2016 Porsche Cayenne — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2016 Porsche Cayenne

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $58,444–$71,392
Fuel Economy 13 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $4,038/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 Porsche Cayenne

Engine3.6L 6-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG17 / 24 MPG
Combined MPG20 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$4,100
CO₂ Emissions435 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$58,444–$71,392

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2016 Porsche Cayenne

The 2016 Porsche Cayenne is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.3/10, while Value at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Few rivals match it for performance: 8.0/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining suvs to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.3/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.

Priced from $58,444–$71,392, 13 MPG, seating 5, the Porsche Cayenne sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.2/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2016 Porsche Cayenne will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2016 Porsche Cayenne ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $58,444 starting price is about 62% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Cayenne Year Should You Buy?

Across the Cayenne model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.9/10$79,207 Read review →
2025 7.9/10$79,207 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$76,900 Read review →
2023 7.8/10$74,593 Read review →
2022 7.8/10$72,286 Read review →
2021 7.7/10$69,979 Read review →
2020 7.8/10$67,672 Read review →
2019 7.7/10$65,365 Read review →
2018 7.6/10$63,058 Read review →
2017 7.6/10$60,751 Read review →
2016 (this review) 7.5/10$58,444
2015 7.4/10$56,137 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2016 Porsche Cayenne

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Fuel economy at 13 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Porsche Cayenne (2 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Service brakes, hydraulic / Pedals and linkages
23/03/2016 · 16V169000
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…
Exterior lighting / Headlights
30/08/2022 · 22V656000
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…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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