes some beating. The entry-level V6 model benefits most from the changes, but despite slightly improved fuel economy, it’s still expensive both to buy and run. So although the Cayenne is undoubtedly talented, the revisions do little to broaden its overall appeal. What it really needs is a decent diesel option.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's never easy getting it right first time - just ask Porsche! Engineers at the firm have taken decades to hone its other cars to perfection and while the Cayenne is an impressive SUV, it's also an ugly duckling.

So, a mid-life makeover was the perfect opportunity for designers to turn it into a swan. But has it made the transformation?

While the revised car still won't win any beauty contests, its projector-style headlamps - which are directional on the flagship Turbo - combine with restyled bumpers to set the model apart from the original. The rear gets a diffuser-style bumper, fresh light clusters and a bigger spoiler.

Other changes on the Turbo include horizontal indicators at the front, as well as a pair of bonnet bulges.

Inside, there's nothing to distinguish the revised Cayenne, but it does boast a raft of enhancements under the skin. We drove the entry-level car, and its V6 has grown from 3.2 to 3.6 litres.

A power hike of 40bhp is enough to cut an entire second off the sprint from 0-62mph, which now takes 8.1 seconds. There's no trade-off at the pumps, either, because the fuel consumption (22mpg) has been marginally improved across the line-up.

On the road, the revisions are hard to ignore and the extra power makes the smooth V6 engine more eager, especially low down the rev range. The handling is just as impressive as before thanks to the precise steering and smooth ride, and to help tame the extra performance, buyers can now specify Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) as an option.

This operates as an active anti-roll system on the road, and really works well. It's only available with the firm's air-suspension, but is so effective that you are constantly surprised by how nimble the big SUV feels.

Elsewhere, the mid-range S model boasts a 4.8-litre V8 with 385bhp - up by 45bhp - which powers it from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds. The flagship uses the same V8, but with twin turbos it delivers 500bhp and completes the benchmark sprint in only 5.1 seconds. Unfortunately, while engine out- puts have increased, so have prices. The 3.6 model now starts at £37,100 compared to £35,560 for the old car, while the Turbo costs a whopping £74,650 - an increase of £3,780.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne

RRP £52,939Used from £33,995
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025