You want the finer things in life, and know that a mid-size luxury crossover SUV would fit your lifestyle very nicely. But which one should you choose? The 2021 Porsche Cayenne is a good option with plenty of exceptional luxury features, but is it reliable enough for your household’s needs?
How reliable is the 2019 Porsche Cayenne?
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne has a good reliability rating according to both experts and vehicle owners, and was even awarded a rating of 74 out of 100 on J.D. Power’s review of the model and year.
- Owner Reviews: 4.50 Stars
- Expert Reviews: 4.60 Stars
By taking advantage of the wealth of information available between the NHTSA website and Vehicle History’s massive database, we’ve compiled an article to help you understand the reliability of the Porsche Cayenne, using official recalls, customer complaints, owner and expert reviews, and more so you’re confident in your purchase.
History of the Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV developed to replace the Porsche 928 in the manufacturer’s lineup, starting with the 2003 model. This is Porsche’s first off-road model since the 1950s, as well as the first Porsche with four passenger doors. Additionally, there has been direct injection in all models since 2008.
Now into its third generation, the Cayenne has seen many changes, initially entering the market to mixed reactions, partially due to the manufacturer’s new reintroduction into the off-road market. However, it still provided great performance, good handling, and plenty of power, as may be expected from a Porsche brand vehicle.
The second generation of the Cayenne was revealed at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, sharing a platform with the VW Touareg and Audi Q7. The 2014 facelift allowed the manufacturer to introduce a hybrid and plug-in hybrid to the models. The third generation was introduced with the 2019 model year.
2019 Porsche Cayenne Owner Complaints, Recalls, and Related Issues
Though there are no specific recalls that directly impact the 2019 Porsche Cayenne’s overall reliability, it has five recalls that impact safety. Because an accident would also shorten the lifespan of the vehicle, issues with the brakes, shock absorbers, and backup camera should be dealt with quickly.
The NHTSA website mentions six consumer complaints for the 2019 Porsche Cayenne. None of these seem to impact the drivetrain or aspects of the vehicle that would shorten its lifespan or impact overall reliability. Furthermore, most of these issues seem to be issues that only impact a single vehicle.
With the 2019 Cayenne being the first year of the third generation, the vehicle had several extensive expert reviews performed. These mention the Cayenne’s higher cost compared to similarly-equipped crossover SUVs that have similar levels of performance with standard driver assist features that are options on the Cayenne.
The experts also mention the Cayenne as a good option for Porsche drivers who need a tougher vehicle. The new generation added a lot of features focused on technology and refinements of the model, including extensive aluminum framework and the new turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine, which has not had any issues to date.
Porsche vehicles are always known for luxury, but the Cayenne takes it to a new level with 18-way heated and ventilated seat adjustment, a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 15% interior space increase in the cargo area and rear seat, reflected in three added inches of body length.
A lower-slung exterior improves handling dramatically, which may improve safety. Experts agree that the new Cayenne performs more like a sports car than an SUV. Plenty of power is available from the new engine to twin-turbocharged V6 and V8 engines to get you through high hills and tough passing maneuvers.
But what about everyday drivers? Looking through the owner reviews, there’s a single two-star review mentioning a high-pitched whine creating excessive cabin noise, but nothing that impacts reliability. The reviews mention the Cayenne’s outstanding reliability and dependability, even with regular towing and hauling, and an outstanding driving experience with strong performance.
One aspect of reliability that is rarely mentioned is the interior finishes. Though many reviewers focus on the powertrain, when your vehicle’s interior is aging, it’s hard to enjoy it. One reviewer mentioned the leather seating’s resistance to staining and ease of cleaning, keeping the interior looking great for years.
Is the 2019 Porsche Cayenne Right for You?
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne is a great luxury crossover SUV, providing plenty of amazing features to make your ride more enjoyable. But is it the right vehicle for you and your household? Only you can determine that, but Vehicle History’s extensive database can help you find the right solution for your needs.
