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

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base / S 4dr SUV | 193.7 in | 78 in | 66.9 in | 114.2 in | 66.1 / 65.7 in | 4,376 lb | 56/44 |
| Base/S Coupe 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78 in | 66.1 in | 114.2 in | 65.7 / 65 in | 4,475 lb | |
| E-Hybrid 4dr SUV | 193.7 in | 78 in | 66.9 in | 114.2 in | 66.1 / 65.7 in | 5,060 lb | 56/44 |
| E-Hybrid Coupe 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78 in | 66.1 in | 114.2 in | 65.7 / 65 in | 5,203 lb | |
| Turbo 4dr SUV | 193.7 in | 78 in | 66.9 in | 114.2 in | 66.1 / 65.7 in | 4,795 lb | 56/44 |
| Turbo Coupe 4dr SUV | 194.1 in | 78 in | 66.1 in | 114.2 in | 65.7 / 65 in | 4,850 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 22 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 257 |
| Cayenne e-Hybrid Coupe Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 22 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 257 |
| Cayenne | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 432 |
| Cayenne Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 437 |
| Cayenne S | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 448 |
| Cayenne S Coupe | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 460 |
| Cayenne Turbo S e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 320 |
| Cayenne Turbo S e-Hybrid Coupe Plug-in Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 320 |
| Cayenne GTS | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 533 |
| Cayenne GTS Coupe | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 525 |
| Cayenne Turbo | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 529 |
| Cayenne Turbo Coupe | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 535 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
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.
Not every 2021 Porsche Cayenne is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Porsche Cayenne buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 48,000 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 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 2016 Cayenne | 24 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 40 |
| 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 →