What We Know So Far

Overview

Leaning on its decades-long legacy of sports car manufacturing, Porsche imbues each of its vehicles—including SUVs like the 2024 Cayenne—with a fun-to-drive nature that’s hard for rivals to match. Although the Cayenne is a mid-size SUV, it feels light on its feet in corners thanks to an expertly tuned chassis. It’s also quick, especially with one of its high-output powertrains which include an available plug-in hybrid and a twin-turbo V-8. The biggest Porsche SUV is also luxurious, with a refined ride, a quiet cabin, and plenty of tech and convenience features designed in. While it may not outperform a 911 Turbo, the Cayenne offers plenty of athleticism to satisfy its driver while also providing ample space inside for people and cargo.

What’s New for 2024?

The Cayenne was due for a styling refresh this year. At the same time, Porsche has upped the ante on its performance across the board. The base model gets 14 more horsepower than before, while the E-Hybrid gains 9 hp. The S trim gets the biggest boost, as it drops its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 for a 469-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8. Inside, the Cayenne gets a new dashboard design with more digital real estate, a new steering wheel on loan from the 911 sports car, and a new toggle-type shift lever.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Porsche hasn’t released pricing yet for the 2024 Cayenne, but we’re expecting the same trims as last year, albeit with improved performance for each. When we find out more about how much each will cost and the features they will offer, we’ll update this story with a recommendation on which is the best buy.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Porsche will let you spec the Cayenne in several ways, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 349 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid (called the E-Hybrid) marries an electric motor and a turbocharged V-6 for a combined 464 horsepower. The Cayenne S boasts a 469-hp twin-turbo V-8 with a great-sounding exhaust note and breathtaking acceleration. We expect a range-topping GTS trim with even more power, but Porsche hasn’t confirmed that model just yet. All engines pair with an astute eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While making anything that weighs more than two tons move gracefully is challenging, the engineers in Stuttgart were successful with the Cayenne. We were able to sample a prototype and found it just as athletic and refined as last year’s model. Most trims will have performance options that should include adaptive dampers with or without an adjustable air suspension, four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability, and active anti-roll bars for flatter cornering. When we learn more about the 2024 Cayenne’s performance features and get a chance to test-drive a production model, we’ll update this story with those details.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the 2024 Cayenne gets a new dashboard design with more screens and a look that’s inspired by the Taycan EV sedan. The SUV’s steering wheel has been replaced by one borrowed from the 911 sports car, and the gauge cluster, previously partly analog, is now fully digital. A toggle shifter is mounted on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console for a storage nook. Porsche essentially provides a blank canvas inside the Cayenne for customers to outfit as they see fit. Everything from the interior trim to the seatbelt colors to the surface materials can be individually selected, almost always with a stiff additional cost. In addition to traditional options—heated and ventilated front and rear seats, for instance—the Cayenne offers desirable upgrades such as more supportive seats, massaging front seats, and four-zone climate control. The rival Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 have three rows while the Porsche has only two, but at least the back seat is adjustable and provides plenty of stretch-out space. The Cayenne entices Porsche enthusiasts with ample passenger capacity and cargo volume, which are far greater than any 911’s.

Porsche

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Cayenne’s driver and front-seat passenger face a wall of digital displays that stretch the entire length of the dashboard. In the center is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. To the right of that is a secondary (and optional) 10.3-inch display for the front passenger, which Porsche says can be used to stream video content because it features a safety mechanism that makes it invisible from the driver’s vantage point. There’s a separate screen meant just for the driver, nestled neatly behind the steering wheel and projecting vehicle speed, the tachometer, a trip computer, and other functions.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Porsche provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty. However, BMW and Volvo provide lengthier coverage for complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first year or 10,000 miles

As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:

• Range, Charging, and Battery Life
• Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
• Safety and Driver-Assistance Features