Exotic Off-Roading for Cheap: Why the Porsche Cayenne is so Good on the Trail

• November 20, 2023
• Story By
  Andy Carter

When most enthusiasts think of Porsche, the image of a 911 tearing up a race track or windy road probably comes to mind. But the classic sports car brand has a secret off-road weapon hidden in plain view.

The first generation of the Porsche Cayenne has been quietly finding its way onto trails, combining Porsche's legendary performance with the ruggedness of traditional off-road rigs. Is the Cayenne simply a de-facto choice for trend-following Euro enthusiasts looking to hit the trails, or is it actually a true contender in the off-road space?

Defying Expectations

The first-generation Porsche Cayenne, introduced in 2002, raised a few eyebrows upon its release. Many Porsche purists wondered if a brand known for its sports cars could (or should) build an SUV. Although most other brands had already begun releasing crossovers, enthusiasts had no reference point for a true enthusiast sports-SUV — outside of a few curious one-offs. Ultimately, the Cayenne was a resounding success, not only filling the niche, but doing it in a way that felt authentic to the brand’s spirit.

Off-Road Prowess

Far more than just a luxury crossover, the original Cayenne represented an honest effort by Porsche to build an SUV for what had been a traditionally rugged space. Available with a low-range case, a locking differential, and height-adjustable off-road suspension, the Cayenne more than looked the part. Enthusiasts recognized that this vehicle had true wheeling potential.

Power and Performance

The first-gen Cayenne was no slouch in the power department either. It offered a range of V6 and V8 engines, and even the base models had plenty of power utilizing VW’s familiar VR6 engine.

The Turbo and Turbo S variants have considerably more power, but trade reliability and cost of ownership for that power. Off-road enthusiasts looking to start a Cayenne build, however, should note that only the Turbo and Turbo S models included the low-range transfer case, locking differential, and height-adjustable, off-road suspension. That being said, those features can be made to work with the V6 model if one can get the parts, and is willing to turn a wrench.

Luxury Off-Roading

The Cayenne isn’t just about performance; it also brings a touch of luxury to off-roading. The interior features high-quality materials and a well-designed cabin, ensuring a comfortable ride even on bumpy trails. Porsche's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the Cayenne's interior, even for a vehicle first released two decades ago.

While a luxury interior isn’t necessarily on every off-roader’s list of priorities, the existence of other popular vehicles like the Range Rover and Lexus LX at least show that for some, it is at least a consideration. The Cayenne can give you those benefits for a lower cost of entry.

Weaknesses of the Cayenne as an Off-Road Vehicle

One of the most significant drawbacks of using a Porsche Cayenne as an off-road vehicle is the cost of upkeep. Although these vehicles can often be found with a relatively affordable purchase price, one should remember that they were originally manufactured with a focus on luxury and performance. Off-roading can be hard on all vehicle systems, leading to potential costly repairs if things go wrong.

Opting for the V6 offsets much of that worry, but will require more aftermarket attention to match the stock capabilities of the Turbo, at least off-road. Furthermore, by learning the platform and developing the skills to repair and maintain the vehicle from home, owners can avoid costly trips to the dealer, or specialized independent repair shop.

A Limited Aftermarket

Another consideration when building a Cayenne as a dedicated off-roader is the relatively small aftermarket. While shops like 380 Industries, Eurowise, and others have done much of the leg work in developing incredible solutions, there isn’t much beyond those small, boutique shops doing work on the platform. Compared to a similar Toyota or Jeep build, product selection will be limited and prices will be high.

Getting started off-road, however, doesn’t require a build with tens of thousands of dollars in parts. With an affordable spacer lift, some underbody protection, and a set of mud-terrain tires like the Nitto Trail Grapplers, one could start to tackle most light and medium duty trails without much concern.

A Surprising Off-Road Option

The first generation of the Porsche Cayenne may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think of off-roading, but they've quietly established themselves as formidable contenders in the off-road world. With their power, technology, and luxury, these SUVs offer a unique blend of performance and comfort in the outdoor adventure space.

While most Cayenne enthusiasts will probably have come from the Porsche or VW community, the Cayenne provides a level of off-road performance, refinement, and relatively low cost of entry that makes it more than just the off-road SUV to buy if you drove a GTI in high school.

Whether you're conquering mountain trails, splashing through muddy tracks, or cruising through the city, the Cayenne can uniquely transform from a luxury daily driver to an off-road rig with ease.