2016 Porsche Cayenne
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV, Diesel 4dr SUV, S E-Hybrid 4dr SUV, S/Gts 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 240–440 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,597–5,181 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2016 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Porsche Cayenne is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,652 lb (4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 28% better than the 2016 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2016
- Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Cayenne →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Leipzig, Germany · OsnabrüCk, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Cayenne configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,652 lb | 53/47 |
| Diesel 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,652 lb | 53/47 |
| S E-Hybrid 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 5,181 lb | 53/47 |
| S/Gts 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,597 lb | 53/47 |
| Turbo/Turbo S 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 66.9 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,982 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne Diesel Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +28% | $4,000 | 434 |
| Cayenne S e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | +18% | $3,750 | 260 |
| Cayenne | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +7% | $4,100 | 435 |
| Cayenne S | 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +2% | $4,350 | 461 |
| Cayenne GTS | 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 483 |
| Cayenne Turbo | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $4,850 | 536 |
| Cayenne Turbo S | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -14% | $5,150 | 541 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne.
Similar 2016 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Porsche Cayenne (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 BMW X3 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | 289 mi | Not rated | 12 |
| 2016 Porsche Macan | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2016 Lexus LX | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 30, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V656000 · 222,858 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Mar 23, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V169000 · 88,300 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
- Risk
- If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip, installing any missing circlips, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG02.
Not every 2016 Porsche Cayenne is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Porsche Cayenne buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Exterior Lighting — 5 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cayenne years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cayenne | 19 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 Cayenne | 22 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2024 Cayenne | 19 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 5 |
| 2023 Cayenne | 19 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2022 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2021 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 21 |
| 2020 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 25 |
| 2019 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 47 |
| 2018 Cayenne | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2017 Cayenne | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2015 Cayenne | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
| 2014 Cayenne | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 50 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →