CAR WARS! High Performance SUV Shakedown — Porsche Cayenne Turbo vs. Range Rover Sport

One of the most highly criticized vehicle categories is high-performance sport-utility vehicles. Although automotive journalists love any brown station wagon — because they're sales are on fire (!) — they typically call these power-laden SUVs "pointless."

Funny, because they're extremely popular with folks with deep pockets. Take, for example, the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG.

That said, other automakers have developed their own high-performance SUV offerings.

Cue the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Bring in the Range Rover Sport SVR. The folks over at Autocar have brought both monsters together for testing purposes.

But, WHICH one gets crowned "king of the castle?" See below for the verdict.


The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo is a mighty piece of kit. Big 4x4s like this are expected to do it all: go off road, be incredibly refined on road and yet be sports cars while they’re at it.

The Cayenne Turbo employs a twin-turbocharged V8 to get its work done. And it’s magnificent.

But there is a rival. The Range Rover Sport SVR is a big SUV that has been to Jaguar Land Rover’s SVO division to get its share of performance upgrades, including a 5.0 litre supercharged V8 that’s even more powerful than the Porsche.

But which is better? Join us on, and off, some of the best roads we know, as we look to find out.

TheSteve - 8/31/2018 4:47:53 AM

+2 Boost

Rover is still saddled with a reputation as being a service bay queen. Meanwhile, Porsche has their legendary (and defacto) reputation for great handling, crisp and precise steering, stellar fit and finish, gorgeous interiors, and etc., etc.

If you're a die-hard Rover fan with deep pockets, then go for it! Otherwise, Porsche is the clear choice.

MDarringer - 8/31/2018 8:05:54 AM

0 Boost

If you want to drive it regularly, get the Porsche because the RRS will have reliability issues that cause it to visit the dealer for repairs.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/31/2018 9:17:56 AM

+3 Boost

Or you could by a Corvette and a Yukon and pocket the difference. And maybe be happier for it.

OneOfOne - 9/1/2018 8:49:42 AM

+1 Boost

mediocrity as a solution? not gonna happen

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 9/1/2018 1:24:06 PM

+1 Boost

@OneofOne - Reliability is the solution actually. A Cayenne S in my area needed engine out service to fix a leak. I was not impressed. Land Rover has its own reliability record which is well known. As well, with a Yukon or a Corvette, I would attract far less attention to myself or my home. Below the radar is always the best place to be. And you can't beat having a local service centre right around the corner no matter where you live.

scenicbyway12 - 8/31/2018 2:23:43 PM

+2 Boost

I still don't understand this automotive category, comprised buy height and weight, buy a new M5 and clean both of these "SUV's" clock.

OneOfOne - 9/1/2018 8:50:43 AM

0 Boost

you arent very bright. those suvs have practicality as a shield. M5 is just another bmw that will be in the shop like the rover and without anything else going for it.