The Good
The 2018 Cayenne boasts impressive performance, offering thrilling acceleration and agile handling appealing to enthusiasts. Its luxurious interior provides exceptional comfort. While not the most fuel-efficient, it's relatively reasonable for its class. Although reliability can be a concern, it offers a prestigious ownership experience and decent resale value, satisfying both emotional and practical needs.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses include higher maintenance and repair costs compared to non-luxury SUVs. Some owners have reported electrical issues and coolant leaks. Air suspension problems can also occur. Prospective buyers should get a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with Porsches to identify any potential problems before buying, ensuring the car is up to date with its service needs.
2018 Porsche Cayenne: Quick Overview
Here's a summary of the 2018 Porsche Cayenne's key specs:
- Engine Options:
- 3.0L Turbocharged V6 (Base): 340 hp
- 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 (S): 440 hp
- 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 (GTS): 440 hp
- 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (Turbo): 550 hp
- 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (Turbo S E-Hybrid): 680 hp (combined)
- Horsepower: Ranges from 340 hp to 680 hp depending on the trim.
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- Base: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- S: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- Turbo: 15 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
- Turbo S E-Hybrid: 21 mpg combined (gas/electric), 46 MPGe combined (electric)
- 0-60 Times:
- Base: 5.9 seconds
- S: 4.9 seconds
- GTS: 5.1 seconds
- Turbo: 3.9 seconds
- Turbo S E-Hybrid: 3.2 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,716 lbs (when properly equipped).
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: 19-inch wheels, partial leather upholstery, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and parking sensors.
- S: More powerful engine, upgraded brakes, adaptive suspension management (PASM), and 19-inch wheels.
- GTS: Unique styling elements, sport exhaust, sport seats, and upgraded interior trim.
- Turbo: Even more powerful engine, adaptive air suspension, leather upholstery, and premium audio system.
- Turbo S E-Hybrid: Plug-in hybrid powertrain, ceramic composite brakes, and exclusive trim details.
2018 Porsche Cayenne Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2018 |
| Make | Porsche |
| Model | Cayenne |
| Trim | - |
| Style | All-Wheel Drive |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | OSNABRUCK |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2035.72 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 171.2 cm |
| Overall Length | 485.39 cm |
| Overall Width | 199.9 cm |
| Wheelbase Length | 289.56 cm |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Premium Unleaded V-6 3.6 L/220 |
| Engine Size | 3.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 8-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $60,600 USD |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2018 Porsche Cayenne Have?
While specific recall data may vary, checking the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website for any recalls related to the 2018 Cayenne is crucial before purchasing. Long-term reliability can be affected by the complexity of the vehicle's systems. The air suspension, in particular, is a known area for potential issues as the car ages. Regular maintenance is critical to mitigating potential problems.
Although the 2018 model doesn't have significantly different issues compared to surrounding years in this generation, any pre-existing problems or neglect will quickly manifest into costly repair needs. Therefore, a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a certified Porsche mechanic is essential to identify any existing or potential problems. Checking the vehicle's service history is also highly recommended.
How long will the 2018 Porsche Cayenne last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features include standard front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and lane departure warning. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The available Porsche InnoDrive system combines adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assist for semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
Safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags. While specific 2018 crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) or NHTSA might vary, the Cayenne generally performs well in safety tests. It's worth checking both agencies' websites for the most up-to-date ratings. The combination of standard and optional safety features makes the 2018 Cayenne a relatively safe and technologically advanced SUV. A head-up display was available as an option.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2018 Porsche Cayenne Prices and Market Value
2018 Porsche Cayenne Cost of Ownership
2018 Porsche Cayenne Fuel Efficiency
2018 Porsche Cayenne Safety Rating
NHTSA
2018 Porsche Cayenne Recalls & Defects
Equipment
2018 Porsche Cayenne Warranty
Rust
Basic
Drivetrain
Roadside
2018 Porsche Cayenne Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2018 Porsche Cayenne Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
In terms of features, the Cayenne is competitive, offering a similar range of luxury and technology options. However, some rivals may offer more standard features for the same price. Reliability is a mixed bag; the Cayenne isn't as consistently reliable as the Lexus RX, but it's comparable to other European rivals. The Range Rover Sport, for instance, is known to have more reliability issues.
In terms of price, the Cayenne tends to be on the higher end, especially when equipped with options. Alternatives to consider include the BMW X5 (for a balance of performance and practicality), the Audi Q7 (for a comfortable and tech-focused experience), or the Lexus RX (for superior reliability). The Mercedes-Benz GLE also offers a compelling combination of luxury and technology. Ultimately, the "better" choice depends on individual priorities: performance, luxury, reliability, or value.
Ranks #1357 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 1357 | 2018 Porsche Cayenne | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2018 Porsche Cayenne a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Rich BUMM 313 on February 22, 2021
Awesome catIt’s exactly what I wanted and is great for the winter and safe.I seen a few before I purchased this one and it just seemed like no k on be wants to negotiate and everybody wanted to charge more in the bluebook value is it’s unbelievable that I found somebody to look out like that and I appreciate it
Carrera driver on August 31, 2020
A lot of extras on this carGreat car. Nice interior with lots of features.Good exterior looks and see very few on the road. Like the heated and cooling seats. Plenty of rear leg room.
TurboDriver on May 29, 2019
The most comfortable car you will ever ride in.Really great passenger car with room for a medium dog in the back. Fast with a sleek look. Handles well on the backroads and in the city.
PorscheNewbie on April 4, 2019
So Far So GoodDefinitely everything it is supposed to be and handles winter without hesitation. Also owned an MDX and used to think that was the best winter vehicle I had driven but not true anymore.
Zzapp27 on March 2, 2019
A vehicle one must own or at least test drive!While I cannot change the past, now I want to imagine that I have always driven a Porsche or at least Cayenne from the time it was launched. Cayenne looks awesome and drives smoother than a knife cutting through butter. Extremely comfortable to drive short or long distance with lots of comfort options.
Daisy on December 5, 2018
The Porsche CayenneI love the way car handles the road. Handles turns really well and it grips the road well.I love the interior look of the 2018 cayenne. So glad it is not too electronic like some of the other cars.
DBS1956 on August 22, 2018
Great mid-size SUVThis is a terrific car. Very responsive, comfortable and a really good driving car. Great storage space and well designed driver's compartment. I am tall and the is very comfortable to drive and ride in
Nils on May 13, 2018
Probably the most comfortable car I've ever ownedGood looking and I purchased the dark green which is rarely seen except for special paint and while its expensive it is beautiful and I've never had any problems. I've rent other cars and I've had a 911 S and Macan and no other brand has lived up to it for comfort.
Chunky on April 24, 2018
Smooth RideGreat driving experience, drove a loaner for over a month while car was in the shop and now I want these instead of my Paneramera
Houtexcarfan on April 13, 2018
Best of Both WorldsPrimary goal was to get an luxury SUV. Looked at Escalade, Range Rover (this is me rolling my eyes), Q7, X5--(which is what I totally expected that I would end up with and my logic driven brain kept telling me to buy), XC90, F-Pace, etc.. And then I decided to throw the Cayenne in there just to do my "due diligence". A buddy of mine was telling me all morning not to do it because he said you're not going to want anything else. I thought to myself, I'm a rational, logical person, I can handle objectively making this decision...I was wrong! NOTHING, I mean NOTHING drives like a Porsche. That's number 1. Number 2, now I can drive a Porsche AND an SUV?!? Rainbows and unicorns people, rainbows and unicorns. LOVE the interior, especially the molded seats. I have the 2018 Base Platinum edition. Came with everything I wanted all the bells and whistles for a reasonable price. This point is important. I live in Houston. It's hot here. Trying to find an X5 or XC90 with ventilated seats was impossible. They kept telling me to order a custom build from the factory, which would be MORE than what I paid for the Cayenne. And to get all the same bells and whistles on the Q7, same price as the Cayenne. Dollar for dollar, the Cayenne is actually the best value. And I'm a finance guy saying that. I do find that the Base model not in "sport" mode is a little more sluggish than I would sometimes anticipate or like but then again, all the power I need is the touch of a button away. I came out of a Genesis R-SPEC that had 419 HP, so besides buying the Turbo or GTS, not much can touch that kind of power and speed anyway. And the dealership (both sales and service) experience is 2nd to none. Truly, other manufacturers can learn something from these guys. Single worse thing about the Cayenne (as part of the Volkswagen diesel settlement), the "auto start/stop" function defaults to the "on" position and it is not a setting you can save. In other words, if you want the auto start/stop function to be off, you have to manually turn it off every time you start the car...I blame Volkswagen for that one. I've had mine 3 months and I know that my next vehicle will be a Porsche, no doubt.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.