The 2021 Porsche Cayenne Gts isn’t just an SUV; it’s an experience. From the moment you lay eyes on its Carmine Red curves (an optional shouty hue that’s worth every penny of its extra $3,150), to the second you unleash its roaring V8 engine, this Cayenne is designed to elicit one reaction: pure, unadulterated joy. Seriously, trying to write a serious introduction for this car is nearly impossible. It’s an exercise in suppressing giggles. That’s precisely how most of the test drive was spent – grinning ear to ear like a fool. Just looking at the 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS brings an infectious, dumb grin to your face.
This isn’t just a pretty face, though. Underneath the playful exterior lies a remarkably practical and comfortable four-door SUV. It’s perfectly at home navigating city streets, swallowing grocery runs, and even boasts the towing capacity to haul another Porsche along for the ride. It ticks all the boxes for the mundane aspects of daily life. But then you remember the beast lurking beneath the hood: a potent V8 ready to unleash a symphony of exhaust notes and a surge of power that will leave your passengers breathless – metaphorically, of course. It’s a glorious contradiction on wheels, and it’s utterly captivating.
2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS: Key Specifications
Let’s delve into the numbers that define this thrilling machine:
- Base Price (as tested): $70,350 ($130,250 as tested with options)
- Engine: 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8
- Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Tiptronic S
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
- Horsepower: 453 hp @ 6,000 to 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 457 lb-ft @ 1,800 to 4,500 rpm
- 0-60 mph: Estimated 4.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 167 mph
- Curb Weight: 4,954 lbs
- Cargo Space: 27.2 cubic feet (rear compartment) / 60.3 cubic feet (seats folded)
- Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs
- Seating: 5
- EPA Fuel Economy: 15 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined
- Verdict: The 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS is guaranteed to inject excitement into any drive, transforming even the most routine errands into an event.
The Triumphant Return of the V8 Engine
The Porsche Cayenne, first launched in the early 2000s, cemented Porsche’s position in the luxury SUV market. Now in its third generation, it continues to be a top seller for the brand, maintaining its core promise of delivering a sports car-like driving experience within a luxury SUV package.
The GTS trim holds a special place in the Porsche lineup, representing the sweet spot between everyday comfort and exhilarating performance. While not the most powerful Cayenne – that title belongs to the hybrid models – the GTS prioritizes driver engagement above all else. It boasts a standard sport exhaust system that produces a truly intoxicating sound, an interior swathed in grippy Race-Tex (Porsche’s premium Alcantara alternative), and a ride height lowered by 30mm compared to the Cayenne S. The 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS is engineered to conquer winding roads with an agility that defies SUV conventions.
The heart of the 2021 Cayenne GTS is undoubtedly the return of the V8 engine to this trim for the first time since 2014. This 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 churns out a potent 453 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. While the previous twin-turbo V6 was certainly capable, producing only slightly less horsepower, it lacked the soul-stirring soundtrack of a V8. The new V8 elevates the driving experience to another dimension, providing not just power, but also an auditory thrill that resonates deep within.
Paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission and all-wheel drive, the Cayenne GTS offers seamless power delivery and confident traction in all conditions. Standard features are generous, including 21-inch wheels, Porsche Dynamic Light System headlights, black exterior accents, eight-way sport seats, and distinctive GTS badging throughout. Furthermore, the inclusion of Adaptive Air Suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management as standard ensures a composed and comfortable ride, automatically adjusting damping rates to optimize handling and stability based on driving mode and road conditions.
The test vehicle was further enhanced with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), an optional active anti-roll system. PDCC minimizes body roll during cornering and on uneven surfaces, maximizing tire contact with the road for enhanced grip and stability. This technology contributes significantly to the Cayenne GTS’s surprisingly agile handling for an SUV of its size.
But the Cayenne GTS is not just a tarmac terror; it retains a degree of off-road capability. Drivers can select from various off-road modes – Gravel, Mud, Sand, and Rocks – in addition to the default “Onroad” setting. Adjustable ride height settings further enhance its versatility, allowing the driver to tailor the Cayenne GTS to different terrains. The overall package is remarkably effective at elevating mood. Even amidst daily stresses and less-than-ideal weather, stepping into the 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS is an instant mood booster.
An SUV That Converts SUV Skeptics
One of the most remarkable aspects of the 2021 Cayenne GTS is how un-SUV-like it feels from behind the wheel. It genuinely drives more like a spacious and luxurious sports sedan. While its nearly 5,000-pound curb weight is noticeable in corners, it never feels cumbersome or unwieldy. The abundance of low-end torque ensures brisk acceleration, capable of pinning passengers back in their seats with surprising force.
The Cayenne GTS boasts impressive grip, thanks to its sophisticated chassis and suspension technology, coupled with a torque vectoring system. This system intelligently distributes power to the wheels with the most traction, minimizing wheelspin and maximizing cornering prowess. This inherent composure, even during spirited driving, is a defining characteristic of the Cayenne GTS. It feels less like a traditional, bouncy SUV and more akin to a taller Porsche Panamera in its handling dynamics.
Even the electric power steering system has been significantly improved in this generation. It provides communicative feedback from the road, devoid of the artificial, disconnected feel sometimes found in earlier Cayenne models. According to Porsche, the GTS features a newly developed power steering system, and the difference is transformative. Twisty roads become an absolute joy, especially with the sport exhaust system unleashed and the sunroof open to fully appreciate the V8’s glorious soundtrack.
The optional Sport Chrono Package further enhances the driving experience with a steering wheel-mounted drive mode selector. This dial allows drivers to toggle between Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus modes, instantly altering the Cayenne GTS’s character from comfortable daily driver to a more aggressive, performance-focused machine. Sport and Sport Plus modes sharpen throttle response, stiffen the suspension, reduce body roll, add weight to the steering, open the exhaust valves, and optimize the powertrain for maximum performance rather than fuel efficiency. Individual settings for chassis and exhaust can also be customized via the center console buttons and infotainment menus.
A customizable “Individual” drive mode allows drivers to tailor the Cayenne GTS to their exact preferences. While the system doesn’t remember individual settings upon restarting the car, the conveniently placed selector dial makes switching modes effortless. At the center of the Sport Chrono dial sits a “push-to-pass” button, providing a 20-second burst of maximum engine power. While the Cayenne GTS is already abundantly powerful for everyday driving, engaging this “WHEE BUTTON” adds an extra layer of fun and responsiveness.
Everyday Livability and Practicality
The Cayenne consistently surprises with its interior spaciousness, particularly considering its relatively compact footprint within the current SUV landscape. Even with luggage and extra items, the rear cargo area offers ample room. This generous space, coupled with its manageable size, makes the 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS remarkably easy to live with. Unlike larger, more cumbersome SUVs, the Cayenne GTS is surprisingly maneuverable in urban environments, especially when equipped with the optional rear-axle steering system.
The optional rear-axle steering ($1,620) significantly reduces the turning radius, making city parking and tight maneuvers surprisingly easy, comparable to a compact car. The Surround View cameras ($1,200) further simplify parking in confined spaces, providing a comprehensive 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
The ride quality is exceptionally comfortable. The driving position feels natural and commanding, avoiding the perched feeling common in many SUVs, particularly for shorter drivers. The standard Bose surround sound system delivers impressive audio fidelity. The panoramic glass roof enhances the sense of spaciousness and airiness within the cabin, even with a black interior. The climate control system is highly effective, rapidly cooling the cabin even in extreme heat. The test car was equipped with optional thermal- and noise-insulated glass ($1,130), which further contributes to a serene and refined interior environment. Porsche’s Race-Tex upholstery, inspired by racing materials, proves to be more comfortable in hot weather than traditional leather, cooling down quickly to the touch.
The optional “Adaptive Sport Seats Plus” 18-way adjustable heated front seats ($420) are a true highlight. Providing exceptional support and comfort, these seats make long journeys a pleasure, minimizing fatigue and discomfort, even for those with back issues.
Minor Interior Control Quirks
While the interior of the 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS is generally well-executed, the center console design prioritizes aesthetics slightly over pure functionality. Climate control, radio, and seat function controls are integrated into a sleek, piano-black panel surrounding the gear selector. These “buttons” are touch-sensitive and illuminate when active, but lack physical separation, making them challenging to locate by feel alone.
The placement of certain controls can also be ergonomically awkward, such as the HVAC recirculation button located on the far side of the gear selector. The infotainment system also presented minor usability issues during testing. Intermittent CarPlay connectivity problems required multiple phone reconnections, particularly when using USB-C ports for charging.
Furthermore, physical stereo controls are limited to volume adjustments on the center console and steering wheel. There are no dedicated “next” or “back” buttons for audio track selection. The only way to access a physical “next” button is by programming the customizable diamond button on the steering wheel. This lack of dedicated physical controls for basic audio functions can be distracting when navigating the infotainment system while driving.
Final Verdict: The Absurdly Fun and Practical 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS
The Porsche Cayenne pioneered the luxury SUV segment, and within this competitive landscape, the 2021 Cayenne GTS remains a top choice. Compared to rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Audi Q7, the Cayenne GTS stands out for its engaging driving dynamics and unique Porsche character. Its 7,700-lb towing capacity is also commendable for a midsize luxury SUV. While sharing its platform with the Audi Q7, Q8, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus, Porsche has imbued the Cayenne with its distinct DNA, creating a vehicle that feels uniquely Porsche.
Aside from minor infotainment and control quirks, the driving experience is exceptional. The Cayenne GTS is the most enjoyable luxury SUV tested, excelling both on spirited drives and daily commutes. In true GTS tradition, it balances luxury with performance, offering a comfortable and refined ride while possessing the capability to unleash its inner hooligan at a moment’s notice. The V8 engine delivers a truly captivating soundtrack, making it almost impossible to resist smiling while driving with the sport exhaust engaged.
The Cayenne GTS, even in its boisterous form, possesses a surprising stealth quality. Its understated design, despite the vibrant Carmine Red paint, allows it to blend into everyday traffic. Its rounded shape, also responsible for the Cayenne’s Nürburgring SUV record, contributes to this anonymity. To the untrained eye, it might even be mistaken for a “mom car,” highlighting the current ubiquity of SUVs in family transportation. However, for those in the know, or anyone within earshot of the V8’s full-throated roar, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS is anything but ordinary.
It’s a vehicle that defies expectations – a practical SUV that delivers an exhilarating driving experience. The 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS is the perfect embodiment of delightful absurdity for adults who demand SUV versatility without sacrificing the thrill of driving.
