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Long known for its performance coupes, Porsche has expanded into the SUV realm with surprising success. One such example is the 2022 Porsche Cayenne. This 5-passenger performance SUV comes in multiple flavors, none of which are vanilla. There are even two hybrid models for those who love performance as much as the environment.
The Cayenne has many rivals, but few can match its performance and extensively long list of available features. Then again, SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, BMW X5, and Jaguar F-Pace all deliver their own level of luxury and thrill, but for far less than the Porsche Cayenne.
Models range from the entry-level Cayenne to the 670-horsepower Turbo S E-Hybrid. Regardless of trim, however, all Cayenne SUVs come standard with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.
There is also a Cayenne Coupe not covered in this review.
The first trim in the 2022 Porsche Cayenne family is, not surprisingly, the Cayenne. Its styling is rather basic, although, with a few upgrades like larger wheels and some design packages, the base Cayenne looks every bit as menacing as its more expensive siblings.
Under the hood resides a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 good for 355 hp and a zero-to-60-mph time of 5.9 seconds. An 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission with manual shift control sends power to all four wheels, helping the Cayenne achieve a top speed of 152 mph.
A sophisticated chassis control system called 4D Chassis Control monitors the Cayenne in three dimensions (lateral, longitudinal, and vertical acceleration) then adds a fourth by sending that information to an onboard computer that constantly works to improve the Cayenne’s ride and handling.
The Cayenne rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, touts LED headlights and taillights, and a Welcome Home feature that leaves the fog lights and taillights for 30 seconds after opening the driver’s door.
Being a Porsche, the Cayenne will have things we don’t need to list, such as power windows and outside mirrors, keyless entry, and power door locks. Among the more notable standard equipment, you’ll find cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, and front and rear parking sensors.
Dual-zone climate control with pollen filter is standard, as are 8-way power front seats, a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel with shift paddles, and a partial leather interior.
The Cayenne’s instrument cluster contains a central analog tachometer flanked by two high-resolution digital displays screens. The screens are configurable to show things like speed and navigation routing. The center console houses piano-black touch interfaces for optional equipment such as adjustable suspension modes and heated/ventilated seats.
The Porsche Communications Management system (PCM) handles entertainment duties. It includes a 12-inch touchscreen display for controlling most vehicle functions. The package consists of online navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Porsche connected services. There are four USB ports, two in the front console and two in the rear.
A 10-speaker audio system with a 150-watt amplifier comes standard but can be upgraded to systems from premium audio manufacturers like Bose and Burmester.
Standard safety and driver-assist systems abound, but oddly most are optional. On a $70,000 car, they should all be standard. Get a 2022 Porsche Cayenne with no options, and you get automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. That’s it. Even the most basic Toyota Corolla offers a blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning as standard. But on the Cayenne, they’re all optional.
The Cayenne may not seem very well equipped for a premium luxury SUV, but that’s because Porsche leaves the customization up to the customer. And there’s plenty from which to choose.
Among the first options we’d recommend are the additional driver-assist systems. They include adaptive cruise control with stop and go feature or the InnoDrive adaptive cruise control that goes a step further. InnoDrive uses the navigation system to predict approaching topographical road conditions and adjusts speed and transmission shifting accordingly. Other assists include lane-keeping, lane-change assist, a head-up display, and night vision assist.
Moving to the luxury upgrades, buyers can opt for numerous interior colors, wood or metal trim, and upholstery upgrades. One of them is Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, which allows customers to design their own interior.
Comfort and convenience options include 4-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated windshield, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, massaging seats, and a choice of 14-way power seats or 18-way adaptive sport seats.
The Comfort Access system provides a proximity key fob that allows unlocking the doors without holding the remote. The system also offers foot-gesture activation of the power liftgate.
Entertainment upgrades include a 710-watt Bose sound system with 14 speakers, a 1,455-watt Burmester 3D high-end sound system with 21 speakers, a rear-seat entertainment, and a 6-disc DVD/CD player. A wireless charging pad is also available.
Other notable options include remote park assist, soft-close doors, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, power sun blinds for the rear doors, adaptive headlights, and an Off-Road Package that brings additional underbody protection along with tilt, gradient, and steering angle displays.
Performance upgrades include Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), an adaptive air suspension, sport exhaust, upgraded wheels, upgraded performance brakes, and the Sport Chrono Package that includes an analog-digital stopwatch, launch control, and driving modes for Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual.
With the $1,350 destination fee, the 2022 Porsche Cayenne costs $70,350. On a no-money-down 60-month loan at 3% financing, the Cayenne’s monthly payment comes to $1,264. See 2022 Porsche Cayenne models for sale
The Cayenne E-Hybrid is nearly identical to the Cayenne when it comes to equipment, only it includes a 455-horsepower hybrid engine and plug-in capability. The hybrid features a mobile charger with two power cables, one for 240-volt and one for 120-volt. The Cayenne E-Hybrid achieves a zero-to-60 time of just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 157 mph.
The PASM system is part of the hybrid’s standard equipment list, although it loses its spare tire in favor of a tire sealing compound and air compressor. Other standard features include the Sport Chrono Package and Auxiliary Cabin Conditioning that keeps the cabin comfortable while the E-Hybrid is charging.
Including destination, the 2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid costs $84,650. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the E-Hybrid’s monthly payment comes to $1,521, just $257 more each month than the Cayenne. See 2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid models for sale
The Cayenne S gets a significant power upgrade courtesy of a 434-horsepower 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged engine. Compared to the base Cayenne the S’ zero-to-60 time moves up to 4.9 seconds, and the top speed jumps to 164 mph.
Above the standard Cayenne features, the S adds 19-inch S wheels, the PASM system, a panoramic moonroof, and Porsche Power Steering Plus. PSP provides more assist at low speeds, such a when pulling into a parking space, but firms up to provide better feedback at higher speeds.
Optional equipment for the Cayenne S is the same as for the Cayenne.
With the $1,350 destination fee, the 2022 Porsche Cayenne S comes to $88,150. If putting no money down, the monthly payment on a 60-month loan at 3% comes to $1,584. See 2022 Porsche Cayenne S models for sale
The GTS trim builds off the Cayenne S, adding a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 453 horsepower and a zero-to-60-mph time of just 4.5 seconds. Top speed peaks at 167 mph. A sport exhaust makes this engine sound all the more delightful, while standard Torque Vectoring Plus significantly improves the GTS’ ability to tackle corners. The GTS’s PASM is lowered an additional 10mm over that of the other Cayenne trims.
The GTS has a more monochromatic look, with its lower door trim and rear fascia painted the same color as the body. The Porsche logo and the Cayenne badges are painted satin black. Adaptive headlights feature satin black bezels, and the side mirrors gain an auto-dimming feature. 21-inch satin black alloy wheels fill the wheel wells.
Inside, the GTS gets GTS-style sport seats with Race-Tex inserts. Race-Tex is a simulated suede-like fabric that also covers the headliner, interior pillars, and sun visors. A power-adjustable steering wheel is standard.
Again, most optional equipment offered on the Cayenne and Cayenne S is also available on the GTS.
Some of the more desirable options for the GTS include rear-axle steering, Porsche Power Steering Plus, and ceramic brakes.
With the $1,350 destination fee, the 2022 Porsche Cayenne costs $110,350. On a 60-month loan at 3% with no money down, the GTS’ monthly payment comes to $1,983. See 2022 Porsche Cayenne GTS models for sale
The Cayenne Turbo gets a slightly more powerful version of the GTS’s twin-turbocharged V8 engine, pumping out 541 horsepower with a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.9 seconds and a 177-mph top speed.
The Cayenne Turbo builds off the GTS’ standard features with upgraded Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, 10-piston front brakes (versus 6-piston on the GTS), an adaptive deploying rear spoiler, and additional air intakes. Unique 21-inch Turbo wheels come standard, but unlike the GTS, torque vectoring is optional, not standard.
For your $130,000, you’ll get a full leather interior, 18-way power front seats with driver’s side memory, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and the 14-speaker Bose audio system.
With destination, the 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo costs $131,250. On a 60-month loan at 3% and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $2,358. See 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo models for sale
The Turbo S E-Hybrid is the ultimate Cayenne, with a 670-horsepower V8/electric motor powertrain and a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 183 mph.
Above the features on the Cayenne Turbo, the S E-Hybrid gets Porsche Power Steering Plus, 21-inch Aero wheel design, and the Auxiliary Cabin Conditioning system.
Additional performance features include the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus.
Adding in the $1,350 destination fee, the 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid costs $166,650. If putting no money down, the monthly payment on a 60-month loan at 3% comes to $2,994. See 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid models for sale
