Used 2020 Porsche Cayenne

#6 in Best Midsize Luxury SUVs of 2020

Despite launching as an all-new model last year, the 2020 Porsche Cayenne isn’t resting on its laurels, introducing a new plug-in hybrid model in the Turbo S E-Hybrid. There’s also an all-new coupe version that we’ve reviewed separately. What hasn’t changed is the Cayenne’s dedication to the thrill of driving. And while many may question how thrilling a drive can an SUV deliver, one lap behind the wheel of a Cayenne, regardless of trim, will definitively answer the question.

Are there equally good performance SUVs out there from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar and Land Rover? Absolutely. But with a set of turbocharged engines ranging from 355 horsepower to 670 in the new Turbo S E-Hybrid, a ridiculously long options sheet and that unmistakable Porsche silhouette, the Porsche Cayenne is truly in a league of its own.

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Porsche’s Cayenne for 2020 may be an SUV, but its lower center-of-gravity engine and lightweight aluminum construction make it ride and handle like a lithe sports car. Acceleration and passing power are never in short supply, with the new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 propelling the Cayenne to 60 mph nearly a second faster than the previous generation. Of course, the S and Turbo models are even faster, with their twin-turbocharged V6 and V8 engines.

The standard steel-spring suspension delivers a firm, sometimes jerky ride, but it can be enhanced with the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system adding dual-mode shocks that adapt to changing road conditions. One step further is the optional air suspension that helps iron out rough-riding characteristics without sacrificing cornering ability. The air suspension includes five different ride heights, lower for improved handling or higher for off-road adventures, and, yes, the Cayenne can be a very capable off-road SUV.

Its brakes are powerful and effective, but for those with cash burning a hole in their pocket, Porsche offers two upgrades. The first is a massive 16.3-inch tungsten-carbide rotor gripped by a 10-piston caliper for instantaneous emergency stops. For maximum stopping power, buyers can opt for a set of carbon-ceramic brakes, which, at $9,080, don’t come cheap. We can’t say we’d spring for either of these upgrades on the base or hybrid model, but they will definitely not be out of place on the S and Turbo trims.

Additional performance enhancements include the Sport Chrono package ($1,130) that includes launch control and Sport+ mode, and rear-axle steering for faster turn-in and emergency-input response.

One quick glance and it’s easy to see the Panamera’s influence on the 2020 Porsche Cayenne’s stunning interior. An analog center tachometer sits between two 7-inch digital gauges, mixing the modern with a touch of tradition. A 12.3-inch touch screen resides atop the center dash, its sleek black face matching a similar design around the shift lever housing both haptic-feedback controls and hard buttons. It’s a dynamic look, but the glossy black surface quickly shows dust and fingerprints, prompting us to suggest Porsche might want to toss in a free logo-embossed microfiber towel to keep it all looking new.

The seats are amazingly supportive, handsomely designed and available with heating, cooling and up to 18 different power adjustments. Last year’s redesign saw the cargo area increase in size and more rear-seat legroom added. The standard-equipment list isn’t as robust as one might expect at this price level, so adding options can be fun but also expensive.

Although it retains a similar appearance to the original, this 3rd-generation Cayenne has a cleaner look, with more pronounced body creases and a lower stance. Staggered front and rear tire widths on the standard 19-inch wheels further enhance the Cayenne’s aggressive stance.

Compared to the 2018 model, the current Cayenne’s wheelbase remains unchanged, although its body is nearly three inches longer. Climbing the line brings larger wheels and tires (up to 22 inches) as well as ground effects, front-end treatment and colors.

The Cayenne E-Hybrid models get their own exclusive 21-inch-wheel option, making it a bit more aggressive-looking than the Lexus RX 400h or Audi e-Tron.

PORSCHE ACTIVE SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT
For the ultimate in ride control and cornering, the active-shock setup in the PASM system is a must-have. The system can adjust the shocks in just milliseconds, reacting to changing road surfaces and even the driver’s own habits.

12.3-INCH TOUCH SCREEN
Looking like a 12.3-inch slab of polished black onyx until you start the vehicle, the Cayenne’s massive touch-screen infotainment is one of our favorite in-cabin features. Controlled by either large block icons or haptic-feedback buttons surrounding the center console shifter, the screen serves as the focal point for navigation, camera feeds, apps and Apple CarPlay integration.

For now, the 2020 Cayenne by Porsche offers five trim levels: base, S, Turbo, E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid. Standard on the Cayenne is Integrated 4D Chassis Control, 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, Porsche Communication Management featuring a 12.3-inch touch screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker/150-watt audio system, front and rear park assist, LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry with push-button start and an 8-way-power driver’s seat.

Standard safety equipment includes front and rear side airbags and Porsche’s Warn and Brake assist. While advanced driver assists standard on most competitors are also available on the Cayenne, they are part of an extra-cost package.

Options and upgrades are almost too numerous to count, but among the more desirable standouts are 18 different wheel choices, leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 18-way-adaptive sport seats, adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof and a 21-speaker/1,455-watt Burmester audio system.

On the suspension front, buyers can opt for an air suspension or the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, rear-axle steering and the Sport Chrono Package that adds launch control and a digital and analog stopwatch. Adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist and autonomous braking is also optional, as are night vision and a head-up display.

Powering the 2020 Porsche Cayenne is a line of turbocharged and hybrid engines, starting with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 good for 355 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. Standard in the base Cayenne, this engine design hides the turbocharger in the valley between the cylinders, rather than below them, giving the Cayenne a lower center of gravity.

The Cayenne S is powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, while the Cayenne Turbo derives power from a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8.

The E-Hybrid combines a 3.0-liter turbo V6 with a 134-horsepower electric motor for a combined output of 455 horsepower, while the Turbo S E-Hybrid does the same with the twin-turbo V8 for a combined output of 670 horsepower. The E-Hybrid can also run solely on electric power for a distance of 27 miles at speeds up to 85 mph.

All Cayenne models use an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. Although not as fast as the PDK dual-clutch transmission used on other Porsche vehicles, this one seems to work well in the Cayenne, answering to both a performance and luxury call. All Cayenne models come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (Cayenne)
335 horsepower @ 5,300-6,400 rpm
322 lb-ft of torque @ 1,340-5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/23 mpg

2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Cayenne S)
434 horsepower @ 5,700-6,600 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/22 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 + electric motor (Cayenne E-Hybrid)
455 horsepower @ 5,300-6,400 rpm (net system horsepower)
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,340-5,300 rpm (net system torque)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: (gasoline) 22 mpg combined, 46 MPGe

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (Cayenne Turbo)
541 horsepower @ 5,750-6,000 rpm
568 lb-ft of torque @ 1,960-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 + electric motor (Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid)
670 horsepower @ 5,750-6,000 rpm (net system horsepower)
663 lb-ft of torque @ 2,100-4,500 rpm (net system torque)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A