Comparison: Ground clearance Porsche Cayenne vs. competitors 2025

Since its emergence in 2002 as the 955 model, the Cayenne’s ground clearance has been subjected to minor liposuction – it initially didn't boast a specific figure, but after its first facelift in 2007, it stood tall (or should we say modest) at 218 millimeters. Subsequent generations, the 958 and 9YA, trimmed down ever so slightly to a still-adequate 215 and 210 millimeters, respectively. Fast forward to the present day, the latest 2023 facelift version, the Cayenne has marginally hoisted its belly to 212 millimeters - ensuring those fancy undercarriage components are well above harm's way while prancing through lesser roads.

When we peek within the Porsche stable, the Cayenne holds its head - or undercarriage - relatively high. Compared to its sports car siblings, it's the veritable SUV of the family. The track-devouring Porsche 911 GT3 RS and its ilk, including the 911 Sport Classic, and the 718 Boxster, are much closer to the ground, all sitting below 135 millimeters. Even the Taycan Cross Turismo, the electric knight in off-roading attire, stands lower at 146 millimeters. And let's not even speak of the curb-hugging 718 Spyder RS, which is practically doing the splits at 79 millimeters of clearance. In this horde of low-lying Porsches, the Cayenne’s loftier stature is not just a nod to its versatile character but a necessity for its multi-terrain ambitions.

However, the vehicular kingdom is vast, and within it, the Cayenne faces competition that treads both higher and lower. For instance, it necks with the Volvo XC40, sporting a nearly identical 211 millimeters of clearance but dwarfs the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which tiptoes at 134 millimeters. Naturally, it bows to true mountain goats like the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and the Lamborghini Urus, which peek down from heights of 215 and a cloud-scraping 248 millimeters, respectively. Still, the Cayenne commands respect, nestling into an elegant middle ground where it isn't scraping its belly like the low-riding Mercedes or reaching for the skies like the lofty Urus. It strikes a pose that caters to those who demand Porsche performance flavored with a dash of practicality - high enough to clear more than a speed bump, yet not so high that you need base jumping equipment to alight.