Used Porsche Cayenne (Mk3, 2017-date) buyer’s guide: costly but rewarding
A full used buyer’s guide on the Porsche Cayenne, covering the Cayenne Mk3 that’s been on sale since 2017
Verdict
The Porsche Cayenne model range is bewildering, and there are no cheap options when it comes to buying or running one of these behemoths. But if you want the practicality of an SUV, the engagement of a sports car and the build quality of a Porsche, you’re unlikely to be disappointed as an owner. In various group tests we’ve pitted the Cayenne against its biggest (in every sense of the word) rivals, including the Range Rover Sport, Audi Q8 and SQ8, along with the BMW X5, and it’s beaten all of them. So it’s no wonder the Cayenne was Large Premium SUV of the Year in our 2024 New Car Awards.
By definition, there can’t be many class leaders, but over the years Porsche has produced more than its fair share of them. Most have been driver-focused sports cars, but when it turned its hand to an SUV (with the original Cayenne of 2002), it pulled a master stroke, even if many were dismayed by the company’s actions.
The Mk2 of 2010 was even better, and by the time the third-generation model was unveiled in 2017, more than 760,000 Cayennes had been sold around the world.
History
The 335bhp Cayenne and 434bhp Cayenne S were unveiled in August 2017, using single-turbo 3.0-litre and twin-turbo 2.9-litre six-cylinder petrol engines respectively. Within weeks there was also a 542bhp Cayenne Turbo with a 4.0-litre V8. In spring 2019, a Coupé option was introduced alongside the regular SUV; all models were offered with the sleeker body.
Used - available now
2014 Porsche
Cayenne
135,000 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L
Cash £15,999
2018 Porsche
Cayenne
80,700 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L
Cash £21,995
2018 Porsche
Cayenne
60,000 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L
Cash £24,999
2023 Porsche
Cayenne
10,117 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L
Cash £60,545The 454bhp Cayenne GTS was added to the range in autumn 2020, with a 4.0-litre V8, while the more hardcore 631bhp Cayenne Turbo GT Coupé of autumn 2021 featured the same engine. There was also a series of plug-in hybrids starting with the 455bhp E-Hybrid in 2018; the 670bhp Turbo S E-Hybrid followed in 2019, then the 512bhp S E-Hybrid in 2023.
A facelifted Cayenne arrived in summer 2023, with a heavily updated dashboard, matrix LED headlights, a refreshed nose and extra driver- assistance systems.
On the road
Top speeds range from 150mph (Coupé) to 183mph (Turbo S E-Hybrid), while the 0-62mph dash can be despatched in 4.1-6.2 seconds, so performance is strong. That’s no surprise, of course, but what’s less predictable is just how much fun the Cayenne is, helped by the adaptive suspension that’s standard on most models. Strong brakes, sharp steering and superbly calibrated suspension ensure the Cayenne is a dynamic delight.
Which one should I buy?
About 40 per cent of the Cayennes for sale are Coupés. These are 20mm lower and around 45kg heavier than the SUV, with a panoramic roof as standard for most models in the range. Practicality is reduced a little, but the driving experience is much the same because mechanically the Coupé is identical to the SUV.
All Cayennes feature an eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. And when it comes to performance, there are no lame ducks, although the plug-in hybrids are usefully more perky and frugal than the regular six-cylinder models. There was never a diesel option.
Alternatives to the Porsche Cayenne
The more affordable versions of the Cayenne go head to head with the Range Rover Sport, Audi Q7 and BMW X5, along with the Volvo XC90, VW Touareg and Mercedes GLE. Some are five-seaters, while others seat seven, but all feature a premium cabin and decent performance, with relatively high running costs.
If you buy further up the Porsche range, key rivals have more prestigious badges, such as the Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus, priced from £50,000, £80,000 and £150,000 respectively.
The Cayenne Coupé is a slightly different proposition because it’s up against the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE coupé, while the Audi Q5 coupé is cheaper because it’s a bit smaller.
What to look for
On the pull
All Cayennes can tow up to 3,500kg, apart from the GTS on its standard steel suspension. In this form it’s limited to 2,850kg.
Plug-in range
Porsche claims that E-Hybrid models can give up to 26 miles of driving in electric mode. Owners seem to average 20-22 miles in the real world.
Reliability record
Overall, the Cayenne Mk3 appears to be dependable, although the odd electrical bug has been known to crop up, including tailgate motors not working.
Suspension set-ups
V6 models, the GTS and E-Hybrid came with steel suspension, but Turbo editions and plug-in hybrids had air suspension, improving handling and refinement. This set-up was optional on other models.
Interior
The car’s high asking price starts to make sense when you’re in the Cayenne’s cabin. It’s tastefully designed, superbly constructed and hi-tech, but not overwhelming. The seats are supportive with plenty of adjustment, and the dashboard layout is intuitive; earlier cars borrowed much from the Panamera, while facelifted models share a lot with the Taycan.
The SUV’s rear seats slide backwards and forwards, while the Coupé came with two individual rear seats (a three-seat bench was a no-cost option), which are set lower to make up for the reduced roof height. Boot space is good at 770 litres, or 1,710 litres with the back seat dropped down; the Coupé’s figures are 625 and 1,540 litres.
Prices
Find an early 3.0 V6 Cayenne with 100,000 miles on the clock and you’ll find it’s surprisingly affordable. More than half of the Cayennes for sale are petrol editions, with the 3.0-litre engine by far the most common, but about 40 per cent of the cars for sale are plug-in hybrids.
Check the price of a Porsche Cayenne with our free car valuation tool...
Running costs
As you’d expect, running any Cayenne is costly. Insurance ratings range from 44 to 50, while all are subject to the luxury road tax supplement until year six. Expect 35-40mpg from a PHEV, but more like 25-30mpg from V6 petrol cars; the V8s are more likely to average no more than 20mpg.
Services alternate between minor and major, which are priced at around £1,100 and £1,600 respectively, although exact costs vary depending on spec. Those prices might seem steep, but with a service interval of two years or 20,000 miles, they’re not as bad as you might think.
Recalls
Porsche has recalled the Cayenne Mk3 eight times. The first two were in March and November 2019, because faulty software meant the brake wear indicator didn’t work. Fuel leaks on some cars led to a recall in May 2020, while sub-standard lock nuts were fitted to the rear suspension of some cars; that recall came in May 2021.
Cracked engine blocks led to a recall in June 2021, then a month later another was issued because of insecure steering columns. The two most recent recalls came in February 2022 and August 2024, both related to suspension issues – the earlier one concerned the rear set-up and the later one was due to components in the front.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
There have been no appearances by Porsche in our new-car survey since the Cayenne Mk3 was launched. With the brand accounting for just one per cent of the UK market (with 20,000 sales), it’s a niche player. But in our 2024 Brands survey Porsche came fourth out of 32, with numerous category wins, including for interior and exterior quality, interior design, steering response and driving pleasure.
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Used Porsche Cayennes for sale
2014 Porsche
Cayenne
135,000 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L
Cash £15,9992018 Porsche
Cayenne
80,700 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L
Cash £21,9952018 Porsche
Cayenne
60,000 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L
Cash £24,9992023 Porsche
Cayenne
10,117 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L
Cash £60,545
2014 Porsche
Cayenne
99,000 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L
Cash £12,500
2023 Porsche
Cayenne
23,540 milesAutomaticPetrol4.0L
Cash £52,995
2018 Porsche
Cayenne
83,150 milesAutomaticDiesel4.1L
Cash £25,995
2023 Porsche
Cayenne
64,016 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L
Cash £43,995
2023 Porsche
Cayenne
70,730 milesAutomaticPetrol2.9L
Cash £34,495More reviews
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