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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.0L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 23 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 432 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $69,979–$88,067 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Porsche Cayenne at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.4/10, 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. We score reliability at 7.5/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.3/10. The Porsche Cayenne delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.4/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $69,979–$88,067, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Porsche Cayenne sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. 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 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Porsche Cayenne is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 →
The 2021 Porsche Cayenne ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $69,979 starting price is about 94% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Porsche Cayenne scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.7 — and starts roughly $7,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $69,979 | |
| 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 | 7.5/10 | $58,444 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $56,137 | Read review → |
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.
| Suspension / Rear 28/01/2022 · 22V040000 | 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. |
|---|---|
| Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-powered axle assembly 21/04/2021 · 21V271000 | 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… |
| Steering / Column 30/06/2021 · 21V493000 | 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. |
| Seats 05/05/2021 · 21V318000 | 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… |
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 19/12/2025 · 25V896000 | 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… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Porsche models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.