The 2018 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid places in the middle of our hybrid and electric SUV rankings. It has a potent powertrain, composed handling, and a rich interior. However, the Cayenne's high ownership costs keep it from taking a top spot in this segment.
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid's #4 ranking is based on its score within the 2018 Hybrid SUVs category. Currently the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid has a score of 8.0 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 53 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid is a fine option in the used hybrid and electric SUV class. This plug-in hybrid offers a good blend of luxury, comfort, and performance. That said, with its high average list price and subpar cargo capacity, it’s not the right choice for every buyer.
The 2018 Cayenne Hybrid has numerous strengths:
But don't overlook its weaknesses:
Our Porsche Cayenne Hybrid review includes far more than just one person's opinion. We collected professional evaluations from 53 sources and combined them with concrete data like fuel economy estimates, safety features, and performance specs to help you make an informed buying decision.
The U.S. News Best Cars team has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. To ensure our impartiality, we never accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team handles the advertising on our site.
Based on listings for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne on our site, the average price is $66,800. Prices range from $55,700 to $101,300 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location. These numbers include both nonhybrid and hybrid models. Note that hybrid models cost a bit more than their nonhybrid counterparts.
The 2018 Cayenne Hybrid’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $34,000, or $6,800 per year. That’s above average for a luxury midsize SUV.
The completely redesigned 2019 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid starts at $79,900. It features plenty of notable improvements over the 2018 model. For 2019, Porsche bumps the Cayenne E-Hybrid's horsepower to 455 (up from 416 horsepower in 2018 models). Also, the new model provides much more cargo space behind the rear seats.
Those aren’t the only changes. The 2019 Cayenne Hybrid comes standard with a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, navigation, and Apple CarPlay; these were options in 2018. The 2019 model also comes with a much larger touch screen. Newly available features include night vision assist and a surround-view parking camera.
You might save yourself a pretty penny by purchasing a used 2018 Cayenne Hybrid, but you'll miss out on many upgrades. The 2019 offers more, but it's only a good choice if it fits in your budget.
Read about the new Porsche Cayenne Hybrid »
There were no major changes to the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid for 2018, so to save some money, look to a nearly identical 2017 model or even one from 2016. The 2017 model’s only advantage over the 2016 version is the available Platinum trim.
Compare the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Cayenne Hybrid »
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The 2018 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.
Read more about Cayenne Hybrid reliability »
At the time of writing, there are no recalls for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.
See more information on Porsche Cayenne Hybrid safety recalls »
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid comes in two trims: S and S Platinum. Both trims come with plenty of features and have the same 416-horsepower hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive system. The S Platinum comes with a few extras, but many of the features were optional in both trims when the Cayenne Hybrid was in showrooms. As such, instead of focusing on a specific trim, you should shop around and see what used models have the best combination of features and value.
See 2018 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid trims and specs »
Porsche offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles 13 years old or less and with fewer than 124,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. For its certified pre-owned vehicles, Porsche extends the original new-car warranty to six years or 100,000 miles. If the CPO vehicle is past its original new-car warranty term (four-years/50,000-miles), Porsche will cover the CPO vehicle for two years with unlimited mileage. Each CPO Porsche must pass a 111-point inspection. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read the Porsche warranty page carefully.
Porsche’s CPO program is below average for a luxury carmaker, according to our research. Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar all have better programs.
At the time of writing, neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has crash tested 2018 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.
Standard advanced safety features:
Available advanced safety features:
See Cayenne Hybrid safety scores »
The 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid finishes a bit behind the Cayenne Hybrid in our rankings. The Porsche is more athletic, has a more upscale interior, and gets a slightly better predicted reliability rating. That said, the Acura gets better fuel economy and has more cargo space. It also costs a lot less. Pick the one that best suits your needs and your wallet.
As you might guess, the 2018 Porsche Cayenne is similar to its hybrid sibling. Choosing between these two Cayenne models depends on which you value more: better fuel economy or higher-end performance. The hybrid is more efficient (at least in all-electric mode), but the nonhybrid offers a range of potent engines, including some high-performance options.
Compare the Cayenne Hybrid, MDX Hybrid, and Cayenne »
The Cayenne E-Hybrid feels quick and powerful thanks to its hybrid powertrain. It jets off the line and will go from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds. This Porsche also has the handling chops to make good use of that power. Despite its heavy curb weight, the Cayenne Hybrid feels fairly agile, and the suspension does a good job absorbing most road imperfections. Regenerative brakes are a literal and figurative sticking point for many hybrids, but the Cayenne's regenerative brakes are smooth.
Under electric power alone, the Cayenne E-Hybrid gets excellent mileage for the class. After its gas engine joins in, however, the Cayenne E-Hybrid gets low estimates compared to rivals.
A fully charged Cayenne Hybrid can only travel 14 miles on electricity alone. With the Porsche Universal Charger, you can charge the Cayenne E-Hybrid using a conventional household electrical outlet or an industrial outlet.
The charging time depends on the method used:
The Cayenne Hybrid can tow up to 7,716 pounds when properly equipped.
Read more about Cayenne Hybrid performance »
The 2018 Cayenne Hybrid seats five people in two rows. Its attractive cabin uses plenty of premium materials. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the available sport seats make it easy to find a suitable driving position. The rear seats are comfortable as well, and they have plenty of head- and legroom, even for adults. The rear seats even slide forward and backward, creating more cargo space or more legroom.
Standard seating features:
Available seating features:
The 2018 Cayenne Hybrid has two complete sets of LATCH child car-seat connectors on the rear outboard seats and an upper tether on the rear middle seat. All of the anchor points are easy to find and access.
The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system features a touch screen, but there are also plenty of physical buttons for controlling functions. This can overwhelm users at first, as the many buttons make the PCM system seem complex and daunting. Fortunately, the controls are well-organized, and the system is easy to use once you're used to it.
See 2018 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid specs »
Read more about Cayenne Hybrid interior »
The Cayenne E-Hybrid has 20.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use and 59.7 cubic feet with them folded. Many other luxury midsize SUVs provide more cargo room. It's easy to load cargo because the air suspension lowers the vehicle to provide a low liftover height. A power liftgate is also available.
These cargo dimensions are for comparative purposes. There is no substitute for visually examining the storage area in any car you’re considering.
Porsche built the Cayenne Hybrid in Slovakia.
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#1 in 2018 Hybrid SUVs
#6 in 2018 Affordable Compact SUVs
#3 in 2018 Hybrid SUVs
#2 in 2018 Luxury Midsize SUVs
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