Cars · Top 10
Best Porsche Cayenne Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
Direct answer
The best all-round Porsche Cayenne year is the 2015 (92A facelift), with 15 NHTSA complaints, 3 recall campaigns and KBB used prices from $14,200. The 2021 (9YA) follows with 21 complaints. The 92A facelift is the best generation overall; the 2010 (957) complaint count could not be fully confirmed, so it sits after the 2008; the 2004 (955) ranks last with 101 complaints and 6 recall campaigns. KBB owners rate reliability 4.5 out of 5 for the first generation, 4.4 for the second and 4.5 for the third, shared across each generation.
At a glance
| # | Pick | NHTSA complaints | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015 Porsche Cayenne (92A) | 15 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S E-HYBRID, TURBO and GTS variants combined) | Buyers who want the best balance of complaints, price and modern hardware |
| 2 | 2021 Porsche Cayenne (9YA) | 21 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S, TURBO, E-HYBRID, COUPE and GTS variants combined) | Buyers who want the newest 9YA tech and a V8 GTS and can pay from $33,400 |
| 3 | 2016 Porsche Cayenne (92A) | 40 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S, TURBO and S E-HYBRID variants combined) | Buyers who want a facelifted 92A with a plug-in option and the fewest recalls of the group |
| 4 | 2013 Porsche Cayenne (92A) | 40 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S, TURBO, S HYBRID and DIESEL variants combined) | Buyers who want a pre-facelift 92A at a low price with the transfer case warranty |
| 5 | 2008 Porsche Cayenne (957) | 42 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Cayenne | Buyers who want a 957 with direct injection at a very low price |
| 6 | 2010 Porsche Cayenne (957) | Could not be fully confirmed: NHTSA returned only the CAYENNE listing for the 2010 Cayenne, so its complaint count is not comparable with other years | Buyers who want the last, most refined first-generation Cayenne with direct injection |
| 7 | 2019 Porsche Cayenne (9YA) | 46 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Cayenne (CAYENNE, TURBO and E-HYBRID variants combined) | Buyers who want the first 9YA year with a plug-in E-Hybrid |
| 8 | 2006 Porsche Cayenne (955) | 55 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Cayenne | Buyers who want the lowest entry price and will inspect the coolant pipes and driveshaft bearing |
| 9 | 2011 Porsche Cayenne (92A) | 62 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S, TURBO and S HYBRID variants combined) | Buyers who want the first lighter 92A at a low price and will check the transfer case |
| 10 | 2004 Porsche Cayenne (955) | 101 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Cayenne, the most of any year here | Buyers who want an early 955 at the lowest price and will pay for a thorough inspection |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2015 Porsche Cayenne (92A)
Best first-generation
2008 Porsche Cayenne (957)
Best newer Cayenne
2021 Porsche Cayenne (9YA)
Cheapest
2006 Porsche Cayenne (955)
Best cheap 92A
2013 Porsche Cayenne (92A)
The ranking
1
2015 Porsche Cayenne (92A)
Photo: Makizox / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe sweet spot.
NHTSA complaints: 15 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S E-HYBRID, TURBO and GTS variants combined)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (suspension; brake pedal; headlight adjustment screw caps)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $14,200 for the S E-Hybrid (originally $79,035) up to $23,900 for the Turbo (originally $117,610)Power and economy: 240-520 hp across trims (KBB); 17-23 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 2nd-generation Cayenne 4.4 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per yearFacelift: The July 2014 facelift added the plug-in E-Hybrid and replaced the 4.8-litre V8 in the S and GTS with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V6; Porsche issued a 7-year unlimited-mileage warranty on post-facelift 92A models (2015-2018)
The 2015 is a post-facelift 92A with 15 NHTSA complaints and 3 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $14,200 to $23,900, and Porsche backs these cars with a 7-year warranty.
Go ifBuyers who want the best balance of complaints, price and modern hardware
Skip ifYou want the cheapest Cayenne: the 2010 starts at $6,050
Why #1 over #2: It lists 15 complaints versus 21 for the 2021 and 3 recall campaigns versus 7, at far lower prices.
2
2021 Porsche Cayenne (9YA)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe modern Cayenne.
NHTSA complaints: 21 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S, TURBO, E-HYBRID, COUPE and GTS variants combined)NHTSA recalls: 7 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (rear axle; seats; engine; steering column; rear axle alignment; charging cable; rearview camera)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $33,400 for the Cayenne (originally $70,200) up to $73,400 for the Turbo S E-Hybrid (originally $165,900)Power and economy: 335-670 hp across trims (KBB); 17-21 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 3rd-generation Cayenne 4.5 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per yearThird generation: The 9YA Cayenne was revealed on 29 August 2017 on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform; the Cayenne Coupe joined in 2019, and KBB says the 2021 GTS gets a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8
The 2021 is a 9YA with 21 NHTSA complaints and 7 recall campaigns, a new V8 GTS and KBB prices from $33,400 to $73,400.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest 9YA tech and a V8 GTS and can pay from $33,400
Skip ifYou want few recalls: NHTSA lists 7
Why #2 over #3: It lists 21 complaints versus 40 for the 2016, though it costs from $33,400 versus $15,950.
3
2016 Porsche Cayenne (92A)
Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe late 92A.
NHTSA complaints: 40 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S, TURBO and S E-HYBRID variants combined)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (brake pedal; headlight adjustment screw caps)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $15,950 for the S (originally $79,705) up to $33,000 for the Turbo S (originally $159,240)Power and economy: 240-570 hp across trims (KBB); 17-23 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 2nd-generation Cayenne 4.4 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per yearE-Hybrid: The Cayenne S E-Hybrid was the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment, with US sales beginning in November 2014
The 2016 is a late 92A with 40 NHTSA complaints and 2 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $15,950 to $33,000, and the S E-Hybrid was the first plug-in in its segment.
Go ifBuyers who want a facelifted 92A with a plug-in option and the fewest recalls of the group
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints: the 2015 lists 15 versus 40
Why #3 over #4: It ties the 2013 on 40 complaints but lists 2 recall campaigns versus 3.
4
2013 Porsche Cayenne (92A)
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheap 92A.
NHTSA complaints: 40 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S, TURBO, S HYBRID and DIESEL variants combined)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (instrument cluster; brake pedal; headlight adjustment screw caps)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $10,800 for the S (originally $75,650) up to $17,300 for the Turbo (originally $112,270)Power and economy: 240-500 hp across trims (KBB); 17-23 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 2nd-generation Cayenne 4.4 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per yearDiesel: Model year 2013-2016 diesel Porsche Cayennes are included in the Volkswagen emissions scandal; pre-facelift 92A models (2011-2014) carry a 10-year unlimited-mileage warranty for transfer case problems
The 2013 is a pre-facelift 92A with 40 NHTSA complaints and 3 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $10,800 to $17,300; its transfer case is covered by a 10-year warranty.
Go ifBuyers who want a pre-facelift 92A at a low price with the transfer case warranty
Skip ifYou want a diesel without emissions-scandal history
Why #4 over #5: It lists 40 complaints versus 42 for the 2008, and a newer, lighter 92A for from $10,800 versus $4,825.
5
2008 Porsche Cayenne (957)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first 957.
NHTSA complaints: 42 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 CayenneNHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (fuel line; gear position indicator; headlight adjustment screw caps)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $4,825 for the S (originally $74,750) up to $7,950 for the Turbo (originally $104,865)Power and economy: 290-500 hp across trims (KBB); 14-16 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 1st-generation Cayenne (2003-2010) 4.5 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per year957 facelift: The facelifted 957 arrived for 2008 with a 3.6-litre V6 (290 hp) as the base engine, and all combustion engines in the range have had direct injection since 2008
The 2008 is the first facelifted 957 with 42 NHTSA complaints and 3 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $4,825 to $7,950.
Go ifBuyers who want a 957 with direct injection at a very low price
Skip ifYou want a newer 92A: the 2015 lists 15 complaints versus 42
Why #5 over #6: It has a confirmed complaint count of 42, while the 2010 count could not be fully confirmed, and it starts at $4,825 versus $6,050.
6
2010 Porsche Cayenne (957)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last 957.
NHTSA complaints: Could not be fully confirmed: NHTSA returned only the CAYENNE listing for the 2010 Cayenne, so its complaint count is not comparable with other yearsNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (gear position indicator; headlight adjustment screw caps)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,050 for the Cayenne (originally $57,820) up to $16,750 for the Turbo S (originally $129,215)Power and economy: 290-550 hp across trims (KBB); 14-16 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 1st-generation Cayenne (2003-2010) 4.5 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per yearLast 957: The facelifted 957 stayed in production through the 2010 model year; the Cayenne Diesel (3.0-litre V6, 237 hp) arrived in February 2009 and the GTS had 399 hp
The 2010 is the last facelifted 957 with 2 recall campaigns. NHTSA returned only the CAYENNE listing for 2010, so its complaint count could not be fully confirmed and is not ranked as a low. KBB prices run from $6,050 to $16,750.
Go ifBuyers who want the last, most refined first-generation Cayenne with direct injection
Skip ifYou want a confirmed complaint count: the 2010 lookup could not be fully confirmed
Why #6 over #7: It shares the 957 generation with the 2008, which lists 42 complaints, and costs less than the 2019, which lists 46 complaints and 8 recall campaigns.
7
2019 Porsche Cayenne (9YA)
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first 9YA.
NHTSA complaints: 46 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Cayenne (CAYENNE, TURBO and E-HYBRID variants combined)NHTSA recalls: 8 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (rear seat belt buckle; rearview mirror software; shock absorber; instrument cluster; fuel lines; charging cable; rearview camera)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,400 for the Cayenne (originally $66,950) up to $42,100 for the Turbo (originally $125,850)Power and economy: 340-550 hp across trims (KBB); 17-22 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 3rd-generation Cayenne 4.5 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per yearE-Hybrid: The 3.0-litre V6 Cayenne E-Hybrid was introduced in May 2018 with 456 hp and a 27-mile electric range; the Cayenne Turbo has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8
The 2019 is the first 9YA year with 46 NHTSA complaints and 8 recall campaigns, the most here. KBB prices run from $24,400 to $42,100.
Go ifBuyers who want the first 9YA year with a plug-in E-Hybrid
Skip ifYou want few recalls: NHTSA lists 8, the most of any year here
Why #7 over #8: It lists 46 complaints versus 55 for the 2006, though it has 8 recall campaigns versus 3.
8
2006 Porsche Cayenne (955)
Photo: OWS Photography / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest Cayenne.
NHTSA complaints: 55 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 CayenneNHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (fuel pump; gear position indicator; headlight adjustment screw caps)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $2,950 for the Cayenne (originally $46,015) up to $9,600 for the Turbo (originally $91,015)Power and economy: 250-520 hp across trims (KBB); 14-15 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 1st-generation Cayenne (2003-2010) 4.5 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per yearKnown issues: Early V8 Cayennes had plastic coolant pipes that could crack and fail, potentially causing overheating, and the first generation is known for failure of the centre driveshaft carrier bearing; a Turbo S with 514 hp was built in 2006
The 2006 is a 955 with 55 NHTSA complaints and 3 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $2,950 to $9,600; early V8s are known for plastic coolant pipes that can crack.
Go ifBuyers who want the lowest entry price and will inspect the coolant pipes and driveshaft bearing
Skip ifYou want to avoid cooling-system risk
Why #8 over #9: It lists 55 complaints versus 62 for the 2011 and starts at $2,950 versus $8,775.
9
2011 Porsche Cayenne (92A)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first 92A.
NHTSA complaints: 62 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Cayenne (CAYENNE, S, TURBO and S HYBRID variants combined)NHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (headlights; S Hybrid engine; brake pedal; camshaft controllers on the S and Turbo; headlight adjustment screw caps)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $8,775 for the Cayenne (originally $56,160) up to $11,450 for the Turbo (originally $107,520)Power and economy: 300-500 hp across trims (KBB); 17-21 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 2nd-generation Cayenne 4.4 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per yearFirst 92A: The 92A went on sale in spring 2010 as a 2011 model and is almost 250 kg (551 lb) lighter than the previous generation, largely from dropping the low-range transfer case
The 2011 is the first 92A with 62 NHTSA complaints and 5 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $8,775 to $11,450.
Go ifBuyers who want the first lighter 92A at a low price and will check the transfer case
Skip ifYou want low complaint counts: NHTSA lists 62
Why #9 over #10: It lists 62 complaints versus 101 for the 2004 and 5 recall campaigns versus 6.
10
2004 Porsche Cayenne (955)
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Sfoskett~commonswiki assumed (based on copy / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe risky early one.
NHTSA complaints: 101 unique complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Cayenne, the most of any year hereNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (transfer case; rear seat belt latch; seat belts; fuel pump; gear position indicator; headlight adjustment screw caps)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $4,000 for the Cayenne (originally $43,665) up to $7,275 for the Turbo (originally $89,665)Power and economy: 247-450 hp across trims (KBB); 14-16 combined mpgOwner rating: KBB owners rate the 1st-generation Cayenne (2003-2010) 4.5 out of 5 for reliability; KBB shares this score across the whole generation, not per yearKnown issues: Cayenne engines with Lokasil-coated blocks (4.5-litre V8) can suffer cylinder bore scoring, and early V8s had plastic coolant pipes that could crack and fail
The 2004 is an early 955 with 101 NHTSA complaints, the most here, and 6 recall campaigns. KBB prices run from $4,000 to $7,275; early V8s are known for plastic coolant pipes and bore scoring.
Go ifBuyers who want an early 955 at the lowest price and will pay for a thorough inspection
Skip ifYou want few complaints or recalls: NHTSA lists 101 and 6
How we ranked these
We ranked Cayenne model years by NHTSA owner complaint counts (fewest first), with ties broken by fewer NHTSA recall campaigns. The 2010 is the exception: NHTSA returned only the CAYENNE listing for it, so its complaint count could not be fully confirmed and we placed it directly after the 2008, the other 957 year, instead of ranking it on that number. Counts are unique NHTSA complaint and recall records across the Cayenne variants we checked for each year. The generations are the first generation 955 (2003 to 2007) and 957 (2008 to 2010), the second generation 92A (2011 to 2018) and the third generation 9YA (2019 on). KBB used prices, original MSRPs, owner reliability and well-known issues are shown for each year but did not change the order. KBB shares one owner reliability score across each whole generation, so it cannot separate individual years. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, compare within a generation. We did not check every model year, including 2017 and 2018, and prices change weekly. Check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See also the Best Porsche Boxster Model Years page (/cars/best-porsche-boxster-model-years-2027/) and the Best Mercedes-Benz GLE Model Years page (/cars/best-mercedes-benz-gle-model-years-2027/). Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Porsche Cayenne model year?
By NHTSA complaint counts the 2015 ranks first with 15 complaints, then the 2021 with 21. The 2015 is the best all-round pick: 15 complaints, 3 recall campaigns and KBB used prices from $14,200.
What are the Porsche Cayenne generations?
The first generation (9PA) has the 955 (2003 to 2007 model years) and the facelifted 957 (2008 to 2010). The second generation (92A) went on sale as a 2011 model, was facelifted in July 2014 and runs to the 2018 model year. The third generation (9YA) was revealed on 29 August 2017 with sales beginning in 2019 and was refreshed in April 2023.
Which Cayenne generation is best overall?
On the years we checked, the 92A facelift (2015 and later) is the best all-round generation: the 2015 lists 15 NHTSA complaints against 101 for the 2004 and 62 for the 2011, and Porsche backs post-facelift 92A models with a 7-year warranty. The 9YA is the newest and lists 21 complaints for the 2021, with 7 recall campaigns. We did not check the 2017 or 2018 years.
What is the difference between the 955 and 957 Cayenne?
The 957 is the facelifted first-generation Cayenne, built for the 2008 to 2010 model years. It added direct injection to all combustion engines and a 3.6-litre V6 (290 hp) as the base engine. The 955 is the original 2003 to 2007 Cayenne with the older engines.
Cheapest used KBB Fair Purchase Price by model year (USD, as listed) at a glance
2006 Porsche Cayenne (955)2,950 USD
2004 Porsche Cayenne (955)4,000 USD
2008 Porsche Cayenne (957)4,825 USD
2010 Porsche Cayenne (957)6,050 USD
2011 Porsche Cayenne (92A)8,775 USD
2013 Porsche Cayenne (92A)10,800 USD
2015 Porsche Cayenne (92A)14,200 USD
2016 Porsche Cayenne (92A)15,950 USD
2019 Porsche Cayenne (9YA)24,400 USD
2021 Porsche Cayenne (9YA)33,400 USD
Official sites
- 2015 Porsche Cayenne (92A) · kbb.com
- 2021 Porsche Cayenne (9YA) · kbb.com
- 2016 Porsche Cayenne (92A) · kbb.com
- 2013 Porsche Cayenne (92A) · kbb.com
- 2008 Porsche Cayenne (957) · kbb.com
- 2010 Porsche Cayenne (957) · kbb.com
- 2019 Porsche Cayenne (9YA) · kbb.com
- 2006 Porsche Cayenne (955) · kbb.com
- 2011 Porsche Cayenne (92A) · kbb.com
- 2004 Porsche Cayenne (955) · kbb.com
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.