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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.9L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 18 / 24 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 441 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $87,906–$101,238 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 → |
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.
Explore the full lineup of Porsche models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.