2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV Reviews & Ratings
Part 1: Expert Review, Specs & Colors
Expert Rating: 
Rate this Model:Expert Review for Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV
It surprised both Porsche enthusiasts and auto critics when the luxury brand, known for its speedy, sleek coupes, unveiled an SUV called the Porsche Cayenne in 2001 to the European market. In 2003, Porsche translated this model to North America, as well. So, why did Porsche take a chance on an SUV? Well, the move seemed to be a very calculated one. Porsche realized that gasoline prices were going up, so the demand for sports cars would be going down. The company also realized, however, that f... click here for the full review
Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV Ratings
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User Reviews for Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV
Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV Review
More Porsche SUV reviews / All Porsche CarsIt surprised both Porsche enthusiasts and auto critics when the luxury brand, known for its speedy, sleek coupes, unveiled an SUV called the Porsche Cayenne in 2001 to the European market. In 2003, Porsche translated this model to North America, as well. So, why did Porsche take a chance on an SUV? Well, the move seemed to be a very calculated one. Porsche realized that gasoline prices were going up, so the demand for sports cars would be going down. The company also realized, however, that fuel-efficient crossover SUVs were really taking off in the U.S. - the world's most profitable auto market.
Porsche made an excellent choice in releasing the Cayenne. Within one year, the luxury brand went from a $128 million deficit to a positive company value above $2.1 billion- predominately due to the Cayenne's impact on the Porsche lineup and the new buyers its family-friendly features attracted. Being the only SUV available with a unique low-range gear mode for exploring off-road destinations and full-time 4WD at the time also aided the Cayenne in its success.
Initially, there were only two Porsche Cayenne models: the Porsche Cayenne S and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. For 2012, there are five Cayenne models available: the two already listed, the base Porsche Cayenne SUV, the Cayenne Tiptronic, and the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid (which is the most recent addition to the Cayenne line). For this review, we'll focus on the 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV, which has a starting MSRP of $107,100. The Turbo trim is the highest priced trim in this year's lineup; the base Cayenne SUV has a starting price of only $48,200. Of course, you won't get a turbocharged V8 engine with the base though.
Overall, after review, we find the 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo's 4.8-liter V8 engine to be powerful, its four-wheel-drivetrain to be engaging and useful, its technology features, such as satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system, and MP3 to be impressive and comprehensive, its interior to be luxurious and well-constructed, and its reclining and sliding seat to be very convenient. Of course, the Cayenne Turbo SUV boasts quite a bit more heft that its standard Cayenne brothers. The Turbo's big engine produces 500 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque and allows it a top track speed of 172 mph and a zero-to-sixty time of 4.4 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and an optional Power Kit increases brake-cooling capacity and ups power to 540 horsepower.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV Pros and Cons
The 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV contains impressive safety features, including features a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, several innovative airbags (including thorax side airbags), a high-strength bumper system, an included Roadside Assistance Program, Porsche Traction Management, Bi-Xenon headlights. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes are optional.
As far as comfort and technology features go, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is one of the best-equipped models in the 2012 Porsche lineup. It features leather-trimmed seats, PCM with a 6.5-inch color touchscreen monitor and a DVD navigation system, a premium BOSE Surround Sound System with 14 speakers. Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment is a family-friendly option you always might want to consider.
The 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV is certainly powerful. It features a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 engine that produces 500 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque and allows it a top track speed of 172 mph and a zero-to-sixty time of 4.4 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and an optional Power Kit increases brake-cooling capacity and ups power to 540 horsepower.
The Porsche Cayenne SUV, as well as the Porsche Panamera sedan, is a family-friendly option for long-time Porsche enthusiasts or new Porsche buyers, with features and options that are sure to please.
The 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV achieves better fuel economy ratings than most of its traditional sports coupes at 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway, but these numbers aren't very impressive for a crossover SUV- especially at a time when gasoline prices are so high.
The Cayenne Turbo has a rather high starting MSRP of $107,100 (which is further increased by packages and options) and is the highest priced trim in this year's lineup, with the base Cayenne SUV priced at only $48,200. However, you won't get a turbocharged V8 engine with the base, and you'll miss out on a lot of the Turbo's fantastic technology features that come as standard.
