Don't Get This Wrong! (Porsche Cayenne 2024 Review)

Detailed review and test of the 2024 Porsche Cayenne in base model trim, including price and features, handling, ride quality, interior, performance and more.

The Porsche Cayenne is a popular luxury SUV with V6 and V8 engines plus available plug-in hybrid versions. Today we are testing the base model 3.0L turbo V6 with virtually no mechanical options (though a long list of cosmetic upgrades).

Long story short: buy the Cayenne S V8 instead.

The Cayenne competes with the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Range Rover Sport, Audi Q8 and other premium SUVs.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:24 - Pricing
0:57 - Engines
2:10 - Our test car
3:00 - Tom’s dream spec
3:48 - Interior
5:07 - Back seats
6:35 - Rear end
7:20 - 772L boot space
7:54 - Running costs
9:30 - Driving the Cayenne V6
17:01 - Verdict

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[chasingcars]

I didn't get on with this particular Cayenne spec, but I have included my preferred Cayenne S build in this video. Will be testing a build like that soon. -Tom

[brownhairydog]

Must say your reviews are getting much more natural and less scripted. Well done on a nice review.

[bigladxx]

The diesel Cayenne has no clatter that I've heard. I've owned one 3½yrs. It's a gem, shame they stopped producing it. Mine also has 100ltr fuel tank.

[iimer]

I really appreciate that you dig through the options and spec levels of these cars to find where the value is, rather than just going 'doors make nice thunk', like so many other reviewers.

If I was crazy enough to splash out on one of these VW group cars, I reckon it'd be the SQ8 with its single option 'Sensory' package.

[firstname]

Very nice video. But I test drove the base Cayenne on a -20C cold Canadian day and it smoked the new BMW X3 M50i except for the superior B58 drivetrain. But tech insiders tell us to stay away from air suspension at all costs especially in Canada. And then{ASM magnetic base I drove felt surreally as good or better than the BMW Adaptive M. So why get the air? Yes yes torque vectoring but we can get axle steering with the S. also in Canada 20” rims tires are 2000 CAD; 21 2500-3000 and 22” the stupid choice, 3500-4500$ per set…insurance is cheaper than Toyota here. Reviews must not have kids because doewy with kids at the back is critically important.

[nintendonintendont]

I wish they kept the taillights from the previous model. It had more character. The updated taillights look generic and from the rear, the Cayenne just looks like other SUV’s I see on the road.

[guser]

I'm likely getting an e-hybrid model, must have is the air suspension. Currently driving the Diesel S with the V8TT diesel. Pretty sure I will miss it.

[HSOH]

It's unusual for a tester to not get a Porsche including the base Cayenne to accelerate substantially faster than Porsche's publicized figures. I suspect this example was hobbled by it's smaller, narrower 20 inch wheels and Hankook tires and more so by its lack of air suspension. It's handling would have benefited from the wider 21 or 22 inch wheel option. Ground clearance on the standard steel suspension is higher than on air suspension at the Normal height. The standard steel suspension is going to cause the body to roll more in corners and curves. I normally have the suspension at the Low setting and the air shocks in Sport mode which still provides a nice compliant ride on the wider 21 inch optional wheels unless the road surface is unusually poor. These settings give flatter cornering that somewhat negates the effect/benefit of PDCC which functions only in Sport or Sport Plus mode anyway. The Cayenne can be configured to be what the buyer wants it to be. I don't look at the Cayenne base as or want it to be an ultra performance 718/992 type of Porsche. I want a nice compromise between comfort and handling. The main two other vehicles I considered before buying the Cayenne was a Panamera and Mercedes S500. I liked that the Cayenne flies "under the radar" without screaming "money". I wouldn't have bought a Cayenne without the rear air conditioning controls, the full thermal/noise insulated glass option, InnoDrive driver assist and Night Vision Assist. I didn't want the noisier sport exhaust which does nothing for performance anyway. I wanted a vehicle that could be limousine like on long trips but still be some fun on curvy roads when I wanted to cut loose a little. The presenter of this video seems to be more in "boy racer mode".

[KuyaArbee]

I just find it crazy in the USA for some colored body cladding its 5k and full body color its EXTRA SHEESH!

[renesmeenk]

Great review as usual!!
I have always driven hobby sportscars and also fast daily vehicles.
After really bad expensive experiences (many repairs) with 2 previous MB, a ML500 and a ML63 AMG and a great experience with a Acura MDX (=the biggest luxury US Honda SUV), I bought with my mind again.
So 2 Y ago got a 2020 RX450h f-sport, which cost-wise is great like the Acura, but regularly leaves me craving for a more sporty driving character and more power..
Now I am really torn between this sportier RX500 f-sport and a Cayenne Coupe Hybrid with it's way more sporty driving character, which however scares the hell out of me in the to be expected maintenance (in my country about double that of the Lexus) and risk of high repair costs.. Do I buy sensibly so another now somewhat sportier Lexus than what I have now, or with emotion the Cayenne for the sportier driving but much higher cost.. and much less warranty than the 10Y of the Lexus, still undecided..

[damham]

Its also more expensive because Australia has a tariff on cars from europe as well as around a 33% luxury tax plus GST on this car too.

[prakashnarismulu]

Not everyone needs a V8 mate although the old spec S maybe a good second hand buy

[BobbyDazzler]

Australian expat I bought the hybrid in Bangkok, Thailand. 86km battery upgrade 0-100 in 4.9.

[krugmeup]

With the s would you go 21 or 20 inch wheels if you want comfort?

[speckracing]

drivng the v6 for a week and after getting the full tank 75L i get a range of 508km… over 15L/100km.

[Chrischen]

5:47 look at finish of the leather around the isofix anchor point..not sure if that’s just me but it feels so cheaply made..and no mention of the change of interior door handle into a piece of black plastic lever..

[justiceg]

Porsche and Lexus interiors are looking cheaper these days as they go bigger screens and less contrasting colors and materials

[godkingmaximus]

I’m getting an artic grey cayenne v6 in a few days for about $185k with mostly comfort, tech and styling options and the reason for that was very simple. I’ve got 2 young kids and my wife will be driving most of the time whilst I drive my i30 sedan N. We didn’t need another performance vehicle. My wife doesn’t know what adaptive suspension does or has never changed the driving dynamics setting in previous cars. So spending another $50k on performance options she did not understand or use was a complete waste of money. And you might then why get a Porsche? She wanted to upgrade to a Porsche. If I really wanted a performance suv I’d buy a bmw x5m competition that’s going for about $256k full option which is equivalent to the cayenne turbo GT.

[cranialnerv]

Agreed. The base 6 is annoyingly weak. It just isn’t worthy of the line.

[antimiro]

Rubbish even the Basic drives as the best SUV on the market.