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2009 Porsche Cayenne Review

April 28, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

functional sense
Kelley Blue Book

the Turbo model's front end features two thin vertical bars in its larger grille, as well as unique horizontal turn indicator lights
ForbesAutos

cramped, somber, and plasticky interior
Motor Trend

The Porsche Cayenne received an exterior refresh last year. Editors at TheCarConnection.com report that for 2009, the Cayenne retains the features most buyers want to see.

Kelley Blue Book reviewers note that the 2008 redesign served a "functional sense" as well as a styling one, since the new features bring "an aerodynamic benefit" as "the coefficient of drag has been lowered substantially offering potential fuel economy benefits." The 2009 Porsche Cayenne includes headlights that "are flatter, and the leading edge in front of the hood is more defined than before," according to Cars.com. The Detroit News says, "the subtle changes create a more sophisticated look," thanks to the fact that "the turn signal indicators have been removed from the headlight assembly and lowered onto the grille."

The interior of the 2009 Porsche Cayenne isn't received quite as well as the exterior. Edmunds reviewers say that the Porsche Cayenne's "interior is all Porsche," which, unfortunately, "means that the climate and audio controls are comprised of many small, look-alike buttons that take some getting used to." Motor Trend simply deems the interior of the 2009 Porsche Cayenne "somber," though such strong negative sentiment is rare. For the Porsche Cayenne, ForbesAutos notes that "the Cayenne's interior is identical to the outgoing model's, which is somewhat of a disappointment" because "there are some minor annoyances that could significantly improve" the cabin. On the positive side, ForbesAutos is pleased to find that "Porsche stayed away from any form of multifunction knob-controlled system as seen on virtually every new luxury vehicle from foreign manufacturers," such as BMW's iDrive. Also winning praise are the "large, simple toggles for climate, suspension, [and] transfer-case settings," which ConsumerGuide appreciates.

Conclusion

The 2009 Porsche Cayenne looks good on the outside, but the interior leaves something to be desired.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:functional senseKelley Blue Bookthe Turbo model's front end features two thin vertical bars in its larger grille, as well as unique horizontal turn indicator lightsForbesAutoscramped, somber, and plasticky interiorMotor Trend The Porsche Cayenne received an exterior refresh last year. Editors at TheCarConnection.com report that for 2009, the Cayenne retains the features most buyers want to see. Kelley Blue Book reviewers note that the 2008 redesign served a "functional sense" as well as a styling one, since the new features bring "an aerodynamic benefit" as "the coefficient of drag has been lowered substantially offering potential fuel economy benefits." The 2009 Porsche Cayenne includes headlights that "are flatter, and the leading edge in front of the hood is more defined than before," according to Cars.com. The Detroit News says, "the subtle changes create a more sophisticated look," thanks to the fact that "the turn signal indicators have been removed from the headlight assembly and lowered onto the grille." The interior of the 2009 Porsche Cayenne isn't received quite as well as the exterior. Edmunds reviewers say that the Porsche Cayenne's "interior is all Porsche," which, unfortunately, "means that the climate and audio controls are comprised of many small, look-alike buttons that take some getting used to." Motor Trend simply deems the interior of the 2009 Porsche Cayenne "somber," though such strong negative sentiment is rare. For the Porsche Cayenne, ForbesAutos notes that "the Cayenne's interior is identical to the outgoing model's, which is somewhat of a disappointment" because "there are some minor annoyances that could significantly improve" the cabin. On the positive side, ForbesAutos is pleased to find that "Porsche stayed away from any form of multifunction knob-controlled system as seen on virtually every new luxury vehicle from foreign manufacturers," such as BMW's iDrive. Also winning praise are the "large, simple toggles for climate, suspension, [and] transfer-case settings," which ConsumerGuide appreciates. ConclusionThe 2009 Porsche Cayenne looks good on the outside, but the interior leaves something to be desired. 2009 PORSCHE CAYENNE STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "functional sense" ForbesAutos: "the Turbo model's front end features two thin vertical bars in its larger grille, as well as unique horizontal turn indicator lights" Motor Trend: "cramped, somber, and plasticky interior" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The BMW X5 boasts some degree of off-road prowess along with its good on-road handling, and it has a well-appointed interior, in addition to plenty of high-tech options such as Active Steering, but the bottom-line price, like the Cayenne's, can really add up. The interior of the Audi Q7 is much more attractive and upscale-feeling than the 2009 Porsche Cayenne, and it has an available third row of seating, but it drives with more heft than the Cayenne and doesn't handle quite as quickly. The Infiniti FX is priced significantly lower than the Cayenne, and it feels faster and lighter behind the wheel, with crisp handling and tight body control. But the FX doesn't have a very comfortable ride at times, and it's rather small inside. Finally, the most sensible vehicle on this list is the MDX, which has a very nicely appointed, comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and quite good handling, with a sporty feel that's eager and responsive but not trying to be like a sportscar.

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See the Porsche Cayenne in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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