2016 Porsche Cayenne review
Porsche Cayenne highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Entire range available again
- Turbo S returns with a 570-hp 4.8-liter V8
Cons
- Long, expensive options list
- Some rivals are cheaper and more practical
Mileage (EPA estimate)
14 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
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Cayenne's range is back to full-strength with base, GTS, and Turbo S models for 2016
The Cayenne has stood as a favorite among sporting SUVs since its debut. While that remains the case with the 2016, it’s impossible to ignore rivals like the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. None can quite match the Cayenne’s sporting prowess on the road, but they all exceed its passenger and luggage space. That hasn’t really affected the Cayenne’s success, with buyers snapping up as many base, Cayenne, Diesel, S, plug-in S E-Hybrid, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S models as Porsche can ship to the U.S.
Part of that success is unquestionably down to the Porsche badge on the hood, and what it represents. An all-wheel-drive SUV might be the antithesis of Porsche’s sports cars, but the company manages to bring deft agility and extraordinary performance to its largest SUV. That’s no more obvious than with the GTS and Turbo S models that return to the lineup for 2016, both of which deliver an absolutely thrilling drive.
All Porsche Cayenne years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Porsche Cayenne generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
- The Cayenne is available in a variety of new trims, including the Base, GTS, and Turbo S.
- Cayenne trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s) and 20 Inch Plus Wheels as standard equipment this year.
- Blind Spot Monitor, Quad Seats, Rear A/C Seat(s), Rear Sunshade, Smart Key, Running Boards, Tow Hitch, and Burmester Audio features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Turbo trim now comes with Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment.
- The Diesel trim now comes with Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment.
2016 Porsche Cayenne trims
Curious how Porsche Cayenne trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesCayenne
Leather interior, automatic tailgate, seven-inch display screen, heated seats and steering wheel, and Bose surround sound system
Cayenne S
Adds start-stop technology, a sunroof, and side airbags
Cayenne S E-Hybrid
Includes a 416-hp hybrid motor and recuperative braking system
Cayenne GTS
Adds active suspension management, sports exhaust system, and wheel arch extensions
Cayenne Turbo
Adds active air flaps, air suspension, and 18-way adjustable sports seats
Cayenne Turbo S
Adds sport and sport-plus driving mode and dynamic chassis control
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Porsche Cayenne
1. Plenty of power
If you want to feel the horses run, the Cayenne is the SUV for you. The base-level Cayenne comes with a 3.6L V6 that produces 300 hp. If that's not enough, you can opt for one of the six other engines. The most powerful is a 570-hp 4.8L twin-turbo V8, found on the Cayenne Turbo S trim. That engine whips from zero to 60 in just 3.8 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new), satisfying even the most dedicated speed enthusiasts.
2. Sporty feel
SUVs are the new carpool car, but the Cayenne offers an alternative: a midsize SUV that is sporty through and through. The GTS trim will really make you feel like you're at the track. From the look of the large air-intakes to the feel of the lowered suspension to the sound of the standard sports exhaust system, the GTS will activate all your senses, even if you're just on a trip to the grocery store.
3. Available powertrain options
No matter what type of drive system you prefer, the 2016 Porsche Cayenne has an option for you. The SUV comes standard with a gasoline engine. A diesel engine is an available option in the base trim. In addition, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid utilizes an internal combustion engine in combination with an electric motor.
4. Flexible cargo capabilities
The Cayenne can help ensure that you always have room for your toys. The 2016 model has 23.66 cu-ft of cargo space. In addition, it has beefy towing capacity, capable of towing up to an estimated 7,716 pounds with any of the engines and AWD—when properly equipped.
That's more than enough power to tow a small boat, camper, or four-wheeler, especially given the Cayenne's standard all-wheel drive.5. Taste of the finer things
When you enter the 2016 Porsche Cayenne you'll know that you're in a luxury SUV. The Cayenne has features like an automatic liftgate and standard leather seats. In the front, the seats are eight-way adjustable, with 18-way adjustment available on higher trims. The premium package, available on all trims, adds a moonroof or panoramic moonroof and ambient lighting options.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2016 Porsche Cayenne, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV that stands out for its off-road capabilities. The Range Rover Sport comes standard with four-wheel drive and Terrain Response, which is helpful whether you're navigating muddy hills or snowy roads (all models from 2014). The 2014–2019 Range Rover Sport comes standard with seating for five, but a third row is an available option on some trims, increasing seating to seven. Here's what you'll find standard on the Range Rover Sport in model years 2014–2019:
340-hp 3.0L supercharged V6
Seating for five, with optional seating for seven
Leather seats
The Macan is Porsche's luxury compact SUV. It comes standard with seating for five and 17.7 cu-ft of cargo space on the 2016 model. The Porsche Macan has an emphasis on performance, with strong engine options in a compact package. It's also full of luxury touches, like standard leather seats and an 11-speaker audio system (from 2016). Here's what you can expect standard from the Porsche Macan:
340-hp 3L V6 engine (2015–2016)
252-hp 2L turbo four-cylinder (2017–2018)
All-wheel drive
The Land Rover Discovery was introduced in 2017. It comes with hearty off-road capabilities thanks to standard four-wheel drive and terrain response. The 2017–2020 Discovery has a very upscale interior, withs standard leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate. Here's what you can expect standard from the Land Rover Discovery in model years 2017–2020:
340-hp 3.0L supercharged V6
Panoramic moonroof and leather seats
Available driver-assist features
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Porsche Cayenne an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Porsche Cayenne 25th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Porsche CayennePorsche Cayenne features and specs
Curious how Porsche Cayenne trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Turbo S 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Adjustable Suspension
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Burmester Audio
- CD Audio
- Full Leather Interior
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear A/C Seat(s)
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Running Boards
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
4.8L
Horsepower
570
Torque (ft-lbs)
590
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
26.4
Wheelbase
114"
Overall length
191.1"
Width
78.7"
Height
67"
Head room
F 39.6"
Front tires
P295/35YR21
Rear tires
P295/35YR21
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
772/7716 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Porsche Cayenne FAQ
The name of this car is pronounced as “por-shuh" “kai-en."
The Porsche Cayenne is known for its comfortable seats and comes standard with eight-way adjustable front seats. All trims offer the option for 18-way adjustable front seats.
The top speed for the base level 2016 Porsche Cayenne is 142 mph. The top-spec 2016 Cayenne Turbo S has a top speed of 176-mph. (Both according to the manufacturer, when new.)
The 2016 Porsche Cayenne is available in 12 different colors, so you're sure to find one that fits your taste, from a classic black or white to a bold red.
More about the 2016 Porsche Cayenne
Exterior colors:
Black
Carmine Red
Carrara White Metallic
Jet Black Metallic
Mahogany Metallic
Meteor Grey Metallic
Moonlight Blue Metallic
Palladium Metallic
Peridot Metallic
Rhodium Silver Metallic
Umber Metallic
White
Interior colors:
Agate Grey
Black
Black/Luxor Beige
Black/Garnet Red
Black/Saddle Brown
Expresso
Expresso/Cognac
Luxor Beige
Saddle Brown
Saddle Brown/Cream
Interior details
The 2016 Porsche Cayenne has an upscale interior with standard heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel. The Cayenne is known for comfortable seats, and the front seats are highly adjustable. The 2016 Cayenne has a two-zone climate control system and a back seat that is spacious enough to fit adults comfortably. Optional upgrades like the Premium package, available on every trim, introduce more high-end features like a panoramic sunroof.
Child seat details
The 2016 Porsche Cayenne has two sets of LATCH anchors, on the outboard seats of the back row. All three rear seats have car seat tethers, but the back seat is a bit too narrow to fit three seats side-by-side.
Performance
The Porsche Cayenne is built for performance. The base level 2016 Cayenne with the 3.6L V6 has a zero to 60 time of 7.3 seconds, and a top speed of 142 mph. That model gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg of combined fuel economy.
The top-spec 2016 Cayenne turbo S, with the 570-hp 4.8L twin-turbo V8 goes from zero to 60 in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 176 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new). That trim has an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 16 mph. The performance-tuned GTS model has a track-ready feel with a sports package, sports exhaust, and lowered suspension with active suspension management.Emissions:
According to EPA estimates, the 2016 Porsche Cayenne with the 3.6L V6 engine has tailpipe greenhouse gas emission of 435 grams per mile. The Cayenne S has 461 grams per mile and the Turbo has 536 grams per mile. The e-Hybrid comes in at an EPA-estimate 260 grams per mile. For the diesel Cayenne, you'll get 434 grams per mile and the top-end Turbo S gets 541 grams per mile.
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