The Cayenne is Porsche's flagship SUV with sports car like dynamics, and with the GTS making a comeback, here's what the line up looks like for 2025
by Amreetam Basu on January 6, 2025, 14:30In my opinion, it’s the Porsche name that signifies the ultimate driving experience (sorry BMW), and when it comes to SUVs, although the OG X5 predates the original Cayenne, with its borderline sportscar-like dynamics it was Porsche that truly took the idea of the performance SUV mainstream. Let’s also not forget, that the Cayenne’s debut back in 2002 played a huge role in saving Porsche from bankruptcy.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Cayenne continues to remain a best seller and is now in its third generation. Porsche gave a facelift to the Cayenne in 2023, making it more aggressive-looking and technologically advanced. Design-wise, the Cayenne has taken inspiration from the Taycan, with cues that bring it in line with the new-gen Panamera and the Macan Electric. On the tech front, digitalization is at its peak with the deletion of the center analog tachometer, and there’s a new 14.9-inch optional touchscreen available for the front passenger for the first time! But beyond the refreshed design and renewed tech, what exactly is new across the Cayenne lineup for 2025? Let’s find out.
What’s New
The facelifted Porsche Cayenne made it to the U.S. as a 2024 model year in 2023. However, for 2025, there are a few things you need to know. After a brief hiatus, the second Cayenne model from the top, the GTS is now back. It now gets the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the Cayenne S, but has a 40-horsepower boost, pushing out 493 horsepower. Torque is also up, by 30 pound-feet taking it up to 487. This trim also comes with a GTS-specific air suspension system, that lowers the ride height by 10 millimeters (0.39-inches). Standard features across the Cayenne lineup now include soft-close doors, ambient lighting, surround view Active Park Support, and locking wheel bolts.
The 2025 Porsche Cayenne range is available across six trims
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Cayenne
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Cayenne E-Hybrid
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Cayenne S
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Cayenne S E-Hybrid
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Cayenne GTS
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Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid
2025 Porsche Cayenne Specifications
For the facelifted Cayenne, the powertrains remain mostly unchanged (why mostly because the E-Hybrid models have new electronic components). So, the base Cayenne still rocks a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, but it’s got a bit more pep in its step now. Porsche cranked up the power to 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque – 13 horsepower and 36 pound-feet more than before! It’ll get you from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.7 seconds and tops out at 154 mph.
Now, the standard Cayenne E-Hybrid gets a serious upgrade. It’s got a detuned version of the 3.0-liter turbo V6 found in the base Cayenne but is paired with a more potent electric motor. Combined, you’re looking at 463 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Plus, it comes standard with the Sport Chrono package, so you can hit 60 mph in a snappy 4.6 seconds (thanks to Launch Control) and reach a top speed of 158 mph.
But if you’re craving pure ICE power with a guttural V8, the Cayenne S is the one to watch out for. It ditches the V6 and gets a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with the 2024 facelift. With 468 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, it’ll rocket you to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds (4.4 with the Sport Chrono package). Also, with a top speed of 169 mph, it’s definitely no slouch.
The E-Hybrid version of the Cayenne S doesn’t pack a V8 under the hood, but a dialed-up V6 from the base E-Hybrid and the same e-motor. The result is very impressive: 512 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That’s more power than all the pure V8 models. If I had the money, I’d consider the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, because 512 horses is no joke, and secondly, it should save me some money on gas.
From the Cayenne S non-hybrid model, all the remaining trim levels (the GTS and the Turbo E-Hybrid) pack the same but more powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. In the GTS flavor, the V8 cranks out a whopping 493 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increment of 40 horses and 30 pound-feet over the pre-facelift Cayenne GTS. Naught to 60 mph comes in around 4.4 seconds with this Cayenne model, and the top speed is 171 mph.
The final and the most bonkers model, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is not everyone’s cup of tea, both from financial and performance standpoints. Its V8 hybrid combo cranks out 729 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, making it the most potent Cayenne to ever drive off the factory floor. According to Porsche, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid can reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 183 mph. It’s the fastest Cayenne you can buy today.
No matter which engine you choose, every Cayenne comes with an eight-speed ZF-sourced torque converter automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. As for the E-Hybrid models, there’s a 25.9 kWh battery pack (up from 17.9 kWh) powering the electric motor. Since the E-Hybrid Cayennes are plug-in hybrids, you can drive for about 30 miles in EV mode. As for efficiency on the gas-powered Cayenne, the EPA estimates 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and a combined 19 mpg on the base model. As for towing capacity, it depends on the model and engine you choose and ranges between 6,614 pounds to 7,716 pounds.
Category | 2025 Porsche Cayenne | 2025 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid | 2025 Porsche Cayenne S | 2025 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid | 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS | 2025 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid |
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Powertrain | 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 | 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 + e-motor | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 | 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 + e-motor | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 + e-motor |
Gearbox | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 348 hp | 463 hp | 468 hp | 512 hp | 493 hp | 729 hp |
Torque | 368 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft | 442 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft | 468 lb-ft | 700 lb-ft |
0-60 mph | 5.7 seconds | 4.6 seconds | 4.7 seconds | 4.4 seconds | 4.4 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
Top Speed | 156 mph | 158 mph | 170 mph | 163 mph | 171 mph | 183 mph |
Exterior Highlights
Since its inception, the Cayenne has always looked like a big, bulky 911, especially that front-end. Well, it’s certainly not a sports car, but it sure looks very sporty. With the 2024 update, the Cayenne’s headlights and taillights look more like the ones from the Taycan. As for the features, the Cayenne gets Matrix four-point LED headlights as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels. You can spec up to 22-inch wheels with multiple alloy-wheel designs and more exterior embellishments, including the SportDesign Package in Carbon Fiber ($9,300). This very expensive package adds carbon fiber trim on both the front and rear bumpers, high-gloss black trim on the intake vents, mirror caps, and roof spoiler; you get it. It should make your Cayenne look very sporty. Compared to the pre-facelift model, the updated Cayenne remains almost identical in terms of dimensions, except for the height. It’s 66.9 inches now, nearly an inch taller than before which should translate to more headroom inside.
Interior Highlights
The new digital gauge cluster is one of the biggest changes inside the facelifted Cayenne. It’s a 12.6-inch configurable screen borrowed from the Taycan, and while it still puts the tachometer front and center, it’s now digital instead of analog. Some people love it, some people miss the old-school dials. Personally, I like the new one better because I’m not a fan of the analog-digital setup of the pre-facelift model; either you do it like Pagani or keep it simple like the curved digital panel.
The dashboard also got a makeover. There’s a sleek horizontal panel that houses the central 12.3-inch touchscreen, and you can even get an optional 14.9-inch passenger display over on the right side, just like a Taycan. Overall, the interior should exude super high quality, with solid construction and premium materials everywhere you look. Oh, and the shifter is now a little toggle switch on the dash, something that was first witnessed with the 918 Spyder hypercar. Would you miss the shifter? I think it would have been better to place the toggle in the center console, just like how it is in the 911. However, the new placement for the shifter toggle frees up some space in the center console.
As for the standard seats, they come in faux leather, but it should be comfortable for most buyers. If you want the ultimate in comfort, you should go for the optional 18-way adaptive Sport seats for an extra $1,720. You can customize the interior with different leather colors and accents, should you fancy that.
Inside, the Cayenne is spacious, with plenty of room for both rows. If you need maximum headroom in the back, the regular Cayenne is the way to go (compared to the Coupe version). Just keep in mind that the middle seat in the back is best suited for kids. If air quality is of top priority (why shouldn’t it), then you’d be happy to note that the 2025 Cayenne has an improved PM 2.5 cabin filter.
Now, for the cargo space: you get a decent 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. That’s not bad, but some competitors like the BMW X5 (33.9 cubic feet) and Range Rover Sport (31.9 cubic feet) offer more. The E-Hybrid has a bit less cargo room (22.1 cubic feet) because of the battery pack placement under the trunk floor. Folding down the rear seats opens up more room, giving you 60.3 cubic feet in the regular Cayenne and 55.1 cubic feet in the E-Hybrid.
2025 Porsche Cayenne Price
As Porsche’s flagship crossover, the Cayenne is definitely on the expensive side, starting at $84,700. The most expensive model is the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, priced at a whopping $157,000. Mind you, these prices exclude the mandatory $1,995 destination charges, and other optional extras. However, if you check the price chart below, the difference between the mid-trims is marginal, meaning there’s a chance that you will get confused between the Cayenne E-Hybrid, the Cayenne S, and the Cayenne S E-Hybrid.
2025 Porsche Cayenne Vs. Competition
2025 BMW X5
While BMW has traditionally been known for its focus on driving dynamics, the brand has recently shifted its emphasis towards more luxurious and technology-driven experiences, which is evident in the latest X5 SUV. The 2025 BMW X5 offers a range of powerful engine options, including a 375-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, a 523-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, and a 483-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six plug-in hybrid.
While the X5’s handling is agile and responsive, it may not be as sharp as the Porsche Cayenne’s. However, the X5 truly excels in its technology offerings such as the curved panel (a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display) that integrates seamlessly into the dashboard. A comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features is also available, including the optional Highway Assist system, which allows for hands-free driving on the highway (though drivers should always remain attentive and ready to take control).
Starting at $66,300, it also undercuts the Porsche Cayenne by nearly $20,000, making it a more accessible entry point into the world of premium SUVs. Heck, the BMW X5 puts itself in the smaller Porsche Macan price range, even though it’s meant to compete with the Cayenne. No wonder it’s one of America’s favorite SUVs.
2025 Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport is very German in some ways, especially when it comes to performance, and occupies a sweet spot in the Land Rover lineup: smaller and more agile than the flagship Range Rover. With a trio of powertrain options, you can tailor the Sport to your specific needs. The base P360 inline-six engine generates 355 horsepower, while the P400 inline-six boosts output to 395 horsepower. For those seeking efficiency and performance, the P550e plug-in hybrid delivers a combined 542 horsepower and an estimated 51 miles of electric-only driving range.
As for the chassis, Land Rover fits an adjustable air suspension system as standard to the Range Rover Sport, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. For even sharper handling, the optional rear-axle steer system and a torque-vectoring rear differential should make the RR Sport drive like a Porsche Cayenne.
Range Rovers aren’t cheap, and the Sport is definitely not, starting at $83,700, making it similarly priced to the Cayenne. But that’s not it, the range-topping 626-horsepower Sport SV will set you back $180,700, a whopping $23,700 more than the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid.
Amreetam Basu
While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio