2013 Porsche Cayenne

The Cayenne Diesel finally comes to the U.S. and beats its Hybrid counterpart by 6 mpg on the highway.

Despite the long list of models, most of the differences between trims in the 2013 Porsche Cayenne are engine changes. As such, the base Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Diesel, and the Cayenne S Hybrid all come equipped with standard 18-inch wheels, LED running lights, rear privacy glass, and a powered liftgate. Additionally, the exterior features automatic headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated washer nozzles. The side mirrors are also heated to provide better visibility on the road.

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS receives adjustable ride height, and a standard lower ride height to improve overall handling. Additionally, it sits on 20-inch wheels adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, and an upgraded exterior design. This upgraded design includes a sportier front fascia and SportDesign body kit. The Cayenne Turbo receives the adjustable ride height, the bi-xenon headlamps, and 19-inch wheels.

As expected from Porsche, the long list of options can be a bit overwhelming and quickly escalate the pricing. There are a plethora of different wheel types to choose from, and other exterior options include running boards, roof rails, two different sunroofs, and a heated windshield. Also available is sound-reducing privacy glass, which comes at quite a premium. Overall, the exterior comes standard as very attractive, and with all the paint options and upgrades, it can be customized to almost look like a completely original design.

The interior of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne comes standard with cruise control, automatic climate control, and eight-way powered driver and passenger seats. Driver's seat and steering wheel have memorization settings for up to two drivers. The rear seat is a split folding bench that can fold, slide, and even recline for optimum comfort. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, and so is leather upholstery. The standard stereo system is a 10-speaker AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 capability and an auxiliary jack. This includes a touchscreen display. The S Hybrid adds speed sensitive power steering controls, which is optional for the S, Diesel, and base models.

The Cayenne GTS features front and rear sport seating, which is specific to this trim. There are heavy uses of faux suede throughout the interior, and a sport's steering wheel is standard. The Cayenne Turbo receives 14-way power adjusting seats, heated front and rear seats, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. Ten-way powered comfort seats are a no-cost option for the Turbo, and they take away residual shock from the road with ease.

Interior options are plentiful, which includes four-zone climate control, sunshades, ambient lighting and ventilated seats. Additionally, extended leather trim is available. Electronics that can be added include a rearview camera, a six disc-changer, and a dual-screen entertainment system. However, the high cost of upgrades may make the basic setup look more attractive. The interior is all premium quality even without optional upgrades, and the comfort is high. The large amount of buttons throughout may be a bit confusing at first, but once learned, they're all useful. Cargo space is about 60 cubic feet, which is a bit small for the class.

Safety for the 2013 Porsche Cayenne is pretty impressive. Standard fare includes anti-lock brakes, advanced brake assist technology, and stability and traction controls. Airbags include driver knee airbag, front side airbags, and full curtain airbags for every passenger. Other safety features include an anti-theft alarm, daytime running lights, and fog lights. Lane change assist is standard, and dusk sensing headlights run automatically to ensure other drivers see the Cayenne. The Cayenne Turbo can brake from 60 to zero miles per hour in just 108 feet, which is an incredibly quick response.

Additionally, the long list of options includes bountiful upgrades to safety. Some of the safety options include a rearview camera, rear side airbags, and parking sensors. Also available is a blind-spot warning system that notifies the driver if anything comes close to the vehicle. Also optionally is a Porsche-designed child seat.

Overall, the safety of the Porsche Cayenne is above average, but it has not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Regardless, when outfitted with all the extras, it is an extremely safe vehicle.

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne comes with plenty of engine options. All-wheel drive is standard for all of the Cayennes, which makes sense seeing as they're crossover vehicles. The base model features a 3.0-liter, V-6 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed, manual transmission is standard, but an eight-speed, automatic transmission is available as well. The eight-speed transmission includes automatic start/stop for additional fuel economy. Speed and acceleration is a little slower than typical crossover SUVs, but adequate. With the manual transmission, fuel economy is estimated at 15/22 mpg city/highway. The Cayenne Diesel features the 3.0-liter, turbocharged, V-6, diesel engine that produces 240 horsepower and a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with the eight-speed, automatic transmission, and estimated fuel economy is an impressive 19/29 mpg city/highway.

The Cayenne S receives a 4.8-liter, V-8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and it also comes with the eight-speed, automatic transmission. The GTS features an upgraded version of the S trim engine, and receives 420 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne Turbo comes with a 4.8-liter, V-8 engine that produces 500 horsepower and 518 lb-ft of torque. Clocking zero to 60 miles per hour in less than 4.6 seconds, the Turbo is one of the fastest SUVs available. Additionally, it can be upgraded with a turbo kit for 520 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

Overall, all engine options are pretty powerful, and the increases in power will greatly raise the cost of the vehicle. The base model is about average, but none of these trims are slow. Highway handling is impressive for all models, and with the larger engines, the Cayenne is simply a scream. Behind the wheel, this SUV crossover could easily be confused with a sports car.

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