After skipping a year, the Porsche Cayenne returns and is revamped for 2009. All engines receive more power this year. There's also a revised suspension for even sharper handling, a new GTS trim level and a few new luxury and convenience features in the form of an optional power liftgate, adjustable cargo tie-downs and adaptive headlights. Except for a mild face-lift and new taillights, the body and interior are carried over.While the 2009 Porsche Cayenne only receives subtle exterior styling changes, the significant upgrades to the engines and suspension produce dramatic performance improvements. If you want the best luxury SUV in terms of all-around on-road performance, this is the one to get.

The Cayenne and Cayenne Tiptronic both come with a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 290 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S packs a 4.8-liter V8 with 385 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. In the Cayenne GTS, this engine produces 405 hp. The Cayenne Turbo has a twin-turbocharged version of the V8 that makes a mighty 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All have a six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission (except the base Cayenne and GTS with the six-speed manual) and all have all-wheel drive. A low-range gear is provided for off-roading, but buyers should note that all Cayennes come with street-biased, all-season tires. Anyone planning to do serious off-highway work in Porsche's SUV should invest in a set of all-terrain tires.

The base Porsche Cayenne is suitably quick: The six-speed manual runs zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, according to Porsche, while the Tiptronic version takes 7.9 ticks. The Cayenne S hits 60 in 6.4 seconds, while the Cayenne GTS should get the job done in either the high 5s (manual transmission) or low 6s (automatic). We're told that the Turbo stampedes to 60 in just 4.9 seconds. Top speeds range from 141 mph for the V6 versions to 171 mph for the Turbo. Towing capacity for all Cayennes is 7,700 pounds.

MSRP: $137650