Porsche Cayenne

Purists may have groaned when Porsche introduced its first SUV over 20 years ago. But the Cayenne was a hit from the start. Three generations later, it’s become one of the automaker’s most successful and celebrated models.

One of the keys to the Cayenne’s success is its configurability. Much like its sports car sibling, the iconic 911, the German sport-ute is available with an almost dizzying array of choices. That starts under the hood, where powertrains range from the base model with its relatively modest 300-horsepower V6, to the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which pairs a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor for a combined 670 horses.

The most compelling offerings lie somewhere in the middle. For instance, upgrading to the midtier Cayenne S bumps output to an ample 400+ horses. Meanwhile, an available turbodiesel V6, which Porsche offered until 2017, churns out a stump-pulling 406 lb-ft of torque while also returning an impressive 23 mpg in mixed driving, according to the EPA.

Like most Porsches, the Cayenne delivers class-leading performance on the pavement. But it’s surprisingly adept off-road, too. With an available air suspension that can raise ground clearance as high as 9.6 inches, excellent low-end torque, and even an optional locking rear differential, the Cayenne can handle all but the toughest backcountry tracks. It’s also capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds.

Open the doors, and you’ll find a richly appointed cabin that is befitting the Cayenne’s premium price. While not the roomiest SUV in its class, it does offer space for five and can be outfitted with a long list of luxury features, including heated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment. Notably, though, while Apple CarPlay has been available in the Cayenne since 2017, Android Auto integration was added only as of 2022.

Porsche also equips the Cayenne with all of the safety tech that you’d expect in a luxury vehicle, including available blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.