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2010 Porsche Cayenne

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Overview

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2010 Porsche Cayenne Review

By KBB.com Editors

When in 1998 Porsche announced it was going to build an SUV, the proclamation was greeted with scoffs and pure horror. How could Porsche turn its back on its heritage by introducing a lumbering sport utility vehicle, many asked. But days after the vehicle, called Cayenne, came to market in 2002, it was clearly a success. It didn't so much change Porsche's basic character as extend it, because the Cayenne quickly became renowned as the sports car of the SUV set – a vehicle with off-road credentials that was also a fulfilling to drive. Never one to rest on its laurels, Porsche has expanded the lineup to include the Cayenne Turbo S, Transsyberia and GTS models.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the command-position of a taller vehicle and off-highway capability combined with an uncommon level of performance and handling, we think you'll like the Porsche Cayenne.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you seek an SUV for the ability to tote and tow giant loads while feeling like a rec room on wheels, you may not find all you seek in the Cayenne.

What's New for 2010

For 2010, two new models join the lineup: The Cayenne S Transsyberia and the limited edition Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3.

Driving the Cayenne

Driving Impressions While we expected the 2010 Porsche Cayenne to excel in spirited on-road driving, it was the extensive off-road driving we did in the Cayenne that was a revelation to us....

Thanks largely to its very sophisticated systems like the optional air suspension system, traction management and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, the Cayenne is a superior off-highway performer, making quick work of imposing grades. As you'd guess, the 550-horsepower Cayenne Turbo S is an exciting performer, but buyers with smaller checking accounts (or perhaps simply more conservative with their auto expenditures) will find satisfaction in the V6-powered Cayenne and the V8-powered Cayenne S. In back-to-back comparison, the optional active Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control offers advantages in counteracting body roll but at a stiff price versus the already exemplary Cayenne suspension. For a vehicle with such a wide variety of capabilities, ride quality is excellent and attention to detail borders on sublime.

Favorite Features

The Sport Button
There is something appealingly cartoon-like about a button on the dash that, when pushed, offers, as Porsche describes it, "extra dynamism." Who doesn't want that?

Real Off-Road Capabilities
It would have been simple for Porsche to go light on the all-terrain capabilities of its SUV, since it is likely many of its drivers will never venture off asphalt, so it is more than reassuring to know that Porsche engineers took their rough-country mandate seriously and created a vehicle that can slog through slime.

2010 Porsche Cayenne Details

Interior

While the 2010 Cayenne is the most commodious of all Porsche models, its interior retains the same sophisticated luxury feel offered by sports cars like the 911. In proper Porsche fashion, the ignition lock is placed to the left of the steering column, while the instrument faces have the no-nonsense look of a sports model. The switches that adjust the suspension are integrated into a busy center console. The "offroad switch" is a toggle that allows quick adjustment of various chassis and suspension settings, and it is accompanied by the Sports button, which alters the responsiveness of the engine and the suspension. Both rows of seats are finished in leather, and leather also decorates the steering wheel rim, door handles, grab handles and other areas where many luxury models use simulated coverings. With rear seats up, the Cayenne accommodates a substantial 19 cubic feet of cargo, but unlike several other European luxury SUVs there is no third-row option.

Exterior

Fresh from a thorough makeover in 2008, the 2010 Cayenne carries over with only minor cosmetic changes. Although it bears a strong resemblance to the original Cayenne, the subtle changes make both aesthetic and functional sense. For instance, the headlights are now moved to the outside of the front fascia and covered with clear glass, improving looks and offering an aerodynamic benefit. The coefficient of drag is also lower than the first-generation SUV, a nod to improved fuel economy and better high-speed handling. Even the standard 17-inch wheels have presence, but the available 20- and 21-inch wheels really show off the huge brakes and calipers that are fitted on the car, a utilitarian style statement.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Befitting a Porsche SUV, the 2010 Cayenne is fitted with a highly sophisticated four-wheel-drive system called Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Using a multiplicity of sensors and inputs, PTM determines the optimum front-to-rear power split with the ability to provide up to 100 percent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels. Also standard is Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which guards against rollover and increases the effectiveness of the brakes on loose and slippery surfaces. Safety gear includes airbags for driver and front passenger, two thorax side airbags and two side curtain airbags. A full complement of convenience items like power seats, power door locks power-operated rear lift gate and 12-speaker audio system are also standard.

Optional Equipment

The most notable of the Cayenne's options is the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system, which uses computer-controlled hydraulics to counteract body roll in cornering and transient maneuvers. The system uses active, motor-driven anti-roll bars instead of passive anti-roll bars to aid the Cayenne in achieving flatter attitudes for a feeling of security. PDCC is only available on Cayennes affixed with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) air suspension. Standard on the Cayenne Turbo S,Turbo and GTS and optional on Cayenne and Cayenne S, the system offers integrated self-leveling and ride-height adjustment depending upon conditions and driver desires. Somewhat more mundane but still useful options are a trailer hitch and a cargo-area management system.

Under the Hood

The engines in the various Cayenne trim levels represent an embarrassment of riches. All three – 3.6-liter V6, 4.8-liter V8 and 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 – offer more overall horsepower and torque output and better fuel economy than the first generation Cayenne engine lineup. One key reason is the use of direct gasoline injection technology, which results in up to 15 percent lower fuel consumption plus up to 12 percent better vehicle acceleration. Variable valve timing and a two-stage input in the naturally aspirated V8 are other contributors.

3.6-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
273 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20

4.8-liter V8
385 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
369 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19

4.8-liter V8 (GTS)
405 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
369 lb.-ft. of torque @3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/17 (manual), 13/18 (automatic)

4.8-liter Twin-turbo V8
500 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
516 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19

4.8-liter Twin-turbo V8 (Turbo S)
550 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
553 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2250
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19

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2010 Porsche Cayenne Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 133 Ratings for the 2003 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.3/10

great vehicle like new after 9+ years and 125,000

By 610wash (VA) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 125,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "sports car with room for dog and golf clubs"

Cons: "factory should step up re. cooling pipes"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have enjoyed this vehicle since purchasing it new in 2003. Reliable, great handling, great tow vehicle and great on long trips. Still as tight and powerful as the day I bought it, 125,000 miles ago. I have used it to pull my trailer with GT3 to race tracks as far as Canada, strong up mountains. It is like the trailer is not even there. Great in snow with the correct wheel and tire set up. Handles great. While teaching high performance driving for the Porsche Club, I have passed Porsche 911's on race tracks with this Cayenne Turbo with 3 students on board!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Very fast and handles extremely well

By Nemasis (TX) on Tuesday, December 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handling, speed, fun to drive"

Cons: "fuel economy."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Very fun to drive. The only problems I have had were due to normal wear and tear (i.e. light bulb burns out, headliner sagging) but nothing major, except for one. Porsche installed plastic coolant pipes on pre 2008 models. So I had to spend over $2000 to replace the plastic pipes with aluminum to avoid a breakdown. There is hope that Porsche will offer a recall/settlement for those who had to expense these outside of the normal warranty. The car is expensive to maintain as far as required services but worth it if you want it to last. The only complaint that I have is that gas mileage is bad. But you're talking about feeding a twin turbo engine. I try to drive conservative as to save fuel. Also, because of the turbos, you will occasionally have to add oil. But this is not bad. As matter of fact, a good Porsche dealer will add oil for you for free. The ride is not the smoothest on this model but I can live with it."

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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Great performance. Definitely an expensive pony

By Meitja (TX) on Saturday, September 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Handles excellent, responsive, versatile, elegant"

Cons: "Software, electrical hiccups and $$$ maintenance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Feeding and care is a considerable added expense above and beyond your purchase. However, this is a wonderful car overall, handles extremely well and typically has only minor issues that bring me into the dealer (mostly electrical, software or fuel flow systems.). The majority of the time, repairs are warranty but regular maintenance and gasoline is a consideration for those who are thinking about buying a Cayenne but are on a tighter budget. This is my second Cayenne. I like them and give up a bit to have this car."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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I have the Transsiberia and wouldn't change it!

By Porsche Lover (Canada) on Wednesday, September 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,100

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Most versatile vehicle I have owned"

Cons: "None!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

""Amazing machine. Excellent power, capacity, very luxurious interior with alcantara leather, Bose surround sound, amazing off road vehicle as well as on ashphalt. Looks classy going to a show or an evening out and a beast when going hunting in the country.""

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Nightmare !

By Andy (FL) on Friday, March 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,800

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "WOW ! It is a PORSCHE !"

Cons: "never ending for repair !"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Lot of trouble,got transfer case control problem on 18k/mi,replace seat motor at 22k mi,AC fan motor replace at 23k mi,Navigation system replace at 24k mi, shaft bearing replace at 38k mi,armrest center replace at 39k mi,CD changer replace at 42k mi,front control arm replace at 43k mi,cooling fan assembly replace at 44k mi,even I have extended warranty cover,but see the repair cost ,I feel sorry for them . SO ! what do you think about this expensive PORSCHE ."

53 people out of 55 found this review helpful

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Hap[py I didn't buy that Mercedes

By jack on Sunday, March 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 74,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "responsive, classy, attention to detail"

Cons: "chugs premium gas, at $!00 per fillup. But yo"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"When I sold my ML430 I wanted to buy a ML500. My friend got me to try the Cayenne S first. Absolutely no comparison. When it comes to response, fit, finish the Porsche stands alone."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 133 reviews