Notably, we picked the 2019 Porsche Carenne as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury SUVs(Sports utility vehicles) for this year.
For more background about the new Cayenne, read our 2019 Cayenne First Look, 2019 Cayenne First Drive and 2019 Cayenne E-Hybrid First Look.
Porsche Cayenne Models
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne is a 5-passenger midsize SUV offered in 4 trim levels: base, S, E-Hybrid and Turbo. These trim levels mainly differ by what vehicle engine is under the bonnet, though they do generally include a few extra features with each step up as well. All come with 4 wheel drive and an eight- speed automatic transmission.
The base Cayenne is nothing to sneeze at, with plenty of performance coming from its turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine (335 horsepower, 332 lb-ft). Nineteeninch wheels are standard, just like LED headlights, partially leather seats along with a 12.4inch touchscreen display, amongst other features.
The Cayenne S includes a panoramic roof, tinted tail lights, PASM of Porsche Active Suspension Management, an adaptive suspension, a two-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine (434 hp, 406 lb-ft), and different 19" wheels.
The E-Hybrid is run by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine assisted by an electric motor (455 hp, 516 lb-ft combined). A plug-in hybrid, the E-Hybrid can drive about 43 Kms on all electric power prior to the fuel engine starts. It adds PASM and the Sport Chrono package as standard gear.
In the Turbo model a twin-turbo V8 engine (541 hp, 561 lb-ft) engine is installed in place of the V6 engine. Over and above the typical Cayenne, the turbo comes with upgraded front sport seats, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, front and rear heated seats, upgraded brakes, an air suspension with PASM, adaptive LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof.
Porsche Cayenne 2019
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Porsche Cayenne Lease
Various features that come on higher trim ranges can be purchased as stand-alone options. In fact, like other Porsches, the Cayenne is among the most customizable vehicles you can buy.
After that you have a lot more choices from a dizzying choices list. It starts with 2 main deals - Premium Package and Premium Plus Package - and then goes to a huge list of stand-alone options. All serve to enhance the Cayenne's performance, interior and exterior style, safety, comfort, audio and technology. All for a price, obviously.
Trim Tested
Each suv typically is available in different variations that are fundamentally the same. The ratings in this overview are driven by our complete test of the Porsche Cayenne w/ Air Suspension and 21-inch wheels (turbo 3.0L V6.
Driving
Big SUVs are not expected to feel so fast, however when that SUV puts on a Porsche logo, it's assumed. The Cayenne unspools steady streams of power from any double-digit speed and has surprisingly endless grip in curves. The steering is bulkier than a family SUV requires, and just the brakes feel less than seamless.
Interior
A wide range of driving postures and spacious quarters allow the Cayenne to feel both like a adequate sports vehicle or a more conventional SUV. It's easy to slide in and out of, also with the rear "stadium-style" seating. The unique exterior shape makes looking out the rear sides a challenge, though.
Utility
Cargo area is on the low side, and internal storage space is a mixed bag, but there's enough here to give the Cayenne real everyday usefulness. A 40/20/40-split foldable back seat boosts versatility, and the optional air suspensions comes in useful to lower the load floor height for big and heavy items. It isn't a inexpensive option but really worth it for bulky cargo users.
