2011 Porsche Cayenne - Photo Gallery

The Cayenne still doesn't feel quite as nimble and responsive as the Infiniti FX35, the vehicle that's in our opinion the Porsche ute's closest rival.

But then again, the FX35 doesn't offer anything close to the Cayenne's off-road ability.

The sportiest version of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the ML63 AMG, is one of the top rivals to the V-8 Cayenne models.

Just like the Porsche SUVs, it's a racetrack stormer and ideally tuned for high-speed sweepers; acceleration from its stout V-8 is also strong.

But none of the AMG models have shown strong resale value, so that's a concern for anyone who's stretching to get one.

The Q7 is significantly larger inside than the Cayenne and comes with an available third-row seat; the Q7 will also introduce a more fuel-efficient supercharged V-6 for 2011 in place of the thirsty V-8.

BMW's X5 (and X5 M) are also possibilities, but the X5 has not in recent years been as quick and nimble as the rest of BMW's vehicles.

The Range Rover Sport, like the Cayenne, offers a combination of on-road performance and off-road ability, though it's a letdown on many counts, with an aged design and cramped quarters.

Meanwhile, the Cayenne V-6 is positioned in a different realm, in the heart of the luxury SUV market, and takes on the likes of the Lincoln MKX, Acura MDX, and even Lexus RX in packaging and price.