2015 Porsche Cayenne
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV, Diesel 4dr SUV, S E-Hybrid 4dr SUV, S/Gts 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 240–420 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,597–5,181 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2015 standard SUV (18.2 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 420 hp, versus about 300 hp for similar 2015 models.
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in 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 23 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Porsche Cayenne is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo and 4.8L 8-cyl turbo), 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 4,652 lb (4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 26% better than the 2015 standard SUV average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 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 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2015
- New plug-in hybrid version
- No hybrid version any more
- Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 3.6L 6-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Cayenne →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Leipzig, Germany · OsnabrüCk, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,652 lb | 53/47 |
| Diesel 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,652 lb | 53/47 |
| S E-Hybrid 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 5,181 lb | 53/47 |
| S/Gts 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,597 lb | 53/47 |
| Turbo/Turbo S 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 66.9 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,982 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 | +26% | $4,150 | 445 |
| Cayenne S e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | +21% | $3,750 | 260 |
| Cayenne S | 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 461 |
| Cayenne Turbo | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -7% | $4,850 | 536 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Porsche Cayenne.
Similar 2015 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Porsche Cayenne (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Land Rover Range Rover | 24 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2015 BMW X5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2015 BMW X3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2015 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Porsche Macan | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
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.
Suspension · Dec 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V824000 · 2 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne S vehicles manufactured November 26, 2014, to November 27, 2014. Due to a manufacturing error, the suspension alignment on the front and rear axles may not have been performed correctly and the screw connections of the camber, toe and caster may not have been tightened with the specified torque.
- Risk
- If the suspension alignment was incorrectly performed, vehicle handling could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will perform a front and rear suspension alignment, and check the screw connections for the proper torque, retightening as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification date. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AF04.
Not every 2015 Porsche Cayenne is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Porsche Cayenne buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Exterior Lighting — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 29,000 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 2015 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 |
| 2014 Cayenne | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 50 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →