2018 Porsche Cayenne review
Porsche Cayenne highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Engaging to drive
- Superb interior fit, finish, and luxury
Cons
- Space is at a premium, in both the cabin and the trunk
- Many must-have items remain costly options
Mileage (EPA estimate)
14 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2018 Porsche Cayenne remains the sporting SUV to beat
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne has few changes over last year’s Cayenne. The Diesel model was quietly dropped from the lineup, leaving an all-gasoline range, with green-leaning Cayenne buyers offered the plug-in S E-Hybrid model. Tempting as the range-topping Turbo and Turbo S models are with their supercar-rivaling performance, the midrange Cayenne S with its turbocharged 420-hp V6 engine remains a hugely compelling choice.
As has always been the case, the Cayenne isn’t very spacious, offering comparable trunk space to many SUVs in the size category below. It compensates with a large towing capacity, with the Cayenne S able to haul as much as 7,716 pounds. Newer rivals generally offer more standard equipment, and Porsche still charges extra for must-haves like Apple CarPlay® and a rearview parking camera. Regardless, this Cayenne ends 2018 and heads into a redesign as the model to beat underlines how much better it has always been against its rivals on the road.
All Porsche Cayenne years
What is new for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne?
- Cayenne trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
- Seat Massagers features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Platinum trim now comes with Leather & Suede Seats as standard equipment.
- The Turbo S trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel, Adjustable Suspension, and Rear Air Conditioning as standard equipment.
2018 Porsche Cayenne trims
Cayenne
Includes power-folding heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, leather upholstery, slide and recline rear row with 40/20/40 split, power tailgate, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
S
Adds 19-inch wheels, slide and tilt sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, eight-way power front seats with driver-seat memory settings, Bose speakers, and more.
S E-Hybrid
Adds adaptive suspension dampers, Porsche Connect with E-mobility, energy management display, and more.
GTS
Adds 20-inch wheels, adjustable air suspension, high-performance brakes, front sport seats, exclusive upholstery styling, and more.
Turbo
Adds heated steering wheel, full leather cabin interior, 18-way adaptive front sport seats, heated rear outboard seats, 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, and more.
Turbo S
Adds 21-inch wheels, two-tone leather upholstery choices, carbon-fiber interior trim, leather-upholstered dashboard, high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, and more.
Platinum
Adds 20-inch wheels, body-colored fender flares, heated front seats, smartphone integration, real-time traffic display, cornering lights, and more.
S E-Hybrid Platinum
Unlocks auxiliary climate system for cabin preheating or precooling.
Porsche Cayenne photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Porsche Cayenne
1. Classy color choices
When buying a luxury vehicle, you'll no doubt want it to stand out. Whether you're looking at your Cayenne in the parking lot or in your driveway, it's sure to bring a smile to your face. In addition to the smooth, athletic lines of the 2018 model, you also get some classy color choices. Look for models in Moonlight Blue Metallic if you want something chic yet understated. For a little more pizzazz, the Carmine Red or Mahogany Metallic options will really turn heads. The real showstopper, however, is Palladium Metallic, a gold that sparkles in the sunshine.
2. Sports car engine options
With a 3.6L V6 under the hood of the 2018 Cayenne as standard, this SUV has the heart of a sports car. If you want a boost from the 300 horsepower the V6 offers, there's an available turbocharged version with 420 horsepower. For next-level power, the 520-hp 4.8L V8 will give you that sporty rumble you crave. Even the 3.0L V6 hybrid engine has 416 horsepower.
3. Impressive hybrid powertrain
The hybrid engine is a great choice if you're looking for balance, with 416 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. The 2018 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 47 combined MPGe with both the gas engine and the electric motor.
4. Excellent towing capacity
Looking good is one thing, but the 2018 Porsche Cayenne is also very practical. Whether you want to pull some toys to the lake for a long weekend or want to hitch up a camper for some time away from everyday life, the Cayenne has you covered. When properly equipped, the 2018 Porsche Cayenne (all engine sizes and trims) with all-wheel drive and either the six- or eight-speed automatic transmission can tow an estimated 7,716 lbs.
5. A Deluxe interior cabin
As you might expect from a luxury SUV, the 2018 Porsche Cayenne offers a well-appointed cabin with lots of space to stretch out. The power-adjustable front seats are comfortable, with the right amount of support as you navigate twists and turns. You'll also get a standard 10-speaker audio system with Bluetooth® connectivity, so every drive can have its own soundtrack. If music is important to you, look for models with the available Bose® sound system (standard on S models and higher). Other great optional features include a leather dashboard, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and much more.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2018 Porsche Cayenne, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxury SUV that delivers a smooth ride and premium materials in a spacious vehicle. The 2017-2019 GLE is powered by a standard 302-hp V6 (329-hp for 2019) and features optional all-wheel drive. Two twin-turbo V6 engine options are available, with one featuring additional power via an electric motor. AMG performance trims are also available for 2017-2019, with twin turbocharged V6 and V8 engine options.
In 2020, Mercedes updated the GLE for its fourth generation with a new 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower. A 3.0L turbo V6 and a 4.0L turbo V8 also entered the revised lineup, both with a mild hybrid system and 362 hp and 483 hp, respectively.
Standard features on 2017-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class models include:
Premium vinyl upholstery
LED daytime running lights and taillights
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Eight-inch display (12.3-inch touchscreen for 2020+)
As a head-turning highway commuter vehicle or fun-filled weekend companion, the BMW X5 is a capable, deluxe crossover SUV. For 2017–2019 models, a five-passenger configuration is standard, with the option to increase to a three-row, seven-seater if you regularly travel as a larger group. For 2017–2018, the X5 has four trim levels. The xDrive 35i and xDrive 35d are both powered by a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine fueled by gas or diesel, respectively.
The xDrive40e is a plug-in hybrid, while the range-topping xDrive50i has a turbocharged V8 engine, capable of towing an estimated 6,000 lbs, when properly equipped.
Cargo storage area of 33.9 cu ft
Stability and traction control
19-inch wheels
Power liftgate
10.2-inch central display screen
If you're looking for an all-electric midsize luxury SUV with an optional third row, the Tesla Model X blends zero-emissions performance with cabin space. 2017–2019 models come standard with two rows of seating for five passengers but adding the available third-row increases capacity to seven passengers. Pairing an electric motor with a 75-kWh battery, base level 2017–2019 Model Xs provide an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles on a full charge, which is ideal for longer trips.
Air suspension system
Falcon wing doors
Power liftgate
17-inch touchscreen display
Navigation system
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Porsche Cayenne an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Porsche Cayenne 25th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Porsche CayennePorsche Cayenne features and specs
Base 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- BOSE Sound System
- Burmester Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear A/C Seat(s)
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
3.6L
Horsepower
300
Torque (ft-lbs)
295
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
26.4
Wheelbase
114"
Overall length
191.1"
Width
78.7"
Height
67.4"
Head room
F 39.6"
Front tires
P255/55VR18
Rear tires
P255/55VR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
772/7716 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Porsche Cayenne FAQ
The Turbo models are the fastest of the 2018 Porsche Cayenne lineup. With the 550-horsepower turbocharged 4.8L engine, they can reach a top speed of 176 mph and will go from zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).
All 2018 Porsche Cayenne models come with standard all-wheel drive, allowing you to go off the beaten path. The available traction management and hill control systems add to the Cayenne's off-road abilities.
The Cayenne S is one step above the base model of the Porsche Cayenne. On 2018 models, the S adds a more powerful 420-hp 3.6L turbocharged engine (up from 300 hp on the base model), front and rear parking sensors, a power driver's seat, and more.
Yes. The 2018 base, S, GTS, and Turbo Cayenne models can preemptively lock the variable clutch plate differential. This happens through the traction management system, or the driver can select to lock it.
More about the 2018 Porsche Cayenne
Exterior:
Black
Carmine Red (not available on Platinum models)
Carrara White Metallic
Jet Black Metallic
Mahogany Metallic
Meteor Grey Metallic (not available on Platinum models)
Moonlight Blue Metallic (not available on Platinum models)
Palladium Metallic (not available on Platinum models)
Purpurite Metallic
Rhodium Silver Metallic
White
Interior:
Agate Grey
Black
Black/Cohiba Brown
Black/Cream
Black/Garnet Red
Black/Luxor Beige (not available on Turbo or Turbo S trim)
Black/Rhodium Silver (GTS model only)
Black/Saddle Brown
Espresso
Espresso/Cognac
Luxor Beige
Saddle Brown
Saddle Brown/Cream
Saddle Brown/Luxor Beige
Interior details
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne is luxurious, with a quiet and well-appointed interior featuring leather seating and soft carpets as standard. The GTS boasts exclusive upholstery and seats that are as comfortable as they are sporty. To boost the luxury, look for the Turbo S trim, which adds two-tone leather seating, carbon fiber details, and a leather dashboard. Jump up to Platinum if you'd like heated front seats for maximum comfort on chilly winter days.
Child seat details
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne rear outboard seats each have a full set of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors, one tether anchor), while the middle seat is tether only. The generous cabin means that a wide range of front- and rear-facing convertible seats, infant seats, and child booster seats can be accommodated.
Performance
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne may be a midsize SUV, but it's a sports car at heart. All-wheel drive comes standard for better grip through the corners; this is backed up with snug front seats. If you want race-car-like handling, look at the Turbo model, which has adaptive sports seats, active aerodynamics, active air suspension, and active suspension management. All this means you'll be able to get a zero-to-60 time of just 4.1 seconds from the 4.8L turbocharged engine (according to the manufacturer, when new). That same engine will achieve an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined.
If thrifty performance is more your style, look at the base 3.6L engine, which has an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 261 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018 Porsche Cayenne base trim model's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 432 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018 Porsche Cayenne S trim model's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 452 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018 Porsche Cayenne Platinum trim model's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 453 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018 Porsche Cayenne GTS trim model's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 476 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S trim models' tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are both 536 grams per mile.
These estimates are based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
Year Comparisons
2011–2018 Porsche Cayenne (Second Generation)
In 2011, the Porsche Cayenne got a sportier look that was further upgraded in 2015. This year also saw the arrival of the E-Hybrid model. While a diesel engine was available for much of the Cayenne's second generation, it was discontinued in 2018.
2019-Present Porsche Cayenne (Third Generation)
Totally redesigned for its third generation, the Cayenne received a facelift with a subtle new look. All engines also became turbocharged, with a 335-horsepower 3.0L turbo as standard. A sleeker version of the Cayenne was also released—the four-seat Coupe model is a sportier-looking SUV that leans on Porsche's motorsport heritage.
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