Used Porsche Cayenne for sale: everything you need to know

The Porsche Cayenne was a bit of a shock to the establishment when it arrived in 2002. In fact, a lot of people hated it, not helped by the car’s awkward styling. But the cries of enthusiasts didn’t stop it selling like hot bratwurst, and it’s often said that the Cayenne’s success is what has allowed Porsche to continue building the near-flawless sports cars that make the Porsche brand desirable in the first place.

There have been two generations of Cayenne since, the latest arriving in 2018, and having enjoyed a couple of small facelifts since. All the qualities that made the original Cayenne an impressive machine have only grown over time, with Porsche’s constant development keeping it not just competitive, but also keeping it in line with the times.

The luxury and performance SUV market is a busy one these days, in no small part thanks to the Cayenne showing just how much money could be made from it - so cars like the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Maserati Levante, and while it’s not strictly a competitor, even the Ferrari Purosangue owe their existence to the Cayenne.

Should you buy a Porsche Cayenne?

There may now be more prestigious SUVs, faster SUVs, and even SUVs that are more dynamically capable than the Porsche Cayenne, but there are very few cars that offer quite as wide a range of qualities in one package as Porsche’s big-selling SUV. Like the firm’s sports cars, the Cayenne’s strengths aren’t necessarily on a spec sheet, but how well the car works in the real world.

For starters, the Cayenne’s not a bad looking device these days. In fact, it’s probably easier on the eye than most cars in its class, and still shares a clear family resemblance with the Boxsters and 911s that make the Porsche badge desirable in the first place. It’s just as attractive inside the cabin, with a dashboard design similar to that of models like the Taycan electric car and the 911, albeit with the raised, commanding driving position that make cars like this appealing to so many people.

The fit and finish is excellent, the 911-style steering wheel great to hold, and the seats offer fantastic comfort over any distance - and of course, Porsche’s level of customisation means new buyers have the option to make the cabin even better, and used buyers get to enjoy the fruits of their labours. The Cayenne’s interior is also spacious, in no small part thanks to the car’s size, while the boot is also huge, displacing nearly 700 litres, though with batteries stored underneath, E-Hybrid models drop to just over 500 litres.

Naturally, the Cayenne is also excellent to drive. The Cayenne was among the first SUVs to not drive like a supertanker, and they’ve only got better over time - responsive engines, four-wheel steering in some models, and a suite of clever technology seems to shrink the SUV’s size and weight, and while it couldn’t be called nimble, it handles far better than you’d expect. Cayennes ride well too, though larger wheel options give the ride a firm edge over harsher bumps.

Depending on the model, Cayenne rivals cover everything from BMW X5s and Mercedes-Benz GLEs (particularly the higher-performance versions of either) and the Range Rover Sport, to other luxury and exotic models like the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, and Maserati Levante. Practicality, luxury, high performance - it really depends how much of each you want in an SUV.

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What’s the best used Porsche Cayenne model to buy?

There’s no wrong answer to which is the best used Porsche Cayenne to buy, but we do have a couple of favourites. Firstly, while the base model (if you can really call it that) does everything well, we do think it’s worth seeking out both the Cayenne S (particularly now it has the appeal of a V8 engine as well as extra performance), and the E-Hybrid, the latter potentially making a large contribution to lower fuel bills if you’re able to top up its electric range regularly enough.

Our other pick is the Cayenne GTS. While not as potent as the Turbo (and certainly not the Turbo E-Hybrid), it wears its Porsche heart on its sleeve a little more, with a more vocal soundtrack and a slightly more involving driving experience. And it’s still a Cayenne, so remains comfortable and practical, relatively high fuel consumption aside.

It’s worth noting that with the current generation Cayenne, sold since 2018, there has never been a diesel option - but you may still see diesels of the previous generation for sale. With 262PS from a 3-litre V6 diesel they perform well, and 48.2mpg combined economy is more frugal than any of the non-hybrid current models.

Used Porsche Cayenne fuel economy and performance

• Porsche Cayenne: The Cayenne’s 3-litre turbocharged V6 develops 353PS, with a claimed 0-62mph time of 6.0 seconds (or 5.7sec with Sport Chrono), while Porsche quotes combined fuel economy of up to 26.2mpg.
• Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: Electric assistance for the same 3-litre V6 bumps combined power up to 470PS. Acceleration times drop accordingly, to 4.9 seconds, while up to 46 miles of electric driving contribute to combined consumption of 188.3mpg.
• Porsche Cayenne S: It’s back to non-hybrid power with the S and a 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 making 474PS. It’ll reach 62mph from rest in 5.7 seconds (4.7 with Sport Chrono), and Porsche claims up to 22.8mpg. Earlier Cayenne S models used a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6.
• Porsche Cayenne GTS: There isn’t yet a GTS variant of the very latest Cayenne but the outgoing model made 460PS from a 4-litre V8 turbo engine, covering the 0-62mph dash in 4.5 seconds with Sport Chrono, and achieving 20.9mpg. Like the S, some earlier GTS used a 2.9-litre V6.
• Porsche Cayenne Turbo: Using the same 4-litre twin-turbo as the S and GTS, the Turbo features a further power bump to 550PS. 0-62mph falls to 4.1 seconds (an amazing 3.9 with Sport Chrono), and economy too falls to 20.9mpg. Like the GTS, the Turbo isn’t currently offered.
• Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid: The most potent Cayenne makes a massive 739PS from the combined efforts of another 4-litre twin-turbo V8, and electric power. It’ll reach 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, cover up to 45 miles in EV running, and has claimed economy of up to 166.2mpg.

What used Porsche Cayenne trim levels are available?

It’s one engine per model line with the Cayenne, which keeps things simple and explains why the trim lines you see below are the same as the engines mentioned above.

Essentially, if you want more performance, then you’ll probably get more features too - though Porsche has always offered an enormous range of options, so if you’re buying used, it’s likely no two Cayennes will be exactly alike even at the same trim level. The trim levels below refer to the latest Cayenne, but the range has remained broadly the same for a while now, so should still be representative of used models.

• The Porsche Cayenne barely qualifies as an entry-level model, with part-leather trim, 8-way power seats, LED headlights, and a large 12-inch touchscreen - as well as access to Porsche’s enormous options list, which the first buyer will almost certainly have dived into.
• The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid has much of the same kit as the base Cayenne, though does get a different 20-inch alloy wheel design. Again, the differentiation will mostly be in the options.
• The Porsche Cayenne S is the first of the V8 cars. It’s again visually similar, differentiated mainly from new by a different alloy wheel design.
• The Porsche Cayenne GTS isn’t currently offered new, but had a distinctly sporting look to align itself with GTS models throughout the Porsche range. A SportDesign exterior pack was standard, as was a sports exhaust, and a houndstooth interior trim pattern on the seats.
• The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is another model not found in the current range, but was defined more by its engine than its specification, and its supercar-style acceleration. It did get its own 20-inch alloy wheel design however.
• The Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid looks a little more different from the models further down the range - its wheel arch mouldings are body-coloured, and its front and rear bumpers are more aggressive. Wheels are 21 inches in diameter as standard, and the seats are fully leather-trimmed, 18-way adjustable sports items.

Used Porsche Cayenne dimensions and boot size

The Porsche Cayenne’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4930mm
• Width: 1983mm (mirrors folded), 2194mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1685mm
• Ground clearance: N/A

The Porsche Cayenne’s boot size is:

• 539-698 litres
• 1557-1708 litres (with the rear seats folded)

Used Porsche Cayenne road tax

Since April 2017, all cars have been subject to a first-year VED or ‘road tax’ rate related to their CO2 output, and then a fixed rate thereafter. Since all Cayennes cost over £40,000 new, they’re also subject to a surcharge in the second to the sixth years of registration, meaning a Cayenne younger than six years old will cost you £570 per year in tax, or £560 per year if it’s one of the E-Hybrids. After the sixth year, this drops down to £180 per year, or £170 per year for the plug-in models.

How much is it to insure a Porsche Cayenne?

Large, expensive, and high performance, it’s no surprise to find the Cayenne sitting towards the top of the 1-50 insurance group tree. Even the base model is group 44, along with the S and the E-Hybrid, while the Turbo and Turbo E-Hybrid are right at the top in group 50. Still, most rivals will have similar insurance costs, so like-for-like the Cayenne shouldn’t be much more expensive than equivalent vehicles.

Read our full Porsche Cayenne review