Porsche Cayenne
Porsche Cayenne is the SUV that purists hated in 2002 and that then went on to bankroll a big part of Porsche. It was Porsche’s first SUV, and over three gas generations it’s grown from a V8 brute into a lineup of V6s, V8s and plug-in hybrids with up to 729 hp. Since 2026 there’s also a fully electric Cayenne, sold alongside the gas and hybrid models, with up to 1,139 hp. Pick your year below to jump to the right generation, or read on for the history and which one suits you.
Porsche Cayenne at a Glance
First shown 2002 Paris Motor Show
Built in Bratislava Slovakia, since 2017
Milestone 1,000,000 Reached in December 2020
Generations 4 Three gas, plus the Electric
Top output 1,139 hp Turbo Electric with launch control
Towing 7,716 lb Gas and Electric, properly equipped
Porsche Cayenne Generations
Years shown are US model years. The gas and plug-in hybrid E3 and the Cayenne Electric are both on sale today, so they overlap. Pick a card to open its full guide.
2003–2010
955 / 957
E18 model years
Porsche’s first SUV, co-developed with the VW Touareg, with V6 and V8 engines and a fast Turbo. The 957 facelift brought more power.
Guide coming soon
2011–2018
92A
E28 model years
Lighter and sleeker, shared with the Touareg and Audi Q7. It added the first hybrid Cayenne and, in 2014, a plug-in E-Hybrid.
Guide coming soon
2019–present
9YA SUV / 9YB Coupe
E38 model years
Today’s gas and plug-in hybrid Cayenne, with a sleek Coupe, the record-setting Turbo GT and a 2024 update.
Read the E3 guide →
2026–present
Cayenne Electric
E41 model years
The fully electric Cayenne on Porsche’s 800-volt PPE platform, with up to 1,139 hp and about 300 miles of range.
Read the E4 guide →
Porsche Cayenne History
The Cayenne went from a controversial gamble to Porsche’s best-selling model line. Here are the moments that shaped it.
- 2002 The Cayenne is revealed at the Paris Motor Show after being developed alongside the VW Touareg. The first one is built when Porsche’s Leipzig plant opens in August.
- 2008 In the 2007/08 financial year, the Cayenne outsells the 911 by about 50,000 cars.
- 2010 The second-generation Cayenne arrives, including the Cayenne S Hybrid.
- 2014 Porsche launches the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which it calls the world’s first premium SUV plug-in hybrid.
- 2017 The third-generation Cayenne is revealed in August, and production moves fully to Bratislava. Leipzig built 738,503 Cayennes.
- 2019 The Cayenne Coupe joins the lineup.
- 2020 The one-millionth Cayenne, a Carmine Red GTS, is built in Bratislava in December.
- 2021 The Cayenne Turbo GT sets an SUV lap record of 7:38.925 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
- 2023 A big update for 2024 brings a new cabin, a V8 for the Cayenne S and the 729-hp Turbo E-Hybrid.
- 2024 Porsche delivers 102,889 Cayennes worldwide, making it the brand’s best-seller.
- 2025 Porsche reveals the Cayenne Electric on November 19.
- 2026 Production of the Cayenne Electric starts in Bratislava, and US deliveries begin in late summer.
Which Cayenne Generation Is Right for You?
Every Cayenne drives better than an SUV this big has a right to, but running costs climb fast on older ones. Here’s how the generations line up.
| Generation | Years | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| E1 (955/957) | 2003–2010 | Cheap entry to Porsche ownership; budget for coolant pipes and driveshaft bearings |
| E2 (92A) | 2011–2018 | A more modern used buy, including the first plug-in hybrid |
| E3 (9YA/9YB) | 2019–present | Modern tech, the Coupe, plug-in hybrids and the Turbo GT |
| E4 (Electric) | 2026–present | Huge power, fast 400-kW charging and about 300 miles of range |
Our take: if you want a used Cayenne you can drive every day, a 2024-or-newer E3 gets the updated cabin and the stronger engines. If you can charge at home and want the newest tech, the Cayenne Electric is the one to look at.
Cayenne Owners Community
Cayenne owners talk maintenance costs, E-Hybrid charging, towing and which engine to choose. Share your Cayenne, ask questions and swap tips with other owners.
- Gas, E-Hybrid or Electric: which to buy
- Coolant pipe fixes on early V8s
- Air suspension and PASM
- Towing with a Cayenne
- Turbo GT and GTS ownership
- Charging the Cayenne Electric
- Recalls and dealer service experiences
- Long-term running costs
Porsche Cayenne FAQ
Where is the Porsche Cayenne built?
In Bratislava, Slovakia, which builds the gas, hybrid and electric Cayennes on one line. Porsche’s Leipzig plant also built it from 2002 to 2017.
Is there an electric Porsche Cayenne?
Yes. The Cayenne Electric was revealed in November 2025, and US deliveries began in late summer 2026. It’s sold alongside the gas and plug-in hybrid Cayenne.
Is the Porsche Cayenne reliable?
It’s about average. Edmunds cites a RepairPal score of 2.5 out of 5 with about $776 a year in repairs, while Consumer Reports expects the 2026 to be more reliable than the average new car.
What’s the difference between the Cayenne and the Macan?
The Macan is Porsche’s smaller SUV. The electric Macan shares its PPE platform with the Cayenne Electric, but the Cayenne is bigger, roomier and can tow more.
How much can a Porsche Cayenne tow?
Up to 7,716 lb (3,500 kg) when properly equipped. That goes for both the gas Cayenne and the Cayenne Electric.
Which Cayenne years should you avoid?
First-generation V8 Cayennes used plastic coolant pipes that can crack, and some had driveshaft carrier bearing failures. So check for those repairs on any 2003–2010 car.
Keep Exploring
Explore Porsche’s full lineup, see the 911 guide, or compare the Cayenne with other luxury SUVs like the G-Class.
Photo credits
- Header image: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Gray Porsche Cayenne Electric plugged in at…: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- White 2023 Porsche Cayenne S, a third-generation…: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Silver second-generation 92A Porsche Cayenne in the…: OWS Photography, CC BY 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Gray first-generation 955 Porsche Cayenne S in…: OWS Photography, CC BY 4.0, cropped and resized.