Porsche Cayenne Quick Facts
- The third-generation Cayenne is the best as it has the latest safety and in-cabin technology, as well as more powerful engines and more advanced off-road capability.
- The Porsche Cayenne was Porsche’s first SUV and helped revive lagging sales.
- The Cayenne offers a wide range of powertrains, including hybrid and diesel models.
The Porsche Cayenne sets the standard for what a luxury performance SUV should be. Initially sharing its platform with the Volkswagen Touareg, the Cayenne separates itself with unique engines, transmission, suspension, and luxury features. The Cayenne is renowned for its performance capabilities, but many buyers are surprised to discover it’s also a capable off-roader. Equipped with numerous high-tech suspension and AWD apparatus, the Cayenne can cope with deep snow, thick mud, and obstacle-laden trails. Buying a used Porsche Cayenne can save you thousands, even tens of thousands, versus buying a new one, but be warned: maintenance and repair costs for a Cayenne can be high.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Porsche Cayenne?
- Cayenne by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Is the Cayenne a Good SUV?
- Can I Take My Cayenne Off-Road?
- Does the Porsche Cayenne Have a Hybrid Option?
- How Much Can the Porsche Cayenne Tow?
- What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Porsche Cayenne?
- What Are the Worst Years for the Porsche Cayenne?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Porsche Cayenne?
If we were in the market for a used Cayenne, we’d opt for one that isonly a few years old and has some part of its warranty in place, or go with a Certified Pre-Owned model with an extended warranty. The third-generation Cayenne is the best as it has the latest safety and in-cabin technology, as well as more powerful engines and more advanced off-road capability. The third generation also offers a choice of two body styles: the Cayenne SUV and the Cayenne Coupe.
See Porsche Cayenne SUVs for sale near you.
Porsche Cayenne by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Third Generation: 2019-Current Porsche Cayenne
The third-generation Cayenne makes significant strides over the second. Its body uses more aluminum and advanced assembly methods, making it simultaneously lighter yet stronger. There’s a coupe version as well; although it still has four doors, it has a more rounded rear end and sloping roofline.
The trim lineup is slightly more manageable, but only slightly. This generation includes the base Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne E-Hybrid, Cayenne S E-Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, and Cayenne Turbo GT.
The engine lineup runs from the base model’s 335 hp turbo V6 to the Turbo E-Hybrid’s insane 729 hp. In between, you’ll find turbocharged and hybrid models with impressive power in the 400 hp range, with the Turbo GT Coupe pumping out 650 hp.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across the range.
The third-generation Cayenne is also the most sophisticated, employing the latest in driver assist systems and in-cabin technology. However, while almost every other luxury brand makes these systems standard, Porsche chooses to make most extra-cost options. So, if you want features like adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring, you’ll want to be sure the previous owner added those options.
The third-gen Cayenne features a large 12.3-inch center touchscreen and, after 2024, a digital instrument cluster. Later models offer the option of a passenger-side display. Apple CarPlay is onboard, but Android Auto doesn’t make the cut until 2022. You’d think a Porsche would come loaded with standard equipment, but the list is a bit sparse. The Cayenne includes a power driver’s seat, navigation, 4D Chassis Control, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, 19-inch wheels, and rain-sensing wipers. Everything else desirable in a Porsche is optional. That said, you’ll likely want to have upgrades like the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, 18-way adaptive sport seats, a panoramic sunroof, rear-axle steering, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, night vision, a head-up display, and a 21-speaker Burmester audio system.
Model-Year Changes:
2025: The GTS trim returns to the lineup, and all Cayenne models get new standard equipment, including ambient cabin lighting, soft-close doors, a self-parking assistant, and a 360-degree camera.
2024: The GTS and Turbo S E-Hybrid disappear from the lineup. All models receive revised front and rear styling and some new features, such as a larger touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, Matrix LED headlights, and a 911 steering wheel. The Cayenne S gets a new V8 engine.
2023: No significant changes.
2022: Android Auto joins Apple CarPlay, and a new Turbo GT model debuts. New standard equipment includes a Bose sound system and a panoramic roof.
2021: A new GTS arrives.
2020: New models include the Cayenne Coupe and Turbo S E-Hybrid.
See 2019-to-current Porsche Cayenne SUVs for sale near you.
Second Generation: 2011-2018 Porsche Cayenne
The second-generation Cayenne sees some major improvements over the original. It’s a good used SUV choice for those looking to save the most money while still enjoying all the power and performance expected of a Porsche. However, we’d probably only go back to about 2015 and try to find a low-mileage, one-owner model with all the repair records intact.
The second-gen Cayenne gets more power for the base model, touting a 300-hp V6. The Cayenne S gets a 400-hp V8, while the Turbo sports a 500-hp turbocharged V8. A new S Hybrid model arrives, pushing 380 hp, a 6.1-second zero-to-60-mph time, and a 20-mpg city fuel economy rating. A diesel model again joins the lineup, only to get caught up in the VW diesel emissions scandal.
This generation’s new features include Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, adaptive air suspension, and Active Suspension Management.
Trims in this generation include the base, Cayenne S, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S E-Hybrid, Cayenne Turbo, and Cayenne Turbo S.
Model-Year Changes:
2018: No significant changes
2017: All models get a new Porsche Communication Management head unit featuring navigation and a Bose audio system.
2016: The Turbo S gains up to 570 hp, while a new GTS with a turbocharged V6 pumps out 440 hp.
2015: The lineup shrinks to just five trims, and all receive revised suspension and engines. New features include a 360-degree camera and heated/cooling rear seats.
2014: Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus becomes optional on all trims.
2013: The Diesel trim joins the lineup alongside the new 550-hp Turbo S.
2012: No significant changes.
See 2011-2018 Porsche Cayenne SUV models for sale near you.
First Generation: 2003-2010 Porsche Cayenne
The first-gen Porsche Cayenne came with a V8 powering just two trims: the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. Throughout its run, Porsche expands the Cayenne’s trim roster, adding a base model equipped with VW’s VR6, a diesel model, and, in 2010, a hybrid. Horsepower ranges from 290 (base VR6) to 550 (Turbo S). Porsche ceramic-composite brake technology debuts for the first time, as does a touchscreen infotainment setup (2009). Common issues with this generation as it grows older include oil leaks, electrical gremlins, coolant leaks, and brake issues. Parts are not cheap, nor is the labor to replace them.
See 2003-2010 Porsche Cayenne SUV models for sale near you.
Is the Porsche Cayenne a Good SUV?
The newer Cayenne models have a good reputation for reliability and fair resale values that are on par with other luxury brands like Audi, Land Rover, and BMW. The second-generation Cayenne has a few better-known issues, such as oil leaks, cracked coolant tubes, and electrical issues with climate control. Mechanical bugaboos include problems with the transfer case, camshaft adjuster failure, and leaking airbags on models equipped with the air suspension.
Can I Take a Porsche Cayenne Off-Road?
The Cayenne is a competent off-road SUV, especially with more advanced suspension systems like rear-axle steering and Dynamic Chassis Control. Ground clearance ranges from 8.3 inches with steel springs to 9.4 inches as the top travel for models equipped with the air suspension.
Does the Porsche Cayenne Have a Hybrid Option?
Yes, the second and third generations offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a standard hybrid option available for all three generations. The hybrid gets better fuel economy than the gas-only engine and delivers impressive power.
How Much Can the Porsche Cayenne Tow?
Tow ratings vary depending on the model and year. At its peak, the Cayenne is tow-rated at 7,700 pounds regardless of generation. However, the Turbo E-Hybrid models have slightly lower figures of around 6,600 pounds.
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Porsche Cayenne?
Cayenne models of the third generation (2019-current) are the most reliable. Older Cayenne models have mixed reviews, with some years doing better than others. Again, even when the issues are minor, the cost of parts and repairs can make buying a late-model used Cayenne a rather expensive prospect.
What Are the Worst Years for the Porsche Cayenne?
The first-generation models have the most problems, exacerbated by their age. Problem areas for the first generation revolve around the engine and transfer case, electrical, air suspension, and cabin leaks. The 2004-2008 model years have numerous recalls and are the ones we’d most avoid.
See Porsche Cayenne SUV models for sale near you.
