2010 PORSCHE CAYENNE Review

Overview

The 2010 Porsche Cayenne is a mid-size crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) available in Cayenne, Cayenne S, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S trims. The Cayenne Turbo S trim, featuring 550 horsepower, returns to the line-up. The optional Porsche Communication Management interface comes with a touch screen, Bluetooth, and iPod connectivity.

Powertrain And Performance

The automatic-only Cayenne S gets a 4.8-liter V8 with 385 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne GTS gets the same basic V8 as the S, but it generates up to 405 hp and is available with a six-speed manual or an automatic. The Cayenne Turbo comes with a twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 with 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, while the Cayenne Turbo S makes 550 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from the same engine. Both Turbo models are only available with the automatic transmission. The EPA estimates range from 14/20 mpg (city/highway) for the Cayenne V6 to 11/17 mpg (city/highway) for the manual-transmission GTS. When properly equipped, the towing capacity for all Cayenne models is a massive 7,700 pounds.

Build And Styling

The base Cayenne comes with 17-inch alloy wheels; cruise control; all-season tires; front and rear fog lamps; heated side mirrors; a power tailgate; five 12-volt outlets; 12-way power front seats with power lumbar; a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; a trip computer; leather upholstery; a refrigerated glove compartment; and a 12-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player and steering-wheel audio controls. The Cayenne S is equipped with 18-inch wheels; a V8 engine; driver memory functions; and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Cayenne GTS features 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires; a more powerful V8 engine; Alcantara and aluminum interior trimmings; and a power tilt-and-telescoping sport steering wheel. The Cayenne Turbo is equipped with similar features along with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine; 19-inch wheels; a hard-drive-based navigation system; front and rear heated seats; a heated steering wheel; upgraded driver memory functions; height-adjustable air suspension; a slightly different body kit; adaptive bi-xenon headlamps; front and rear parking assist; power seatbelt height adjustment; a touch screen interior electronics interface; upgraded leather upholstery; leather-trimmed interior panels; and a 14-speaker surround-sound audio system. The Turbo S adds 21-inch wheels; Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control for improved handling; sport seats; a two-tone interior color scheme; and upgraded interior trim. Most of this extra equipment on the Turbo models is available on the lower trim levels as options. The list of options is very long and includes dynamic chassis control (standard on Turbo S); quadruple-zone climate control; sport seats; Bluetooth; a rear-seat entertainment system; a six-CD changer; an iPod/USB interface; satellite radio; voice-recognition capability; and numerous customized interior details (colors, materials, and so on).

Safety Features

Electronic stability control; traction control; anti-lock brakes with off-road capability; trailer stability control; and full-time four-wheel drive are standard. All five seating positions have three-point belts with pre-tensioners. Six airbags, dual-stage front and side-impact airbags for front passengers, and curtain-style head protection airbags on both sides of the cabin are some of the other safety features on the 2010 Porsche Cayenne.