2021 Porsche Panamera — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan

2021 Porsche Panamera

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $87,906–$101,238
Fuel Economy 19 MPG
Seating 4 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $2,763/yr

Key Specifications — 2021 Porsche Panamera

Engine2.9L 6-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S8)
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG18 / 24 MPG
Combined MPG20 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,850
CO₂ Emissions441 g/mi
Seating Capacity4 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$87,906–$101,238

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

About the 2021 Porsche Panamera

Our scoring places the 2021 Porsche Panamera at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10, while Value at 5.7/10 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 7.6/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.8/10 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 Panamera delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.8/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $87,906–$101,238, 19 MPG, seating 4, the Porsche Panamera sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 5.7/10 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 Panamera is a solid, well-rounded sedan 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 →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2021 Porsche Panamera ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $87,906 starting price is about 218% above the segment's median of $27,664.

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

Which Panamera Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2018 Porsche Panamera scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.6 — and starts roughly $8,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.7/10$99,498 Read review →
2025 7.7/10$99,498 Read review →
2024 7.7/10$96,600 Read review →
2023 7.8/10$93,702 Read review →
2022 7.6/10$90,804 Read review →
2021 (this review) 7.6/10$87,906
2020 7.5/10$85,008 Read review →
2019 7.5/10$82,110 Read review →
2018 7.4/10$79,212 Read review →
2017 7.4/10$76,314 Read review →
2016 7.4/10$73,416 Read review →
2015 7.3/10$70,518 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Porsche Panamera

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features

✗ Where it falls short

  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Porsche Panamera (3 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.

Seat belts / Rear/other / Retractor
04/08/2021 · 21V608000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911 Turbo Coupe, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Panamera, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S, Panamera GTS, Panamera…
Suspension / Front
17/05/2021 · 21V362000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Taycan, Panamera, Panamera Turbo S, Panamera GTS, Panamera 4, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, and Panamera 4…
Electrical system
27/01/2023 · 23V033000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of specific model names and model years. Humidity may enter the…

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

Common Questions — 2021 Porsche Panamera

Is the 2021 Porsche Panamera reliable?

We rate the 2021 Porsche Panamera's reliability 7.6/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Panamera have?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2021 Porsche Panamera worth buying?

It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #494 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 62% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2021 Porsche Panamera cost?

The 2021 Porsche Panamera starts at $87,906 and ranges up to $101,238 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Porsche Panamera

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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