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We had the opportunity to drive the Cayenne GTS on both a racetrack and through some twisty mountain roads. We found it to be one of the most composed and confident crossovers we’ve experienced. The steering is quick and direct, though not overly heavy. The GTS features larger brakes than the Cayenne S, and they are strong and predictable. For those who want even more stopping power Porsche offers carbon ceramic brakes.
Suspension enhancements contribute to the Cayenne GTS’ handling prowess when compared to the already agile S model. The GTS comes standard with a sport-tuned air suspension, adjustable shock absorbers and brake-based rear torque vectoring. The air suspension allows five different height levels; the vehicle can be raised to clear obstacles when off-roading or lowered to make it easier to get into and improve handling. The Cayenne’s torque vectoring technology further helps rotate the vehicle through corners by sending additional power to the rear outside wheel. Finally, the adjustable shocks can be set for ride comfort or sportier handling and optional active anti-roll bars reduce body lean, helping the vehicle carve through turns in an almost unnatural manner.
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Interior Design and Function
The GTS interior is a bit sportier than the Cayenne S cabin, but it remains just as functional. It also turns up the dial on Porsche's considerable quality. To the S model's standard leather upholstery, the GTS adds suede-like alcantara for the headliner, center armrest, door panels and seat inserts. The seats have only eight-way adjustments, but they get the thick bolsters from the top-line Cayenne Turbo seats (which include grippy inserts to keep occupants from sliding around while they slide their GTS through corners). The control layout features a rising center console, replete with a multitude of buttons, which can make operating the various cabin functions somewhat challenging for beginners.
As far as pure practicality goes, the Cayenne GTS offers plenty of room for five passengers, including a comfortable and roomy second-row seat. The cargo area has a useful 62.9 cubic feet of space with the rear seat folded down, and 23.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up. The cargo area is made more versatile by a divider that can be moved fore and aft to separate items or keep them from sliding around.
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Primary Features and Options
The 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS comes standard with an air suspension, cruise control, a universal garage door opener, power windows and locks, power heated exterior mirrors, remote keyless entry, a power liftgate, a sunroof and automatic headlights.
The Cayenne GTS’ impressive performance can be further augmented with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active roll bars, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus with an electronically controlled rear differential lock, and carbon ceramic brakes. Other options include a high-end Burmester audio system, rearview camera, front and rear park assist, panoramic sunroof, trailer hitch, adaptive cruise control, Lane Change Assist, heated and ventilated front seats and four-zone automatic climate control. Buyers can also personalize the look of their interiors with numerous trim options.
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It’s Perfect For…
For those looking for maximum sportiness from the already sporty Cayenne, the 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS is a clear choice, and a bargain at that. Most of the features that define the GTS are available for the S model, but they are packaged at a discount of about $10,000 in the GTS trim. It's still a pricey crossover at $82,050, but buyers get a vehicle with all of the utility of a family hauler teamed with the performance of an accomplished performance car.
Vehicle Tested: 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS
Base MSRP of Test Vehicle: $82,050
Options on Test Vehicle: Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus ($1490), 21-inch wheels ($2280), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active roll bars ($3510), Destination Charge ($975)
MSRP of Test Vehicle (including destination charge): $90,305
Primary Competitors
2013 BMW X5
2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2013 Mercedes-Benz ML
The manufacturer provided Total Car Score this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS Road Test Review - TotalCarScore.com
Suspension enhancements contribute to the Cayenne GTS’ handling prowess when compared to the already agile S model. The GTS comes standard with a sport-tuned air suspension, adjustable shock absorbers and brake-based rear torque vectoring. The air suspension allows five different height levels; the vehicle can be raised to clear obstacles when off-roading or lowered to make it easier to get into and improve handling. The Cayenne’s torque vectoring technology further helps rotate the vehicle through corners by sending additional power to the rear outside wheel. Finally, the adjustable shocks can be set for ride comfort or sportier handling and optional active anti-roll bars reduce body lean, helping the vehicle carve through turns in an almost unnatural manner.
Interior Design and Function
The GTS interior is a bit sportier than the Cayenne S cabin, but it remains just as functional. It also turns up the dial on Porsche's considerable quality. To the S model's standard leather upholstery, the GTS adds suede-like alcantara for the headliner, center armrest, door panels and seat inserts. The seats have only eight-way adjustments, but they get the thick bolsters from the top-line Cayenne Turbo seats (which include grippy inserts to keep occupants from sliding around while they slide their GTS through corners). The control layout features a rising center console, replete with a multitude of buttons, which can make operating the various cabin functions somewhat challenging for beginners.
As far as pure practicality goes, the Cayenne GTS offers plenty of room for five passengers, including a comfortable and roomy second-row seat. The cargo area has a useful 62.9 cubic feet of space with the rear seat folded down, and 23.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up. The cargo area is made more versatile by a divider that can be moved fore and aft to separate items or keep them from sliding around.
Primary Features and Options
The 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS comes standard with an air suspension, cruise control, a universal garage door opener, power windows and locks, power heated exterior mirrors, remote keyless entry, a power liftgate, a sunroof and automatic headlights.
The Cayenne GTS’ impressive performance can be further augmented with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active roll bars, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus with an electronically controlled rear differential lock, and carbon ceramic brakes. Other options include a high-end Burmester audio system, rearview camera, front and rear park assist, panoramic sunroof, trailer hitch, adaptive cruise control, Lane Change Assist, heated and ventilated front seats and four-zone automatic climate control. Buyers can also personalize the look of their interiors with numerous trim options.
It’s Perfect For…
For those looking for maximum sportiness from the already sporty Cayenne, the 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS is a clear choice, and a bargain at that. Most of the features that define the GTS are available for the S model, but they are packaged at a discount of about $10,000 in the GTS trim. It's still a pricey crossover at $82,050, but buyers get a vehicle with all of the utility of a family hauler teamed with the performance of an accomplished performance car.
Vehicle Tested: 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS
Base MSRP of Test Vehicle: $82,050
Options on Test Vehicle: Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus ($1490), 21-inch wheels ($2280), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active roll bars ($3510), Destination Charge ($975)
MSRP of Test Vehicle (including destination charge): $90,305
Primary Competitors
2013 BMW X5
2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2013 Mercedes-Benz ML
The manufacturer provided Total Car Score this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS Road Test Review - TotalCarScore.com
