2019 Porsche Cayenne Review
For 2019, the Porsche Cayenne moves onto a new platform that's slightly longer and wider than its predecessor. Even though the new Cayenne is slightly bigger, Porsche manages to cut 120 pounds from the SUV thanks to the greater use of aluminum throughout the body. In addition to shaving weight, the aluminum beefs up the Cayenne's underpinnings. A new 3.0-liter turbocharged engine powers the base Cayenne making 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The engine bolts to an updated eight-speed automatic transmission that provides quicker shift times. The drivetrain helps the Cayenne hit 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds according to Porsche. When using launch control, Porsche says the Cayenne can cover the quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds. The engine and transmission combo return an EPA estimated 19 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Inside, infotainment is handled by the Porsche Communication Management system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. It come standard with navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay. Click or scroll through to see more of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne.
With hotter S and Turbo versions of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne on offer, the idea of saddling up in the base model might be a bit unappealing to some. On paper, the Cayenne's 335-horsepower V6 seems downright pedestrian to the 434-horsepower S and ridiculous 541-horsepower Turbo. But go out and drive the base Cayenne, and any negative preconceived thoughts will likely evaporate after just a few minutes behind the wheel. The third-generation Cayenne's rock-solid performance chops, fresh styling and great tech are found at every single price point. At the foundation of the new Cayenne is a stronger platform, and the SUV is 2.4 inches longer and nearly an inch wider than its predecessor. More aluminum is sprinkled in throughout the body-in-white in order to improve rigidity, while also helping to shave 120 pounds compared to the outgoing model. From the front, the new Cayenne's design doesn't excite or disappoint, with a trio of horizontal chrome air dam slates that remind me of a Gillette Mach 3 Turbo razor head.
There is, however, much more styling personality at the rear with slimmer, full-width LED lights, bringing the Cayenne in line with the rest of the Porsche lineup. It's the most attractive aspect of the exterior that, along with the integrated tailgate spoiler and dual-exhaust outlets, have the Cayenne strike its sportiest pose from a rear three-quarter view. The most noteworthy Cayenne styling alteration happens inside, where you'll note the much cleaner appearance. Porsche's Direct Touch controls on the center console eliminate the visual clutter caused by the bombardment of individual buttons in the previous model. The flat surface panel delivers a sleek look with backlit buttons and haptic feedback to control vehicle, climate and infotainment functions, but the glossy panel does get smudgy and dusty in a hurry. Mercifully, Porsche didn't go overboard with the flat buttons, leaving vital things like audio volume, climate temperature and fan speeds to physical knobs and rocker switches -- just like they should be.
Overall comfort is on point with quality materials such as soft, stitched black leather covering the dash, center console, door panels and seats. The heated front buckets are comfy with just the right amount of side support, and keep me toasty on brutal, single-digit-temperature winter days. Space in both rows is sufficiently comfortable, even with three adults across the back. There's also a generous 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk area that expands to 60.3 with the rear seats folded. Another big interior improvement comes via the 12.3-inch Porsche Communication Management infotainment screen -- every Cayenne gets this tech. PCM comes standard with navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot and the Connect Plus package letting you use apps such as Amazon Music and even Nest to adjust climate settings at home. PCM also offers Apple CarPlay, but frustratingly still doesn't support Android Auto. Image quality on the huge center screen is crisp and vibrant, making it easy to read when rolling down the road.