“2025 Porsche Cayenne Review: Stunning Performance but Steep Price Tag”

Overview

Much like how the 911 defines sports cars, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne continues to set the standard for driving excitement in the luxury SUV segment. This two-row midsize SUV stands out with its sharp handling, precise chassis tuning, and performance pedigree honed over two decades. Buyers can choose between a turbocharged V-6, a twin-turbo V-8, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain (reviewed separately), each offering a different flavor of performance. Regardless of the model, every Cayenne is surprisingly agile, something rarely said about SUVs. Despite its sporty nature, the Cayenne remains a practical daily driver with a plush interior, a roomy cargo area, and an array of tech and comfort features. It’s certainly not cheap—especially when adding premium upgrades—but it delivers premium quality and performance in return. For those seeking extreme thrills, the wild 729-hp Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid offers another level of power. Unsurprisingly, the Cayenne earns a well-deserved spot on our 2025 Editors’ Choice list.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

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Want to see how the Cayenne stacks up? Use our new comparison tool to evaluate it against top competitors in the segment.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, Porsche expands the Cayenne lineup with the introduction of a new GTS model. Packing a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, the GTS delivers 493 horsepower—25 more than the Cayenne S. This trim also borrows high-performance hardware from the Turbo GT model, including a water-cooled all-wheel-drive system and upgraded suspension parts for sharper steering. The GTS comes with the Sport Design package as standard, which includes black exterior accents, bronze exhaust tips, black wheels, and GTS branding throughout the cabin.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Prices for the 2025 Porsche Cayenne range from $86,695 to $205,795, depending on trim and options.
Recommended configuration:

Base Cayenne: $86,695
Cayenne Coupe: $91,795
Cayenne S: $103,595
Cayenne S Coupe: $109,995
Cayenne GTS: $126,895
Cayenne GTS Coupe: $131,495
Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe: $205,795

Our ideal setup starts with the base Cayenne, enhanced with the Premium Package for extra comfort and tech (ambient lighting, adaptive cruise, Bose audio, heated seats, panoramic roof). We’d also add the Sport Chrono Package, Off-Road Package, and adaptive air suspension for both improved road handling and adventure readiness.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The standard engine is a 348-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. Step up to the Cayenne S or GTS, and you get a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 making 468 hp or 493 hp, respectively. At the top of the lineup is the Turbo GT Coupe, boasting a monstrous 650-hp V-8. All versions include an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Porsche has done a masterful job making this heavyweight SUV handle like a much smaller vehicle. During testing, the Cayenne S felt just as balanced as the prior model year, while the new GTS delivered an even more thrilling, driver-focused experience. Adaptive dampers are now standard, with advanced options like air suspension, rear-axle steering, and active anti-roll bars available on most trims.

0–60-MPH Times

Base Cayenne (348-hp V-6): 0–60 mph in 4.7 seconds
Cayenne S Coupe: 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds
Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe: 0–60 mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds

Towing and Payload Capacity

When properly equipped, the Cayenne can tow up to 7716 pounds, making it one of the strongest haulers in its class.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
EPA ratings:

Base model: 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
V-8 models (S and GTS): 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway

We’ll update with real-world results once we complete our 75-mph highway fuel economy test.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Cayenne’s cabin design borrows heavily from the Taycan EV, featuring up to three screens and a dashboard-mounted shifter that frees up console space. Porsche allows extensive personalization, from seatbelt colors to interior trim—all for a price. Optional features include ventilated and massaging seats, four-zone climate control, and upgraded seat materials. Though it has only two rows (unlike the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90), the Cayenne’s back seats offer generous legroom and adjustability for added comfort.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Technology is front and center with:

A 12.3-inch central touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
An optional 10.9-inch passenger display for media streaming (invisible from the driver’s view)
A 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster displaying vehicle data and navigation