2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Review: Green Knows How To Go
The 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is back for another round, and despite being a carryover model, this third-generation Cayenne (and second-generation Cayenne hybrid) is still a force to be reckoned with. Porsche has an uncanny knack for building beautifully balanced sports cars, and despite its SUV and hybrid monikers, the 2021 Cayenne E-Hybrid is still a blast to drive and very, very rapid. The E-Hybrid range consists of the base car with 455 horsepower and the top-of-the-line Turbo S E-Hybrid, which churns out 670 hp from its twin-turbo V8 gas engine and electric powertrain. The 4-door Cayenne E-Hybrid goes up against competitors such as the Volvo XC90 Hybrid and Range Rover Hybrid in the US market. The performance is there, and it's seriously luxurious and practical: it looks like Porsche has another winner on its hands.
Cayenne E-Hybrid Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 193.7 in | 114.0 in | 66.8 in | 78.1 in | 66.2 in | 65.9 in | 5,164.0 lbs |
Cayenne E-Hybrid Performance
Engine and Transmission
There are two options here, both of which offer explosive performance but only mediocre fuel economy for hybrids. The base model is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine mated to a hybrid-electric system. The combined power figure is 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which it sends to a four-wheel drivetrain via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Turbo S E-Hybrid gets a beefy twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and hybrid system that produces a combined 670 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo S uses the same drivetrain setup and will hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono Package. The top speed is 183 mph. With all that low-end torque, the Turbo S E-Hybrid can tow up to 7,700 lbs.
Cayenne E-Hybrid Interior
Cayenne E-Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid A Good SUV?
Since the Cayenne was first introduced nearly two decades ago, we've been big fans of its ability to combine comfort, luxury, and practicality with true Porsche driving dynamics and performance. The Cayenne E-Hybrid SUV is now in its second generation and is better than ever. In terms of styling, it might not be as in-your-face as some of its competitors, but that might not be a bad thing. On the road, this vehicle is simply amazing. The base model is more than powerful enough, but the Turbo S E-Hybrid takes things to a whole new level and will embarrass many a genuine sports car from the lights.
Porsche cars are known for their reliability, but there is no official safety rating review of the 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. Nevertheless, an impressive towing capacity, cargo bay, and passenger space make this a practical albeit expensive family hauler. If you're after a luxury performance SUV, few do it better than this.
What Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Model Should I Buy?
Firstly, we think the base E-Hybrid offers more than enough performance and costs over $80,000 less than the Turbo S E-Hybrid. Since there's only one trim on offer, we'd head to the options list. We'd get one in Moonlight Blue metallic ($800) and add the $4,900 Performance package, including rear-axle steering, adaptive air suspension, and a sport exhaust system. We would also add the $4,980 premium package, which adds 14-way front power seats, a Bose sound system, lane change assist, comfort access, heated front seats, and ambient lighting. The price of a Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid with this build comes to $100,630, including a delivery, processing, and handling fee of $1,350.