Drive Time – 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS SUV
The Porsche brand brings visions of quick, superb handling, engaging sound and downright adrenalin-driving cache, delivering on the euphoric promise their rides check the boxes on all sensational counts. And now with three four-door options, Porsche is no longer deemed all fun but light on practicality.
For those who relish their two-door 911 but require practicality with a growing family, a performance-oriented four-door SUV might be the grant-all-wishes option.
The latest version, originally born in 2002, is the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS SUV. It offers just about everything a driving aficionado desires with sufficient cargo space. The Cayenne GTS is certainly worth a look if you’re not sold on the ubiquitous other SUVs roaming the streets.
The 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS (Grand Turismo Sport) is a noteworthy upgrade in its fourth generation. It’s the Goldilocks between the calmer S and rockets Turbo and Turbo GT. The GTS starts at $126,895 for the SUV and $131,495 for the Coupe. It’s beautiful, engaging, roomy with good cargo space (SUV more than the sloping roof Coupe). I can honestly say the Cayenne GTS seamlessly morphs from a comfort cruiser into an exhilarating sporty ride. Of course, it’s a Porsche!
Let us count the ways the Cayenne GTS separates itself from the crowded SUV/Crossover segment. Seriously, who wouldn’t entertain cargo sensibility mated with Porsche sportiness? I’m a huge fan.
Skin
The 2025 Cayenne GTS showcases a dashing, sexy streamlined silhouette possessing some delicious Porsche genes—especially with the brand’s fabulous HD-Matrix Design LED headlights and new brake taillight strip. The front is unmistakably Porsche, with the tester looking fabulous in a variety of paint options coupled with tasteful contrasting black trim. The GTS also receives larger air intakes.
Sightlines offer a fresh, appealing appearance from any angle, and the rear includes quad-chrome exhausts. The GTS gets the Sport Design Package, which adds high-gloss black rocker panels, window surrounds, wheel arch extensions, and inlays in the front fascia, as standard equipment.
The exclusive “21” high gloss black RS Ryder Design Wheels and yellow brake calipers add to the terrific appearance. Yet that thin performance rubber wonderfully soaks up asphalt imperfections in Normal Mode. And the fabulous quad exhausts in lovely dark bronze deliver a euphoric rumble soundtrack to delight the ears.
Performance
Porsche is still all about performance and handling, and the Cayenne GTS is no slouch. A terrific eight-speed transmission coupled with a spirited 4.0-liter twin turbocharged V-8 houses 493hp/487 lb. ft. torque. That will zip you to 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and 171 mph top speed. That’s plenty of juice for just about anyone’s liking. It feels quick with zero turbo lag, providing the glorious feedback one expects from the brand. I’d certainly look at the optional Sport Exhaust System to raise the goose bump level (you can turn it off when getting home late).
Capable standard All-Wheel-Drive brings comforting traction in slippery conditions. However, with the high-performance rubber, it’s not meant for excessive off-road adventures. The new Adaptive Air Suspension is dreamy in Normal Mode. I was smitten with how it smoothed the rough pothole-strewn North Texas streets. If you desire a sportier experience, the more aggressive Sport and Sport+ tighten the steering, suspension and throttle.
Braking is confident, and a handy Auto Hold feature allows you to lift off the brake during idling – a welcome benefit when stopping on a steep grade. Despite the sporting heritage, it cruises admirably on long drives while passing nearly anything with a flick of the gas pedal. So. Much. Fun.
You can opt to disengage the Auto Stop feature. Sport modes tighten the steering, suspension and extends the gear shifts. To me, it’s when the Porsche genes really shine. Mileage range is a stupendous 500+ miles at 15/21 with a 23.7-gallon gas tank. I squeezed 24 mpg on the highway.
Cabin
The Cayenne GTS possesses Porsche’s upscale, sporty interior. Fit, finish and materials are all top-notch. This SUV is easier to enter and exit than their low-slung two-seaters. Creature comforts abound, and the scented double-stitched Black and Chalk cowhide leather and interior Black Brushed Aluminum trim add to the allure. The heated GT sport steering wheel feels just right. The programmable instrumentation is clear, easy to read and customize.
Comfy, yet supportive, 14-way heated and cooled seats (with massage settings for front passengers) are a dream after a long day on the course. Air vent direction is customized via the touchscreen. Nice touch.
The SUV version offers five passenger capability and generous headroom – even in the backseats with plenty of leg and elbow room. An expansive dual-powered Panoramic Roof illuminates the interior with a power sunshade. Visibility is good for this category, and the ample sideview mirrors are excellent. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfacing are standard.
Gone is Porsche’s customary left-hand ignition key – replaced with a starter button. In addition, previous customers will notice the disappearance of the console’s previous array of control buttons, as most commands require interfacing with a large touchscreen. The gearshift toggle moves from the console to the dash right of the steering wheel – which does free up console room for drink holders and fast wireless charging.
The crystal-clear HD touchscreen infotainment is terrific and responds quickly. A newly designed 12.7” digital instrumentation cluster, 12.3” infotainment screen and the optional screen for the front passenger is darn cool. Voice activation is terrific when you’d prefer not maneuvering through the touchscreen prompts.
Cargo room is ample with 27.3 cu. ft enlarging to 60.3 cu. ft with the rear seats folded. The vast area and large opening hatch can carry plenty of golf bags.
Tech Check
Adaptive Cruise Control allows for relaxed driving. The 14-speaker 710-watt Bose Surround Sound system is sublime. Bluetooth connectivity is crystal clear. A hidden diversity antenna uses multiple antennas to improve radio reception, especially in areas with poor signal quality. Diversity antennas can help with fading, interference and multipath, which can occur when a signal’s strength changes due to obstacles, reflections or movement. Cool.
Yes, like all Porsches, the options add up quickly. But customers in this market will typically justify the cost increase, yet the pricing is comparable to its high-brow peers.
The typical necessary safety features abound to keep you from harm’s way.
The 2025 Porsche GTS SUV is what the driving enthusiast should contemplate when requiring useful storage, welcome luxury, along with sublime sporty driving chops in a grand touring ride. If you’ve always yearned for a Porsche, this is a great place to start.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: More than two with the rear seats down
Curb Appeal: A practical Porsche!
0-60: 4.2 seconds
Mileage: 18/25. Observed 26 on the highway
Must-Haves: Sport Exhaust System, Assistance/Premium packages
Warranty: 4yr/50K miles + complimentary maintenance 1yr/10K miles
Base Price: $126,895
Price as Tested: $138,385
Who Buys It: Those desiring Porsche driving performance and cargo capability
Finish Line: A sexy SUV with impeccable fun and room for your stuff
To test-drive the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS, contact Pete Hodges at 214-525-5408 at Park Place Porsche Dallas.