2009 Porsche Cayenne: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Porsche Cayenne is the newer PCM 3.0 touchscreen system, which became standard across the lineup. Otherwise, this is mostly a carryover year, though the 550-hp Turbo S returned as the new flagship.
About the 2009 Porsche Cayenne
1st generation Cayenne (9PA/957 facelift), second year after the 2008 refresh and one year before the full 2011 redesign.
For 2009, Porsche positioned the Cayenne as the SUV for buyers who wanted sports-car flavor without giving up family usefulness. Its identity was a rare mix of strong straight-line speed, unusually sharp handling for a midsize SUV, full-time AWD, towing ability, and an upscale cabin. Compared with rivals, the Cayenne leaned harder into driver engagement, especially in V8, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S form.
The 2009 range spans the everyday V6 Cayenne, the 385-hp Cayenne S, and the sharper GTS with a lowered suspension and 405-hp V8. The 500-hp Turbo adds high-end equipment, while the 550-hp Turbo S tops the range with an active anti-roll system designed to keep the body flatter in corners.
What changed, by category
2009 Porsche Cayenne specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.8 Liter | V8, 4.8 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.8 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 11 mpg | 14 mpg | 12 mpg | 12 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 385 hp | 405 hp | 290 hp | 500 hp | 550 hp |
| Torque | 396 lb-ft | 396 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7716 lb | 7716 lb | 7716 lb | 7716 lb | 7716 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Porsche Cayenne?
The biggest change is the standard PCM 3.0 infotainment system with a revised touchscreen interface across the full 2009 Cayenne lineup.
Is the 2009 Porsche Cayenne a major redesign?
No. The 2009 Cayenne is mostly a carryover from the major 2008 update, with updated touchscreen technology and a returning Turbo S flagship rather than a full redesign.
Did the Cayenne Turbo S return for 2009?
Yes. The Turbo S returned as the top 2009 Cayenne, with a 550-hp twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 and an active anti-roll system that helps keep the body flatter in corners.
How is the 2009 Cayenne Turbo S different from the Turbo?
The 2009 Turbo S has 550 hp, compared with 500 hp in the Turbo, and adds performance-focused chassis hardware including an active anti-roll system.
Is the 2009 Cayenne worth considering over the 2008 model?
The 2009 Cayenne is most compelling over the 2008 if the newer standard PCM 3.0 touchscreen system or the 550-hp Turbo S matters to you. The underlying engines and body structure otherwise remain largely unchanged.