2017 Porsche Cayenne review
Porsche Cayenne highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- SUV sensibilities, sports car agility
- Hugely desirable, with the potential for monstrous performance
Cons
- A great all-rounder, but it’s not hugely accommodating for passengers
- Premium alternatives keep getting closer to the Cayenne
Mileage (EPA estimate)
14 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The sporting and luxurious Porsche Cayenne remains a favorite
Porsche has always offered its Cayenne in a variety of guises, and that remains the case with this 2017 model. Whether you’re after outrageous outright performance and agility or plug-in conscience-salving electric mobility, there’s a Cayenne in the lineup that should suit your requirements, powered by a range of V6 and V8 engines. Long a favorite of driving enthusiasts, the Cayenne also offers a luxurious cabin but does fall short against its rivals in outright practicality. Competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, for example, offer greater interior space as well as the possibility to seat seven.
The Cayenne counters with a drive that’s more sports car than sport-utility vehicle. Although it’s tuned for on-road dynamics, its standard all-wheel drive lets it venture into the dirt for some light off-roading if you desire. It’ll tow, too, with the Cayenne S rated at 7,718 pounds. Porsche underlined the Cayenne’s towing credentials in 2017 with a Turbo S towing a 285-ton Airbus A380, setting a world record in the process.
All Porsche Cayenne years
What is new for the 2017 Porsche Cayenne?
- The Cayenne is available in a new trim called the Platinum.
- The Diesel trim has been discontinued for 2017.
- Cayenne trims have been upgraded with Leather & Suede Seats as standard equipment this year.
- Apple CarPlay features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Base trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The GTS trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2017 Porsche Cayenne trims
Cayenne
3.6L engine, 18-inch wheels, Xenon headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, power tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, leather upholstery, slide and recline rear row with 40/20/40 split, seven-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, 10-speaker audio system, and more.
S
Adds 3.6L turbocharged engine, 19-inch wheels, Power Steering Plus, slide and tilt sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, eight-way power front seats with driver-seat memory settings, Bose speakers, and more.
S E-Hybrid
Includes hybrid powertrain (3.0L V6 and onboard electric motor), adaptive suspension dampers, Porsche Car Connect with E-Mobility, energy management display, and more.
GTS
Includes 20-inch wheels, adjustable air suspension, high-performance brakes, front sport seats, exclusive upholstery styling, and more.
Turbo
Includes S trim equipment, and adds 4.8L V8 engine, adaptive LED headlights, heated steering wheel, full leather cabin interior, 18-way adaptive front sport seats, heated rear outboard seats, and 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.
Turbo S
Adds 21-inch wheels, two-tone leather upholstery choices, carbon-fiber interior trim, leather-upholstered dashboard, active anti-roll bars, brake torque-vectoring, high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, and more.
Platinum
Adds 20-inch wheels, body-colored fender flares, heated front seats, smartphone integration, real-time traffic display, cornering lights, and more
S E-Hybrid Platinum
Features auxiliary climate system for cabin preheating or precooling.
Porsche Cayenne photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Porsche Cayenne
1. The platinum edition
New for the 2017 model year, the Platinum Edition is a nice upgrade for the Cayenne base trim and the S E-Hybrid. These popular tech upgrades to the base model certainly feel worthwhile, even if you're looking for a sensible daily driver. The Platinum Edition includes 20-inch satin-finish alloy wheels, Platinum Edition logos, eight-way sports seats, and Porsche Connect Plus with navigation. These trim-exclusive touches will get you noticed while you ride in comfort and style.
2. Upgraded entertainment system
For 2017, Porsche has given the Cayenne's infotainment system an upgrade. The seven-inch central touchscreen is high-resolution with tablet-style sensor responses, and is complemented by USB ports and Bluetooth® streaming abilities. Optional extras include Apple CarPlay® connectivity and an available Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Interior finishing
While features can be replicated, character cannot, and nothing else truly feels like a Porsche. As the brand's first four-door sporty SUV in 2003, the Cayenne had a lot to live up to; and it continues to meet and exceed these expectations with the 2017 model. The Cayenne's interior is a sensory feast to enjoy. Soft, buttery leather upholstery in warm natural tones, high-end wood and chrome finishes, available surround-sound audio, and gentle, hushed door closes are just some of the interior highlights of this exceptional SUV sports car.
4. Pleasurable daily driving
What does daily driving mean to you? If it's the commute downtown or taking on the errands that keep family life on the move, the Cayenne's 23.6 cu-ft of cargo space and split-folding rear row can comfortably accommodate your passengers, equipment, groceries, and luggage. How about being the driver for your group's regular canyon hike? No problem. Throw your trail packs in the trunk and enjoy the Cayenne's standard all-wheel drive and dual-zone automatic air conditioning.
5. Engine choices
Porsche is a luxury brand that has produced some of the world's best sports cars, and the 2017 Cayenne powertrains are part of that fine heritage. Base models feature a 3.6L V6 engine capable of producing 300 horsepower, and a zero to 60 time of less than eight seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Take on the 2017 Turbo S, and you'll be driving a turbocharged 4.8L V8 powerhouse, with a manufacturer-advised zero to 60 speed of 4.1 seconds (with launch control engaged) and a top speed of 173 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new). Exciting, huh?
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2017 Porsche Cayenne, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Jaguar F-Pace has an exceptional pedigree, pairing upscale style with capability. Joining the Jaguar line-up in 2017, the F-Pace is a five-seat, all-wheel drive SUV available with a wide choice of trims (six in 2018) and engine sizes. Improving engine availability and choice throughout this first generation, the F-Pace SVR arrived in 2019, equipped with a supercharged 5.0L V8 engine. Keep an eye out for these standard features on the 2017–2018 Jaguar F-Pace:
18-inch wheels
40/20/40-split folding rear seats
11-speaker Meridian™ sound system
Automatic speed limiter
The Audi Q7 brings street cred with its cutting-edge exterior, finely tuned handling, and lovely interior. The second-generation Q7 (2017-present) features Audi's distinctive grille and headlights, a sport-tuned suspension, and a flexible interior for all your cargo needs.
The three-row, seven-passenger Q7 comes with Audi's Quattro AWD system as standard, paired with one of two engine options: a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder with 252 hp or the optional supercharged 3.0L V6 with 333 hp (2017-present models). The 3.0L V6 delivers an estimated 7,700-lb. towing capacity, when properly equipped.2 The Q7 is fun to drive, and the beautiful interior materials will have your passengers enjoying the ride, too.
The 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige impresses with:
19-speaker Bose® 3D sound system
Four-zone climate control
Head-up display and virtual cockpit
Power soft-closing doors
As a head-turning highway commuter vehicle or fun-filled weekend companion, the BMW X5 is a capable, deluxe crossover SUV. For 2017–2019 models, a five-passenger configuration is standard, with the option to increase to a three-row, seven-seater if you regularly travel as a larger group. For 2017–2018, the X5 has four trim levels. The xDrive 35i and xDrive 35d are both powered by a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine fueled by gas or diesel, respectively.
The xDrive40e is a plug-in hybrid, while the range-topping xDrive50i has a turbocharged V8 engine, capable of towing an estimated 6,000 lbs, when properly equipped.
Cargo storage area of 33.9 cu ft
Stability and traction control
19-inch wheels
Power liftgate
10.2-inch central display screen
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Porsche Cayenne an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Porsche Cayenne 25th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Porsche CayennePorsche Cayenne features and specs
Platinum 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Adjustable Suspension
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Burmester Audio
- Full Leather Interior
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Rear A/C Seat(s)
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Running Boards
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
3.6L
Horsepower
300
Torque (ft-lbs)
295
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
26.4
Wheelbase
114"
Overall length
191.1"
Width
78.7"
Height
67.4"
Head room
F 39.6"
Front tires
P275/45VR20
Rear tires
P275/45VR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
772/7716 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Porsche Cayenne FAQ
In the United States, Porsche Cayenne customers most often purchase standard black.
Depends on the boat of course, but the short answer is yes. The 2017 Porsche Cayenne base trim with 3.6L engine has an estimated towing capacity of 7,716 lbs, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
According to the manufacturer, the 2017 GTS model has a zero to 60 of 4.9 seconds, with the 2017 Cayenne Turbo just edging it with a zero to 60 of 4.2 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).
Generally speaking, the Cayenne S is a sportier version; fitted with a turbocharged V6 engine, sports-tuned responsive road handling, adaptive Porsche Active Suspension Management system, and more.
More about the 2017 Porsche Cayenne
Exterior colors:
Black
Carmine Red (not available on Platinum models)
Carrara White Metallic
Jet Black Metallic
Mahogany Metallic
Meteor Grey Metallic (not available on Platinum models)
Moonlight Blue Metallic (not available on Platinum models)
Palladium Metallic (not available on Platinum models)
Purpurite Metallic
Rhodium Silver Metallic
Sapphire Blue Metallic (not available on Platinum models)
White
Interior colors:
Agate Grey
Black
Black/Cohiba Brown
Black/Cream
Black/Garnet Red
Black/Luxor Beige (not available on Turbo or Turbo S trim)
Black/Saddle Brown
Espresso
Espresso/Cognac
Luxor Beige
Saddle Brown
Saddle Brown/Cream
Saddle Brown/Luxor Beige
All 2017 Cayenne models are finished in leather upholstery. Deviated stitching, and soft-touch microfiber seat center options, are available on the GTS trim.
Interior details
Get comfortable; the 2017 Porsche Cayenne has a regal and hushed interior that creates a sense of star quality for you and your passengers. Inside, you'll find sumptuous leather upholstery and deep-tinted glass to protect your privacy. Plush carpeting, discrete cargo covers, and thoughtful interior lighting are all standard. Rear row passengers enjoy slide-and-recline seating with optional heat and cool functions. Front row seating is generous, with 58.9 inches of shoulder room.
Child seat details
The 2017 Porsche Cayenne can fit up to three car seats in the rear row. Each outboard seat has a full set of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors and one tether anchor), the middle seat is tether only. The 2017 Cayenne can accommodate front- and rear-facing convertible seats, infant seats, and child booster seats. The 2017 Cayenne's spacious second row means most adults can comfortably take a seat in the rear, alongside two occupied child seats. It's worth noting that some rear-facing seats may impact driver seat position.
Performance
Driving an impressive sports car means you'll often be asked for its stats. All 2017 Porsche Cayennes have all-wheel drive as standard. When it comes to speed, drive the range-topping 2017 Cayenne Turbo S and you'll make it in 4.1 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). The Turbo S has a 4.8L turbocharged V8 engine, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined.
If you're considering the 2017 Cayenne e-Hybrid, you can expect an EPA-estimated 46 MPGe.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2017 Porsche Cayenne tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 432 grams per mile.
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