2013 Porsche Cayenne: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The big news for the 2013 Porsche Cayenne is the addition of the Diesel and GTS models. Otherwise, this is a lineup-expansion year rather than a redesign or broad mechanical update.
About the 2013 Porsche Cayenne
2nd generation (958, 2011-2014 pre-refresh), third model year before the 2015 facelift.
Porsche positions the Cayenne as the SUV that brings real Porsche driving character to everyday life. Its core appeal is a rare mix of sports-car-like steering and handling, five-seat utility, towing ability, and long-trip comfort. The wide range of engines—from the base V6 to diesel, hybrid, V8, and turbocharged versions—lets the Cayenne serve very different buyers without losing the model’s central identity as a practical luxury SUV that still feels unmistakably sporty.
The 2013 range stretches from the everyday V6 Cayenne to several distinct specialty models. The new Diesel emphasizes long-distance driving and strong pulling power, while the new 420-hp V8 GTS adds a lowered air suspension, sport exhaust, and more aggressive styling. The Turbo remains the luxury-performance flagship with a 500-hp twin-turbo V8, touchscreen navigation, and Bose audio.
What changed, by category
2013 Porsche Cayenne specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.8 Liter / V6, Sprchg, Hybrid, 3.0L | V8, 4.8 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.8 Liter | V6, Diesel, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 16–20 mpg | 15 mpg | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–24 mpg | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 380–400 hp | 420 hp | 300 hp | 500 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 369–427 lb-ft | 381 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7716 lb | 7716 lb | 7716 lb | 7716 lb | 7716 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 59.7–62.9 cu-ft | 62.9 cu-ft | 62.9 cu-ft | 60.2 cu-ft | 62.9 cu-ft |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2013 Porsche Cayenne redesigned?
No. The 2013 Cayenne remains part of the second generation introduced for 2011, with the Diesel and GTS joining the lineup rather than a full redesign taking place.
What is new about the 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel?
The Cayenne Diesel is new for 2013. It has a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 with 406 lb-ft of torque, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and permanent all-wheel drive, with an emphasis on highway range and strong low-speed pulling power.
What makes the 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS different?
The GTS is a new driver-focused model for 2013. It combines a 420-hp 4.8-liter V8 with lowered air suspension, a sport exhaust, more aggressive bodywork, and sport seats with Alcantara centers.
Did every 2013 Porsche Cayenne receive an update?
Yes, but the lineup-wide update is small: every 2013 Cayenne gets a standard analog dashboard clock. The more substantial changes are limited to the new Diesel and GTS models.
Is the 2013 Porsche Cayenne meaningfully different from the 2012 model?
It is meaningfully different if the Diesel or GTS appeals to you, because both models joined the range for 2013. For the returning Cayenne, S, S Hybrid, and Turbo models, the year-to-year change is minor and centers on the standard analog dashboard clock.
Sources
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:Bcf241Cc 0675 4De7 95C0 633F957935Ed / 2013 Cayenne V6 and Cayenne Diesel Technical Specifications.pdf
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:40Bcf98D 8D5F 473C 82Ef 4Ede9F94Db3C / 2013 Cayenne S Cayenne GTS and Cayenne S Hybrid Technical Specifications.pdf
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:D04F777E A249 453C B20C Cab36Fe794C1 / 2013 Cayenne Turbo Technical Specifications