2011 Porsche Cayenne vs. Its Competition
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The Cayenne still doesn't feel quite as nimble and responsive as the Infiniti FX35, the vehicle that's in our opinion the Porsche ute's closest rival.
But then again, the FX35 doesn't offer anything close to the Cayenne's off-road ability.
The sportiest version of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the ML63 AMG, is one of the top rivals to the V-8 Cayenne models.
Just like the Porsche SUVs, it's a racetrack stormer and ideally tuned for high-speed sweepers; acceleration from its stout V-8 is also strong.
But none of the AMG models have shown strong resale value, so that's a concern for anyone who's stretching to get one.
The Q7 is significantly larger inside than the Cayenne and comes with an available third-row seat; the Q7 will also introduce a more fuel-efficient supercharged V-6 for 2011 in place of the thirsty V-8.
BMW's X5 (and X5 M) are also possibilities, but the X5 has not in recent years been as quick and nimble as the rest of BMW's vehicles.
The Range Rover Sport, like the Cayenne, offers a combination of on-road performance and off-road ability, though it's a letdown on many counts, with an aged design and cramped quarters.
Meanwhile, the Cayenne V-6 is positioned in a different realm, in the heart of the luxury SUV market, and takes on the likes of the Lincoln MKX, Acura MDX, and even Lexus RX in packaging and price.
 2011 Porsche CayenneBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Audi Q7Browse Used Listings |  2011 BMW X5Browse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | ||
| Meta Rating | ||
The new 2011 Porsche Cayenne is one of the few vehicles you can take off-road and out to the track on the same day; it's leaner and more athletic than before, without giving up the off-road ability. | With a diesel option and a softer silhouette, the 2011 Audi Q7 does its part to tame the SUV bad-boy image. | The 2011 BMW X5 offers impressive handling and features, but lacks the styling and interior that makes competitors pop, while the X5 M offers nearly sports car levels of performance with all the utility of a standard X5. |
| MSRP From | ||
| $47,700 | $46,250 | $46,300 |
| Gas Mileage | ||
| 15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||
| Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I6 |
| EPA Class | ||
| Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | ||
| AWD 4dr Man | quattro 4dr 3.0T Premium | AWD 4dr 35i |
| Drivetrain | ||
| All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||
| 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||
| 4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door SUV | 4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Transmission | ||
| Manual w/OD | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic |
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