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2020 Porsche Cayenne review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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Porsche Cayenne highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

Pros

  • Two hybrid choices to pick from
  • Range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid offers an incredible 670 hp

Cons

  • Lacks the space and practicality of many premium rivals, even more so with the Coupe
  • It isn't cheap, and plentiful options bump up prices further

Battery range (EPA estimate)

13 miles

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

Third-generation Cayenne starts adding models to the lineup

Sports car performance and poise in an SUV with seating for five, that’s what the Porsche Cayenne provides. There are actually few compromises in return for its performance, with the suspension managing to mix agility and ride comfort, even in the most extreme models. Heading the lineup from 2020 is the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which adds hybrid assist to the Turbo’s already powerful 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 for a combined output of 670 hp. That delivers eye-widening performance, yet it has the ability to run for short periods on battery power alone.

The Turbo S E-Hybrid is perhaps the most extreme example of the Cayenne’s duality, combining a sporting drive with family-friendly practicality. It isn't admittedly as roomy inside the cabin and trunk as many of its rivals, and it's even less so if you pick the Cayenne Coupe, with its sloping rear trunk. But buyers seem won over by its fine driving dynamics, luxurious interior, and the allure of that Porsche badge on the hood.

All Porsche Cayenne years

What is new for the 2020 Porsche Cayenne?

  • The Cayenne is available in a variety of new trims, including the Coupe, S Coupe, Turbo Coupe, and Turbo S.
  • Cayenne trims have been upgraded with Smart Key and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment this year.
  • Sunroof(s), Full Leather Interior, and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The S trim now comes with Rear Seat Heaters and Front Seat Heaters as standard equipment.

2020 Porsche Cayenne trims

Curious how Porsche Cayenne trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Cayenne:

  • The base model comes with the standard 3.0L V6 engine plus 19-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, power rear liftgate, two-zone climate control, LED interior lighting, a rearview camera, a 12.3-inch center-mounted infotainment screen, and more.

Cayenne E-Hybrid:

  • Adds the 3.0L plug-in hybrid engine with 455-hp.

Cayenne S:

  • Adds standard features like a panoramic power moonroof, and quad-exhaust, as well as a 434 hp 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

Cayenne Turbo:

  • Equipped with a 541-hp 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 as well as 21-inch wheels, automatic headlights, 18-way full-leather front seats, Alcantara headliner, Bose 14-speaker premium audio system, power moonroof, and more.

Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid:

  • Adds a 67-hp 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 E-hybrid engine plus 21-inch aerodynamic wheels, high-performance Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), the Sport Chrono Package, 18-way front seats, and much more.

View all Porsche Cayennes in stock

Porsche Cayenne photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Porsche Cayenne

1. Off-road capable AWD

Porsche Cayenne Review: Backseats | CarMax

With both all-wheel-drive and Porsche's Stability Management (PSM) systems standard on all 2020 Cayenne models, you'll get peace of mind when the weather turns. The base model offers an impressive 8.4 inches of ground clearance that can be raised by almost an inch and a half via the air suspension system. That means the Cayenne can take you places you never expected — both on and off the road.

2. The latest tech

Porsche Cayenne Review: Dashboard | CarMax

With a large center-mounted 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen, as well as two seven-inch configurable displays, you'll have a commanding view of all the right information. You can also expect the latest hybrid technology under the hood as well. Both the Cayenne E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid come with a 134-hp electric motor and a 14.1-kWh lithium-ion battery featuring an on-board charger.

3. Sports-car performance

Porsche Cayenne Review: Engine | CarMax

Porsche's performance focus is apparent in the standard 335-hp turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine. However, if you take a look at the E-hybrid model you'll get 455 hp and the S trim is equipped with an impressive 434 hp. At the top of the trim levels, the Turbo Cayenne has 541 hp from its twin-turbo V8, and top-of-the-line Turbo S E-Hybrid adds a 134-hp electric motor for a total of 670 hp. This means you can have sports-car performance in a practical five-seater SUV; checking all the right boxes!

4. Interior room

Porsche Cayenne Review: Truck Cargo | CarMax

The Cayenne is more than just a performance machine, it also seats five across its two rows of seating. Plus, with a maximum cargo capacity of 60.3 cu-ft with the rear seats folded, the Cayenne might just be the quickest way to the home improvement store. So, if you want a sports-car-like experience in an SUV package with room for people and stuff, the Cayenne is an excellent option.

5. Luxury features

Porsche Cayenne Review: Front Seats | CarMax

If you're after a luxury SUV, you're probably looking for more than just a big engine, and the Cayenne delivers. All models feature standard leather seating and eight-way power front seats. The list of luxury upgrades is impressive as well. You can opt for 18-way adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, there is even an available massage function. So not only will you get to your destination quickly, you'll do it in extra comfort.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2020 Porsche Cayenne, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of BMW X5

The X5 has the perfect mix of luxury, sportiness, and tech features and even an optional third row. A 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine putting out 300 horsepower is standard from 2017 (335 horsepower for 2019+). Meanwhile, 2017 and newer models come with standard AWD. The X5 is a great luxury SUV and there's plenty to love about it.

Standard features on the 2017–2021 BMW X5 include:

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • 10.2-inch central display screen (two 12.3-inch screens for 2019+)

  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto connectivity (2021)

  • Heated power-folding side mirrors

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

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Average

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 Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne features and specs

S 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Burmester Audio
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear A/C Seat(s)
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Running Boards
  • Seat Massagers
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.9L

Horsepower

434

Torque (ft-lbs)

405

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

23.7

Wheelbase

114"

Overall length

193.7"

Width

78.1"

Height

66.8"

Front tires

P255/55VR19

Rear tires

P275/50VR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

770/7700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Porsche Cayenne FAQ

More about the 2020 Porsche Cayenne

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Biscay Blue Metallic

  • Black

  • Carrara White Metallic

  • Cashmere Beige Metallic

  • Chalk

  • Dolomite Silver Metallic

  • Jet Black Metallic

  • Lava Orange

  • Mahogany Metallic

  • Moonlight Blue Metallic

  • Quartzite Grey Metallic

  • White

Interior details

  • Standard partial leather in black or grey on the base model with optional two-tone leather and optional premium "club" leather.

  • Standard eight-way power front seats on the base trim with optional 14-way comfort seats or 18-way sport seats. Both are further optioned with heating, ventilation, and a massaging function.

  • Dual-zone climate control is standard on the base trim with optional four-zone climate control available.

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