2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV Review & Ratings

It surprised both Porsche enthusiasts and auto critics when the luxury brand, known for its speedy, sleek coupes, unveiled an SUV called the Porsche Cayenne in 2001 to the European market. In 2003, Porsche translated this model to North America, as well. So, why did Porsche take a chance on an SUV? Well, the move seemed to be a very calculated one. Porsche realized that gasoline prices were going up, so the demand for sports cars would be going down. The company also realized, however, that fuel-efficient crossover SUVs were really taking off in the U.S. - the world's most profitable auto market.

Porsche made an excellent choice in releasing the Cayenne. Within one year, the luxury brand went from a $128 million deficit to a positive company value above $2.1 billion- predominately due to the Cayenne's impact on the Porsche lineup and the new buyers its family-friendly features attracted. Being the only SUV available with a unique low-range gear mode for exploring off-road destinations and full-time 4WD at the time also aided the Cayenne in its success.

Initially, there were only two Porsche Cayenne models: the Porsche Cayenne S and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. For 2012, there are five Cayenne models available: the two already listed, the base Porsche Cayenne SUV, the Cayenne Tiptronic, and the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid (which is the most recent addition to the Cayenne line). For this review, we'll focus on the 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV, which has a starting MSRP of $107,100. The Turbo trim is the highest priced trim in this year's lineup; the base Cayenne SUV has a starting price of only $48,200. Of course, you won't get a turbocharged V8 engine with the base though.

Overall, after review, we find the 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo's 4.8-liter V8 engine to be powerful, its four-wheel-drivetrain to be engaging and useful, its technology features, such as satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system, and MP3 to be impressive and comprehensive, its interior to be luxurious and well-constructed, and its reclining and sliding seat to be very convenient. Of course, the Cayenne Turbo SUV boasts quite a bit more heft that its standard Cayenne brothers. The Turbo's big engine produces 500 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque and allows it a top track speed of 172 mph and a zero-to-sixty time of 4.4 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and an optional Power Kit increases brake-cooling capacity and ups power to 540 horsepower.