Porsche Cayenne
SUVs – all real SUVs, at least – must be capable of tackling at least a simple fire trail and the occasional fallen tree log. Porsche’s always stuck to setting records on the Nurburgring and filling metropolitan Starbucks parking lots with swooping coupes. Never has the storied German carmaker been known for making proper 4×4 machines (except for that one war that happened one time). So, in 2002, when Porsche introduced the Cayenne SUV, everyone balked. This was a massive undertaking and an even bigger risk for such a developed and carefully considered the brand, but it paid off.
The Cayenne wasn’t really much quicker or cooler than other luxury SUVs, but it did boast some uniquely trail-ready features and figures. The available 444-horse Turbo Cayenne’s motor provided the muscle needed for crawling and wheeling, thanks to an adjustable intake-valve timing system that bolstered low-end torque. The motor was quite efficient in the matter, thumping out 457 torques at just 2,250 to 4,750 RPM.
An adjustable air suspension system provided impressive ground clearance. A center-locking differential, often reserved for 4×4 machines of the truest pedigree, was present. Four-wheel drive was full time and included a separate low range (just 2.7:1) for proper crawling. Lovers of trails with some extra cash could truly commit their Cayenne to the job by springing for an Advanced Off-road Tech Package made available in 2003. It came with a locking rear diff, skid plates, and a hydraulic anti-roll bar disconnect. Mind you, this all came about 15 years ago.
Fast-forward to now, and the latest Cayenne is a secret off-road star wrapped in leather and sporty, black spokes that would befit a Ferrari. The latest rendition will be getting a Turbo S E-Hybrid very soon, promising unprecedented torque at the lowest speeds and RPMs possible – the perfect engine for four-wheeling. A hyper-efficient 8-speed automatic trans keeps the Cayenne in the sweet spot of its powerband, and Active Traction Management controls power to each axle, individually. Perhaps most impressive, though, is the rear axle steering system. Yes, as you turn the front wheels to steer, the rear wheels follow suit.
Continuing down the list, we find the new Cayenne’s air suspension is wildly upgraded, using three air chambers per strut. This offers a wider range of travel and greater damping adjustment. The brakes are coated with a hardened tungsten carbide finish, increasing life 30% for those constant stop-and-go trail maneuvers. We could keep going, but at this point, it’s easy to see why the Cayenne made it on our list. It might not look like a 4×4 monster, but trust us, it is.
