Luxury Comparison: 2022 Porsche Cayenne or Land Rover Range Rover

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Luxury or performance. Performance or luxury. When it comes to upscale SUVs, it’s not about one or the other, but the right combination of both, the perfect ratio that will best appeal to those with means and desire to own a full-sized sport-ute, one with a serious price tag. And by serious, I’m talking models well exceeding $100K, potentially double that.
It’s not just about some vehicle that’s large and in charge, but one with a healthy dose of cachet. As the most prestigious member of the Land Rover model line, the Range Rover certainly fits the bill. The model, which first debuted in 1970, considered by most to be the first luxury SUV.

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The latest, fifth-generation model, new last year, certainly carries on the tradition, the sport-ute, in the words of the parent company, “mixing breath-taking modernity and aesthetic grace with technological sophistication and seamless connectivity.” And with nine models, multiple powertrains, standard- and long-wheelbase versions, four-, five- and seven-seat options and a price range starting at $126,550 for the SE P400 and topping out at $250,100 for the SV LW P530, its no wonder it has found favour with celebs, captains of industry, oligarchs, and royalty.

The model that was available to drive, the aptly named First Edition P530, carries a price tag of $197,120, including more than $15K worth of options, of which $9,400 is for the Sunset Gold in Satin paint job. It is a formidable presence on the road. The leather-lined cabin smells like money.

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So, at first glance, the Porsche Cayenne, which has been plying the roads since 2002 and has become a highly regarded nameplate on its own (not to mention a top-seller for the iconic maker of sports cars), might nonetheless seem outclassed. Indeed, starting at $82,900 for the base model, a case could certainly be made that the third-generation Cayenne (a 2019 model year debut) would best be compared with the smaller Range Rover Sport. Here’s the thing, though; there are 19 specific models of Cayenne for 2023 — in both SUV and Coupe forms — with the top-end, mega-horsepower Turbo GT model setting you back $214,000. So, yes, the Cayenne can play in the same sandbox — pricewise if not quite size-wise — as the Range Rover, not to mention Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes GLS, BMW X7 and others.

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I’ve been given the keys to a 2022 GTS, a mid-range model with a base MSRP of $122,000. Of course, there’s no such thing as a box stock Porsche, and this particular tester comes with about $33K worth of options and a price tag of $155,510.

OK, the GTS and First Edition trim levels don’t quite match up, so this isn’t going to be a one-on-one comparison. Instead, think of this as an evaluation of the Range Rover and Cayenne’s entire model range with respect to luxury and performance. In other words, does the ever-so-posh Range Rover have the sort of performance that will satisfy gearheads? Conversely, is the decidedly sporting Cayenne fancy enough to sway those who demand the finer things in life?

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Before this is explored further, though, let’s get the powertrain issue out of the way, as both SUVs are generous with their choices. Range Rover’s comprehensive line-up of electrified in-line six and V8 powertrains includes the P440e and P510e PHEVs, and mild-hybrid (MHEV) P360 and P400 Ingenium gas engines. The PHEVs combine Land Rover’s in-line six-cylinder Ingenium gas engine with a 38.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 105-kW electric motor integrated with the transmission. Together, Land Rover says the powertrain provides up to 100 km of pure-electric driving. Also, a pure-electric model will join the family in 2024, bringing full-on zero tailpipe emissions driving to the Range Rover for the first time. The flagship motor, and the one powering the First Edition, is the P530 Twin Turbo V8, a 523-hp, 4.0L unit that is 17 per cent more efficient than the previous Range Rover V8.

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Porsche isn’t slacking off either, the gas-engine line-up consisting of the base model (335-hp, 3.0L turbocharged V6), S (434-hp, twin-turbo 2.9L V6), GTS (453-hp, twin-turbo 4.0L V8), Turbo (550-hp, twin-turbo 4.0L V8) and Turbo GT (631-hp, twin-turbo 4.0L V8). The electric powertrain in all plug-in hybrid Cayenne models comprises an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic. In the E-Hybrid, its output of 134 hp and 295 lb-ft generates a purely electric top speed of 135 km/h. Increased power demand activates the 335-hp, 3.0L V6 turbo, resulting in a total net system output of 455 hp. Meanwhile, the Turbo S E-Hybrid features a 541-hp, twin-turbo 4.0L V8, giving the hybrid system a net output of 670 hp. It’s noteworthy that Porsche has increased the electric range of all its Cayenne plug-in hybrids. The gross capacity of the high-voltage battery is now 17.9 kWh rather than 14.1 kWh, thanks to the use of optimized cells, and the driving modes have been adapted for even more efficient energy usage.

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Three reasons to choose the Range Rover

1. Room: Overall, the Range Rover’s standard wheelbase is larger than the Cayenne, classified as a full-sized SUV, while the Porsche, 123 millimetres shorter in length and 64 mm shorter in wheelbase, is listed as a mid-size. Dish out bigger bucks for the Range Rover Long Wheel Base (LWB) model, which adds another 162 mm in wheelbase, and you have a ride that will comfortably seat seven. The Cayenne is strictly a two-row model. Cargo capacity also strongly favours the Brit ute as well, although its combo tailgate and liftgate makes loading more of a stretch than it needs to be.
2. Limo-like ride: Probably the principal reason to drive a Range Rover, the big sport-ute has a pillow-like ride that rivals Bentley — at least the Flying Spur I drove a few years ago. By eliminating unwanted noises, vibrations and what the company likes to call “distractions,” driver and passengers “will arrive at their destination feeling refreshed, even after the longest journeys.” It does so courtesy of a pre-emptive air suspension that primes the Range Rover for upcoming corners, all-wheel steering and next-generation noise cancelling with headrest speakers. Throw in clean air technology that reduces odours and viruses, and you have a quiet and relaxing travelling experience.
3. Uber-Posh: Soft-close doors? How silly, but yes. Heated and ventilated seats? How ordinary unless you also throw in the heated armrests and massage functions that includes hot stone for both front and rear. There are controls for the sunroof, controls for window blinds, controls for ambient lighting colours. Rear-seat recline with footrest, mini-fridge, killer Meridian sound system, rear-seat touchscreens and leather softer and smoother than a baby’s bum. These are just a few of the things found on the First Edition. And just touch on the reason why driving a Range Rover brings with it a pronounced sense of occasion.

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Which version to choose

Don’t get me wrong. If the six numbers I’ve played for decades ever showed up on a winning 6/49 ticket, I’d be all over the First Edition like a bad rash. Still, let calmer senses prevail and include a nod to better fuel economy and lower emissions. The SE trim with the P440e engine — 434 net hp from a 3.0L in-line six-cylinder with a 38.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 105-kW electric motor — seems a reasonable choice. Six seconds to 100 km/h for a massively weighty 2,945-kilogram rig is nothing to sniff at. (Fuel economy figures have yet to be released by NRCan.) Not quite as hedonistic as the First Edition, thus configured you still get a ton of interior, safety, convenience, and infotainment features for $135,450 (before taxes).

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Three reasons to choose the Cayenne

1. Performance: If the Range Rover lulls and placates, then the Cayenne does the exact opposite, exploiting and arousing the senses with a dynamism that pays homage to Porsche’s 70-plus years of engineering and building top-level sports cars. Yes, the base model is rather mild mannered, but successive trims and their increasingly more powerful engines elevate the driving pleasure. The Turbo S E-Hybrid is a 3.6-second-to-100 beast, though my personal preference is the GTS. That said, the Range Rover First Edition is no slouch, hustling its way to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds when max accel is called for.
2. Nimble: Even Porsche’s heaviest model, the Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe (2,573 kg) is 372 kg lighter than the First Edition. And the GTS tips the scales at a significantly lighter 2,247 kg. Less bulk, the easier it is to get around corners. According to Consumer Reports: “The Cayenne luxury SUV drives almost like a sports car. Few SUVs can match it when it comes to handling agility. It can be driven with gusto on winding roads. But the ride has an underlying firmness, and some jolts come through.”
3. Reliability: JD Power gives the Cayenne a “consumer verified” rating of 80/100, putting it behind the BMX X6 (83) and Cadillac XT6 (82) and tying it with the BMW X5 and Lincoln Aviator. According to U.S. News, “SUV shoppers looking for the best performing SUV should look to the Cayenne first, and buyers who want the poshest cabin should have it near the top of their list, too. If you don’t care about performance, however, this is an SUV to avoid …” Historically, Range Rovers do not fare particularly well. Says Consumer Reports, “We expect the 2022 Range Rover to be less reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on Land Rover’s brand history.” In its defence, this new model has not been on the market long enough to generate its own reliability history.

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Which version to choose

As I’ve previously mentioned, I like the features found on the GTS model. That said, for the same reason I chose the Range Rover SE with the P440e powertrain, I think the $115,700 Cayenne E-Hybrid Platinum Edition is worth a long, hard look. According to U.S. News, “it’s an excellent two-row luxury SUV. It boasts a powerful plug-in-hybrid system that can slingshot the SUV up to speed with astonishing ease but also zip it around town on battery power alone. The Cayenne Hybrid rides comfortably over broken pavement and showcases remarkably agile moves on switchback roads. Its interior is spacious and dressed to the nines with top-notch materials, and the widescreen infotainment system is easy to use.” Compromises? Pricey, small cargo area and not particularly great fuel economy (NRCan rates it at 5.1 L_e/100 km combined with both engine and electric motor in play, and 11.3 L/100 km combined on gas engine alone).

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Conclusion

The Cayenne is fully capable of providing a luxury experience with a button-and-gauge-filled cabin rich in stitched leather, plenty of comfort and a full suite of infotainment and connectivity features. But first and foremost, it is a Porsche, which means the automaker’s sports car roots cannot be disguised. The Range Rover is in another luxury class altogether, hedonism fairly baked into the sport-ute. Motor Trend calls it “a feast for the senses,” with the Ikea-like interior a “revelation.” And it will hustle when foot is put to gas pedal, especially when fitted with the P530 engine.

As to the 800-pound gorilla in the room — reliability — I always defer to my mechanic father’s working-class pragmatism: “The more you add to a car, the greater the chance it will break.” With that in mind, lease the Range Rover and return it when its warranty runs out. The Porsche isn’t exactly frugal to operate either. Still, over the longer term it would be my vote.