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2021 Porsche Cayenne

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Porsche Cayenne
Pictured: Porsche Cayenne (III, Facelift) – f 01012025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
Base / S 4dr SUV, Base/S Coupe 4dr SUV, E-Hybrid 4dr SUV, E-Hybrid Coupe 4dr SUV
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Horsepower
335–541 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 20 city / 23 hwy
Length
193.7–194.1 in
Curb weight
4,376–5,203 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Porsche Cayenne is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 194 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,376 lb (Base / S 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 23 highway), 12% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Cayenne — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Cayenne →

Trims, performance & features

Engine335 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine453 hp4.0L 8-cyl
Engine455 hp3.0L 6-cyl plug-in hybrid
Engine541 hp4.0L turbo 8-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Type 9YACoupeGTSE-HybridTurbo

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Lane centeringOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Bratislava, Slovakia

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Cayenne configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Base / S 4dr SUV193.7 in78 in66.9 in114.2 in66.1 / 65.7 in4,376 lb56/44
Base/S Coupe 4dr SUV194.1 in78 in66.1 in114.2 in65.7 / 65 in4,475 lb
E-Hybrid 4dr SUV193.7 in78 in66.9 in114.2 in66.1 / 65.7 in5,060 lb56/44
E-Hybrid Coupe 4dr SUV194.1 in78 in66.1 in114.2 in65.7 / 65 in5,203 lb
Turbo 4dr SUV193.7 in78 in66.9 in114.2 in66.1 / 65.7 in4,795 lb56/44
Turbo Coupe 4dr SUV194.1 in78 in66.1 in114.2 in65.7 / 65 in4,850 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cayenne e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 22 / 21+12%$3,900257
Cayenne e-Hybrid Coupe Plug-in Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 22 / 21+12%$3,900257
Cayenne3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 23 / 20+6%$4,100432
Cayenne Coupe3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 23 / 20+6%$4,100437
Cayenne S2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 22 / 20+6%$4,100448
Cayenne S Coupe2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 22 / 19+1%$4,350460
Cayenne Turbo S e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 20 / 18-4%$4,550320
Cayenne Turbo S e-Hybrid Coupe Plug-in Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 20 / 18-4%$4,550320
Cayenne GTS4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17-10%$4,850533
Cayenne GTS Coupe4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17-10%$4,850525
Cayenne Turbo4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17-10%$4,850529
Cayenne Turbo Coupe4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17-10%$4,850535
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne.

Similar 2021 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Porsche Cayenne (this car)21 MPGNot rated7
2021 Tesla Model Y326 miNot rated23
2021 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Land Rover Defender19 MPGNot rated9
2021 BMW X327 MPG★★★★★10
2021 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2
2021 Audi Q721 MPGNot rated9

Recalls (7)

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V896000 · 172,107 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the driver assistance software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ASB2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 19, 2026.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Cable/Cord › Onboard · Dec 13, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V841000 · 41,345 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling various models and model years. Please see the recall report for a list of the included vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 24, 2024. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available, anticipated mid-2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APB6.
Suspension › Rear · Jan 28, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V040000 · 1,241 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cayenne vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-271 (AMA9) were performed.
Risk
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 10, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANA1.
Steering › Column · Jun 30, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V493000 · 27 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne vehicles. The screw connection between the steering column and steering box may fail, which can result in a detached steering column.
Risk
A detached steering column can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install a new screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB4.
Engine · May 12, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V341000 · 12 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles. Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore.
Risk
Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB1.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V318000 · 136 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne GTS, Cayenne GTS Coupe, 2020-2021 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe vehicles. The passenger seat back heating element was not installed and may impact the calibration of the Occupant Classification System.
Risk
The front passenger air bag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will install a heating element, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB0.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Apr 21, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V271000 · 1,568 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock nuts, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA9.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Porsche Cayenne is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

21Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
48,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other5
Electrical System5
Air Bags4
Engine3
Service Brakes2
Power Train2
Steering2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/09: 321/11: 122/02: 222/08: 122/10: 123/07: 123/09: 124/06: 125/06: 125/09: 125/10: 126/03: 126/05: 126/06: 126/08: 421/0922/0222/1023/0925/0625/1026/0526/08max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Porsche Cayenne buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 48,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Cayenne years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Cayenne19193.7 inNot rated15
2025 Cayenne22193.7 inNot rated26
2024 Cayenne19193.7 inNot rated55
2023 Cayenne19193.7 inNot rated25
2022 Cayenne21193.7 inNot rated34
2020 Cayenne21193.7 inNot rated625
2019 Cayenne21193.7 inNot rated847
2018 Cayenne22190.9 inNot rated114
2017 Cayenne22190.9 inNot rated219
2016 Cayenne24190.9 inNot rated240
2015 Cayenne23190.9 inNot rated315
2014 Cayenne23190.9 inNot rated350

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →