2016 Porsche Cayenne: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 13, 2026

2016 Porsche Cayenne

The biggest change for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne is the return of the base Cayenne, GTS, and Turbo S, restoring the full seven-trim U.S. lineup. Otherwise, this is mostly a carryover year following the major 2015 update.

Shop 17 in stock at Carvana

About the 2016 Porsche Cayenne

2nd generation Cayenne (958 facelift, 2015-2018), second year after the mid-cycle update.

Porsche positions the Cayenne as the sports car of the midsize luxury SUV class: a five-seat SUV that still puts steering feel, handling, and strong acceleration at the center of the experience. It is meant to blend everyday usefulness, long-trip comfort, towing ability, and an upscale cabin with a much sharper driving character than most rivals. The wide range of engines—from diesel to plug-in hybrid to twin-turbo V8—lets the model serve very different buyers without changing that basic identity.

The 2016 range spans from the 300-hp base Cayenne and long-distance-focused Diesel to the plug-in S E-Hybrid. The GTS adds a 440-hp twin-turbo V6, sport exhaust, and lowered suspension, while the 570-hp Turbo S sits at the top with a twin-turbo V8, carbon-ceramic brakes, and handling-focused chassis systems.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
Three powertrain-and-trim combinations return to the U.S. range: the base Cayenne with a 300-hp V6, the GTS with a 440-hp twin-turbo V6, and the Turbo S with a 570-hp twin-turbo V8. The Diesel, S, S E-Hybrid, and Turbo largely carry over.

2016 Porsche Cayenne specs and features by trim

2016 Porsche CayenneS1 in stock
2016 Porsche CayenneGTS0 in stock
2016 Porsche CayenneBase0 in stock
2016 Porsche CayenneTurbo1 in stock
2016 Porsche CayenneDiesel1 in stock
2016 Porsche CayenneTurbo S0 in stock
2016 Porsche CayenneS E-Hybrid3 in stock
EngineV6, Twin Turbo, 3.6 LiterV6, Twin Turbo, 3.6 LiterV6, 3.6 LiterV8, Twin Turbo, 4.8 LiterV6, Turbo Dsl, 3.0LV8, Twin Turbo, 4.8 LiterV6, Sprchg, Hybrid, 3.0L
TransmissionAuto, 8-Spd Tiptronic SAuto, 8-Spd Tiptronic SAuto, 8-Spd Tiptronic SAuto, 8-Spd Tiptronic SAuto, 8-Spd Tiptronic SAuto, 8-Spd Tiptronic SAuto, 8-Spd Tiptronic S
DrivetrainAWDAWDAWDAWDAWDAWDAWD
Fuel TypeGasGasGasGasDieselGasPlug-In Hybrid
MPG City17 mpg16 mpg19 mpg14 mpg20 mpg14 mpg
MPG Highway24 mpg23 mpg24 mpg21 mpg29 mpg21 mpg
Horsepower420 hp300 hp520 hp240 hp570 hp
Torque406 lb-ft443 lb-ft295 lb-ft553 lb-ft406 lb-ft590 lb-ft325 lb-ft
Max Towing7716 lb7716 lb7716 lb7716 lb7716 lb
Trunk/Cargo62.9 cu-ft60.2 cu-ft62.9 cu-ft60.2 cu-ft62.9 cu-ft60.2 cu-ft59.7 cu-ft
Seats5555555
Doors4444444
Electric Range14
MPGe Combined47
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
360 Camera
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Heated Windshield
LED Daytime Running Lights
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
USB Ports
4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Rear Air Conditioning
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
Ventilated Rear Seats

How the 2017 Porsche Cayenne compares

The biggest change for the 2017 Porsche Cayenne is its newer touchscreen system, which brings a 7-inch display and standard navigation to every model. This is a light update rather than a redesign.

See the full 2017 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2016 Porsche Cayenne?

The biggest change is the return of the base Cayenne, GTS, and Turbo S to the U.S. lineup. Their return restores the full seven-trim range for 2016.

Was the 2016 Porsche Cayenne redesigned?

No, the 2016 Cayenne was not redesigned. It is the second model year after the 2015 mid-cycle update, and most of the existing trims keep the same core powertrains and hardware.

What is different about the 2016 Cayenne GTS?

The GTS returns to the U.S. range for 2016 as the sport-focused Cayenne below the V8 models. It has a 440-hp twin-turbo V6, standard sport exhaust, lowered adaptive suspension, and larger brakes from the Turbo.

What makes the 2016 Cayenne Turbo S the top model?

The Turbo S returns for 2016 with a 570-hp twin-turbo V8. It also has carbon-ceramic brakes and chassis systems that actively manage body lean and distribute power for sharper handling.

Is the 2016 Cayenne worth considering over the 2015 model?

The 2016 model mainly matters if you want the base Cayenne, GTS, or Turbo S, since those three trims return for this year. The Diesel, S, S E-Hybrid, and Turbo are largely carryovers from 2015.

2016 Porsche Cayenne Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2016 Porsche Cayenne.

4.5
2016 Porsche Cayenne
(71 reviews)
5 stars (41)
4 stars (24)
3 stars (5)
2 stars (1)
1 star (0)

About owner reviews

Carvana owner reviews are provided in partnership with Strategic Vision, one of the largest automotive consumer research providers in the U.S. Star ratings are from ranking surveys completed by owners one to six months post-purchase. Comments from owners are optional, but included here when available.

No rating

“My 2016 Porsche Cayenne was a gift. I don't know that I could have afforded the car but I am truly enjoying the experience of owning and driving this marvelous piece of machinery.”

BGBrooke G.
2016 Porsche Cayenne Base AWD
No rating

“The is my 3 Porsche Cayenne and I've always enjoyed the drive, prestige, low maintenance, and it's a great car in its class with so many positive reviews from customers.”

LBLisa B.
2016 Porsche Cayenne Base AWD

“The car is fun to drive for a SUV. The mileage is decent for the size of the engine and the car.”

DWDale W.
2016 Porsche Cayenne S AWD

Sources