2022 Porsche Cayenne

The 2022 Porsche Cayenne is a spectacular SUV for drivers who value balanced handling and thrilling performance. While not as spacious or well-equipped as some more practical rivals, the Cayenne still scores a solid TCC Rating of 7.2 out of 10. The 2022 Porsche Cayenne is a luxurious mid-size SUV with slick moves and stellar power. It compares with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

The 2022 Porsche Cayenne deftly outmaneuvers many sedans and coupes, all while maintaining some semblance of utility. The Cayenne comes in either a somewhat formal SUV shape or with a sloping roofline as the Cayenne Coupe. Both trade heavily on Porsche-typical styling cues, most of which work quite well inside and out.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

If you want more giddy-up than what the base Cayenne’s 355-hp turbo V-6 provides, the 434-hp Cayenne S offers an even zestier setup courtesy of its twin-turbo V-6. The plug-in hybrid (called the E-Hybrid) marries an electric motor and a turbocharged V-6 for a combined 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The 2022 Porsche Cayenne GTS boasts a 460-hp twin-turbo V-8 with a great-sounding exhaust note and breathtaking acceleration.

All engines pair with an astute eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While making anything that weighs more than two tons move gracefully is challenging, the engineers in Stuttgart were successful with the 2022 Porsche Cayenne. The S model that we tested moved quietly and steadily at highway speeds before seamlessly transitioning to twisty sections, where it showcased surprising athleticism for its size.

However, the largest rollers diminish its ride quality on uneven roads. Most models have performance options that include adaptive dampers with or without an adjustable air suspension, four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability, and active anti-roll bars for flatter cornering. The Cayenne’s brakes can be upgraded to Porsche’s tungsten-coated iron rotors (called Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, or PSCB) or costly carbon-ceramic stoppers. The base model we tested had neither setup nor still needed only 159 feet to stop from 70 mph.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is the thriftiest of the bunch, earning a combined city and highway rating of 21 mpg. It also has an all-electric range of 17 miles. The base Cayenne and Cayenne S share a 22-mpg highway rating, but in the city, they’re rated at 18 and 17 mpg, respectively. The GTS has estimates of 15 mpg city and 19 highway.

The Cayenne S we evaluated on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, earned 25 mpg—matching the E-Hybrid we tested. Despite its unimpressive highway number, the plug-in hybrid is the most eco-friendly option for folks who live in urban areas. For more information about Cayenne’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Porsche essentially provides a blank canvas inside the Cayenne for customers to outfit as they see fit. Everything from the interior trim to the seatbelt colors to the surface materials can be individually selected. The driver faces a snazzy gauge cluster with an analog tachometer flanked by two 7.0-inch screens that display selectable information. In addition to traditional options such as heated and ventilated front and rear seats, the Cayenne offers desirable upgrades, including more supportive seats, massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, and more.

Whereas the rival Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 have three rows, the Porsche has only two. Still, its back seat is adjustable and provides plenty of stretch-out space. The Cayenne entices Porsche enthusiasts with ample passenger capacity and cargo volume, which are obviously far greater than any 911’s.

It’s the largest Porsche SUV and provides 27 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and up to 60 cubes with the seats folded flat. Interior cubby storage is unremarkable, with most small items seeking refuge in the door pockets or the shallow center console bin. Every Cayenne includes a power-operated liftgate; the optional passive-entry system (called Comfort Access) allows it to be opened or closed with a foot gesture.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system uses a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle of the dashboard. Its slick interface includes a configurable home menu and many personalized settings. While the system was responsive and easy to operate during our testing, the screen attracted smudges. A rotary controller would help reduce distractions during driving.

Every Cayenne has Porsche Connect Plus, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A set of upgraded audio systems includes a 14-speaker Bose unit or a much pricier Burmester setup that pumps 1455 watts through 21 speakers. An available rear-seat entertainment system attaches two 10.0-inch displays to the back of the front-seat headrests.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2022 Porsche Cayenne is available with a bevy of driver-assistance technology to help keep occupants safe. Every model has a forward-collision warning and parking sensors at both ends. It even supports night vision with an optional infrared camera. For more information about Cayenne’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

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