The Best Porsche Cayenne Model Years

Why It's On The List

In 2008, the Cayenne's front end was redesigned and now incorporated slimmer headlights and a new grille. Porsche also upgraded the infotainment system, adding more features and making it more user-friendly. The rear seats were redesigned to make them more comfortable.

The powertrains also received attention from the carmaker. The V8 in the Cayenne S was bumped up to 4.8 litres and 385 hp, up from 340 hp, while the Turbo model received 500 hp and an increase of 50 hp. An all-new variant, the Cayenne GTS, joined the lineup. At the time, it was touted by Porsche as the most sporting SUV on the market.

The 2008 Cayenne model is a relatively inexpensive way to get into the Performance SUV segment. It combines a decent, family-friendly interior with Porsche's renowned performance pedigree. With a reliability rating of 79 out of 100 from JD Power, the 2008 model year is known for its durability. However, due to its age, it's crucial to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to ensure its condition and identify potential issues.

Why It's On The List

2013 for the Cayenne witnessed the reintroduction of the GTS, which had been dropped from the lineup in 2011. The sporty SUV now made 420 hp from its 4.8-litre V8. However, the most powerful car in the lineup was the Turbo S, with an impressive 550 hp on tap.

In addition to new models, Porsche's first diesel engine for the US debuted on the 2013 Cayenne. The new GTS trim got sports seats and a system that funnelled engine noise into the passenger compartment to enhance the driving experience. The range-topping Turbo S had unique 21-inch wheels and exclusive two-tone leather interior.

The 2013 Cayenne has a solid reputation for reliability, with popular sites like JD Power giving the car above-average scores. However, it is still a performance SUV, and it is crucial to purchase a well-maintained example, preferably one with a comprehensive service history.

Why It's On The List

The highlight of the 2022 model year was, no doubt, the introduction of the bonkers Cayenne Turbo GT. The car set a benchmark for sporty SUVs with supercar-rivalling performance, able to rocket to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. It is an incredible feat for a vehicle that weighs 4,950 lbs (2,245 kg).

With its coupe body style, practicality is not a priority, even though the Cayenne Turbo GT still has decent cargo space compared to its rivals. What the car offers the ultimate thrill seeker is savage acceleration, courtesy of its twin-turbocharged V8, and supreme handling that belies its size.

Apart from introducing the Turbo GT Cayenne coupe, Porsche updated the existing lineup with its latest infotainment software package with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There was also a Platinum Edition package available across the lineup. It enhances the Cayenne's luxurious feel with satin finishes on the exterior trim and unique 21-inch wheels.

Why It's On The List

The Cayenne GTS is back in the lineup for 2025. This racier Cayenne variant boasts 493 hp from its twin-turbo V8 and some performance enhancements from the Turbo GT model. However, an interested buyer may not even need to go that far up the Cayenne hierarchy, especially if the six-figure sums of the top trims are a concern.

Even the base model of the latest Cayenne lineup still has plenty to offer an interested buyer. In addition to a turbocharged V6 that generates almost 350 hp, there's also a generous standard options list that includes a WiFi hotspot, a 10-speaker stereo and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. You will want to watch out for Porsche's famously extensive optional extras, though, as they can inflate the base price pretty quickly.

It's still too early for consumer reviews on reliability, but the Cayenne has an established reputation for quality and durability, with consistently high scores on the leading automobile review sites.

Why It's On The List

Changes to the 2019 Cayenne model were extensive, compared to the second-gen models. The Cayenne now looked sportier with a power dome on the hood, new matrix LED headlights and a crisper line above the rocker panels. The SUV was also longer, lower and wider than previous iterations.

Porsche also added a bunch of tech upgrades across the entire lineup. Examples include the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) for a more balanced ride. It was standard on the Cayenne Turbo but optional on the Cayenne Base and S models. Rear-wheel steering was also introduced for the first time, improving the car's handling.

Porsche also introduced the coupe body style, expanding the Cayenne lineup to capture a broader market segment. Power upgrades were pretty decent for all trims, with even the base Cayenne pushing over 330 hp. However, adventurous buyers may want to consider the top-trim models, like the Cayenne Turbo, with 541 hp, courtesy of a potent twin-turbocharged V8. It was the Cayenne's most powerful variant at the time.

Why It's On The List

The second-generation Cayenne was introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The SUV boasted significant improvements over the first-gen's handling and performance.

The overall looks were also improved. The first-gen Cayenne was criticized for its 'blob' shape. Porsche designers mostly fixed that with a sculpted hood with 911-like cut lines. More subtle air intakes underneath the front bumper also gave the car a more aggressive look.

Porsche also made the Cayenne much lighter with extensive use of aluminum for parts like the hood, suspension pieces and doors. That directly translated to improved handling and better gas mileage compared to the previous model.

A hybrid variant also joined the Cayenne lineup for the first time. The Cayenne S Hybrid paired a turbocharged engine, taken from Audi, with an electric motor for a total power output of around 380 hp.