2013 Porsche Cayenne
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4 Dr SUV, Diesel 4 Dr SUV, S Hybrid 4 Dr SUV, S/Gts 4 Dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 240–500 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,475–4,938 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2013 standard SUV (17.1 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 500 hp, versus about 300 hp for similar 2013 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Porsche Cayenne is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,475 lb (4 Dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 35% better than the 2013 standard SUV average of 17.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2013
- New diesel version
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 21 to 23
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Cayenne →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Leipzig, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Cayenne configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,475 lb | 53/47 |
| Diesel 4 Dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,586 lb | 53/47 |
| S Hybrid 4 Dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,938 lb | 53/47 |
| S/Gts 4 Dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,553 lb | 53/47 |
| Turbo/Turbo S 4 Dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 66.9 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,883 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne Diesel Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +35% | $4,150 | 445 |
| Cayenne S Hybrid Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 24 / 21 | +23% | $3,900 | 414 |
| Cayenne | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +11% | $4,350 | 477 |
| Cayenne S | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | +5% | $4,550 | 504 |
| Cayenne Turbo | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -1% | $4,850 | 525 |
| Cayenne | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -1% | $4,850 | 513 |
| Cayenne GTS | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -6% | $5,150 | 546 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Porsche Cayenne.
Similar 2013 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Porsche Cayenne (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 BMW X3 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Volvo XC90 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 30, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V656000 · 222,858 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Mar 23, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V169000 · 88,300 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
- Risk
- If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip, installing any missing circlips, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG02.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Oct 17, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V506000 · 207 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cayenne and Cayenne GTS, model year 2013 Cayenne Diesel and model year 2014 Cayenne S, S Hybrid, Turbo, and Turbo S vehicles manufactured May 27, 2013, through July 10, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the calculated range of the remaining fuel displayed on the instrument cluster may be higher than the actual range. Additionally, the fuel level indicated by the fuel gauge may also be higher than actual amount in the tank.
- Risk
- The fuel display inaccuracies may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge. The recall began on December 5, 2013. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's recall number is AD03.
Not every 2013 Porsche Cayenne is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Porsche Cayenne buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 67,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Porsche Cayenne. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cayenne years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cayenne | 19 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 Cayenne | 22 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2024 Cayenne | 19 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 5 |
| 2023 Cayenne | 19 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2022 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2021 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 21 |
| 2020 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 25 |
| 2019 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 47 |
| 2018 Cayenne | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2017 Cayenne | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2016 Cayenne | 24 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 40 |
| 2015 Cayenne | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →