2022 Porsche Cayenne GTS SUV

Porsche does not offer trims and subdivisions to the Cayenne GTS but instead offers a host of options packages that can be opted for at an additional cost. As standard, there are plenty of goodies already on offer which include powered sport front seats, leather and suede upholstery, large 21-inch wheels, and front & rear sensors with a rear-view camera to name amongst a few.

That being said, a lot of the premium creature comforts, technology, and safety features are bundled with the options packages that make the Cayenne cost a fortune when opted for. For example, a heated steering wheel costs $470, while heated and ventilated front seats cost over $1,300 more. The Assistance Package, which bundles up many of the common driver assistance features, needs shelling out $6,250 more. 

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As there are not any trims to choose from, we would only suggest keeping an eye on the final bill of the car as you add the option packages as it can hike the overall price considerably. The four-zone climate control, heated/ventilated front seats, and the Assistance package are what we would recommend opting for as it not only adds value to the Cayenne but also increases its safety quotient. 

2022 Porsche Cayenne GTS Release Date

The 2021 model year Cayenne GTS is already on sale, which is no different from the upcoming model, while the 2022 Cayenne GTS is expected to hit the showrooms by the fall of 2021, and the deliveries are expected to begin shortly after that. 

The Porsche Cayenne GTS is powered by a mighty 4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that generates 453 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The V8 is paired up with an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission which powers all four wheels through its all-wheel-drive system. Despite the heft of this premium SUV, it manages a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.6 seconds, while opting for the Sport Chrono Package reduces the time to just 4.2 seconds. With all this high-performance nature, the Cayenne GTS can also be very practical as it has a tow rating of 7,700 lbs. 

In terms of handling, the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus makes it far more agile than you'd expect and offers the Porsche handling that we have known Porsche for over the years. The adaptive suspension that is standard with the GTS offers supple ride quality and also limits the body roll to an extent that it isn’t something that would bother you when taking a high-speed turn. The steering is well-weighted as well, offering very low resistance at slow parking speeds and weighing up as the speed increases. 

Though the Porsche Cayenne is one of the priciest in the segment, the more affordable Audi SQ8 and the BMW X5 M50i offer higher engine output. This results in quicker acceleration timings as compared to the Cayenne GTS. That being said, the Sport Chrono package brings the performance on par with them. The Range Rover Sport SVR is the most expensive SUV here but also has the highest power output and better off-road capabilities than all others. It lacks a bit in terms of towing capabilities, which is the best in Audi and Porsche.

The high levels of performance and heavyweight of a luxury SUV never really is a great combination for returning great fuel efficiency. That is also the case with the 2022 Cayenne GTS as it is rated for 17 mpg in combined city and highway driving by the EPA. Thankfully, Porsche employs a large 23.7-gallon fuel tank that ensures a decent driving range of over 400 miles while cruising on the highways which reduces the number of gas station visits when on a long road trip. 

None of the high-performance sporty SUVs are known for their frugality as even the Audi SQ8 is rated pretty similarly to the Cayenne GTS, with the only difference being the higher highway fuel economy rating. The BMW X5 M50i returns a slightly better efficiency but employs a much smaller gas tank that adversely affects the range of the car. The Land Rover employs a massive gas tank to compensate for the higher fuel consumption due to its fuel-gulping standard 4WD drivetrain.

The cabin of the Cayenne GTS is exquisitely designed with superb build quality and finish by employing premium materials all around. The design is very modern and features plenty of technology with redundant switches, knobs, and dials for ease of use when driving. Although, a few touch-sensitive buttons are fingerprint magnets and get dirty very easily while also being tricky to operate while on the move. 

Though there is a huge list of technology and creature comforts on offer, most of them are available as an add-on, which is a bummer considering the premium price of the SUV. Features like the quad-zone system, ambient lighting, heated/ventilated seats, and head-up display need to be opted separately. The seats are very comfortable and supportive to feel with a premium leather upholstery and can be had with a massaging function as well. 

In terms of cabin space, although Porsche likes to call the Cayenne a 4+1 seating SUV and does not openly disclose the cabin dimensions, in our opinion, one can easily seat three abreast at the rear without any complaints. All-around visibility is pretty good, and the 27 cu-ft of luggage space at the back can be extended to over 60 cu-ft, which is on par with the segment standards. Overall, the Audi offers the most amount of passenger space in this comparison while it is the BMW that takes the lead in the cargo capacity section. Major interior features include:

• 8-Way Power Sport Bucket Front Seats
• 40-20-40 Folding Split-Bench Manual Reclining Rear Seat w/Manual Fore/Aft
• Leather Seat Trim w/Race-Tex Interior Package
• Full Race-Tex Simulated Suede Headliner and Simulated Suede Door Trim Insert
• Leather Upholstered Dashboard
• Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column w/Leather/Metal-Look Steering Wheel
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• HomeLink Garage Door Transmitter

How intuitive is the 2022 Porsche Cayenne GTS’s infotainment unit?

Porsche excels in the infotainment section, offering a stunning 12.3-inch Porsche Communication Management infotainment system that offers sharp and modern graphics and is quick to respond as well. It also features wireless Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, and navigation as standard, but sadly, there is no Android Auto support even today. 

One can also opt for a 6-disc CD changer and a wireless device charger additionally, not that one would need the CD changer in this day and age of the internet. The standard audio system does the job really well, but audiophiles might want to opt for either of the two optional 14-speaker Bose or a 21-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system for an experience like no other. Major infotainment features include:

• 12.3-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system
• 10-speaker Hi-fi audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• SiriusXM satellite radio w/3-month trial
• Built-in Navigation
• Porsche Connect Plus Mobile Hotspot Internet Access
• Porsche Car Connect w/Carfinder, remote vehicle status, remote services
• Real-Time Traffic Display
• Voice Activation

Although the overall silhouette of the Cayenne has stayed somewhat consistent over the past since its inception, the exterior design has changed and evolved tremendously to offer a more modern and elegant yet sporty design. Along with the standard LED headlights and tail lamps, the GTS also features quad exhaust tips, a panoramic sunroof, and a bevy of gloss and satin black accents with the special Sport Design body kit. 

It also features 21-inch Spyder Design Alloy Wheels as standard, which also adds to the sporty element of the SUV. One can also spec the 2022 Cayenne GTS with soft close doors, rear-axle steering, matrix LED headlights, heated windshield, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and tons of other customization options that only Porsche can offer to better match your needs and taste.

There is no doubt that the Porsche Cayenne is the best looker amongst all the cars here, and although the Audi has a more futuristic look, both the BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport look more brute than sport. The Audi SQ8 is the largest in terms of dimensions and also has the highest ground clearance on offer, while the Cayenne GTS stays true to its sporty nature and hence has the lowest stance. The Cayenne GTS is also the heaviest of the lot, while the Land Rover, being the smallest of the lot, is the lightest on the tipping scale. Major exterior highlights of the SUV include:

• Automatic Projector Beam LED Daytime Running, Auto-Leveling, Directionally Adaptive Headlamps w/Cornering Lights
• LED Brakelights
• Power Liftgate and Power Spoiler
• Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Jets
• Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Power Folding and Turn Signal Indicator
• Black Grille, Metal-Look Side Windows Trim, and Black Front Windshield Trim
• Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Glass Panoramic Sunroof w/Power Sunshade
• 21-inch RS Spyder Design Alloy Wheels w/Satin Black Accents

Although none of the Porsche Cayenne models have been crash-tested by either the government or private safety testing agencies in recent times, the precise German engineering and impeccable safety record for Porsche over the years should resolve any anxiety one might have. There is plenty of safety technology in play that ensures the utmost safety of the occupants in case things go south. 

That being said, many of the available technology on offer is available as options only, and all the driver aids have to be paid for separately. Porsche even offers the Night Vision Assist for an additional $2,420, while the Adaptive Cruise Control shall set you back by another 2 grand. Optional safety features include a surround-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and much more. Major safety features include:

• Warn and Brake Assist
• ParkAssist Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Back-Up Camera
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front & Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Curtain first & second-row Airbags
• Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag and Rear Side-Impact Airbags
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning

2022 Porsche Cayenne GTS vs Audi SQ8 

Although both the SUVs hail from the same parent brand, both have a very distinctive identity and appeal from one another. While the Cayenne GTS is a sporty, classy, and exquisite SUV, the Audi SQ8 offers a more sophisticated, feature-rich, and comfortable experience. Both offer tremendous performance and practicality, but what differentiates them the most is the pricing. If you are ready to compromise the fun in return for value for money, the Audi SQ8 is the one to go for. 

2022 Porsche Cayenne GTS vs BMW X5 M50i

Both BMW and Porsche are known for their sporty handling even with their SUVs. That being said, the Cayenne GTS is clearly the more fun and better handler amongst the two, with the Bimmer coming in at a close second. Both have pretty similar acceleration performance to offer as well, with the X5 offering marginally higher efficiency. Their cabin also offers similar space, but the higher levels of standard equipment with the X5 might just do the trick for many.

2022 Porsche Cayenne GTS vs Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR

Although the Range Rover Sport SVR might have similar acceleration performance as that of the Cayenne GTS in the straight line, it is no way as quick around the corners as the Porsche. It is better suited for when the going gets tough in the terrain where the Cayenne will just not be able to make it. Land Rover also offers plenty of technology and features as standard, but then also charges a premium for it. Therefore it is a matter of priorities: off-road prowess or fun around the twisties. 

The Porsche Cayenne has been known for its superb performance and handling without compromising on the comfort and premiumness of an SUV, and the GTS takes everything to the next level. The V8 brings in the much-needed grunt and thump while the additional features add to the sporty appeal. As long as the expensive options list, that one has to opt for to make the car feel worth investment, does not scare you away, the 2022 Porsche Cayenne GTS has practically no competition on the streets.