The Porsche Cayenne 958 is the second-generation Cayenne SUV, sold from the 2011 through 2018 model years. It is a much cleaner-driving SUV than the first Cayenne, with a wider range of V6, V8, diesel, and hybrid choices.
In this article, we’ll explain the Porsche Cayenne 958, the second-generation SUV that ran from 2011 through 2018. We’ll cover the early cars, the 2015 facelift, and what to check before buying.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Years: 2011 through 2018 in the United States.
- Other names: E2 in Porsche history material and 92A in many parts listings.
- Early cars: 2011 through 2014, before the mid-cycle update.
- Facelift: 2015 through 2018, with new styling and updated powertrains.
- Choices: V6, V8, diesel, hybrid, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S models exist.
- Buying tip: pay for a Porsche specialist inspection before you pay for the SUV.
What the 958 Name Means
958 is the enthusiast shorthand for Porsche’s second Cayenne generation. Porsche calls it the E2 in its own Cayenne history. You will also see 92A in parts catalogs and repair discussions. They point to the same basic generation.
Porsche launched the second Cayenne in 2010. That makes a 2011 model-year SUV the first year most US buyers will see. It replaced the original 955 and 957 Cayenne, which had a much rounder body and a different cabin.
The 958 stayed on sale until the third-generation Cayenne arrived for 2019. It is not a small update of the first car. The proportions, interior, engines, and driving feel all moved on. If you need a broad overview, start with our Porsche Cayenne guide.
The Early 2011 to 2014 Cars
The early 958 has softer-looking headlights and a rounded lower front bumper. It still looks current beside many older luxury SUVs, but the 2015 facelift is easy to spot once you know the lights.
Porsche offered a base Cayenne, Cayenne S, Turbo, and Turbo S, along with diesel and hybrid versions in some markets. The US range and equipment changed by year. Read the window sticker and build sheet instead of trusting an online listing title.
Options change the ownership experience
The early cars also set the basic 958 formula. They are five-seat SUVs with all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, and a long options list. Air suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, and torque-vectoring equipment can transform how a particular car feels. They can also add cost when neglected.
The 2015 Facelift
Porsche updated the Cayenne for the 2015 model year. Its 2014 announcement described sharper styling, more efficiency, and more standard equipment. Owners often call these later cars the 958.2.
The visual change is real. Look for the revised front bumper, headlights, hood, and rear lights. The details vary by trim, so compare like for like. A clean early car is not automatically a worse buy than a facelifted one.
The facelift also reshuffled the engine range. Porsche introduced a new twin-turbo V6 Cayenne S and continued to develop the hybrid lineup. That is why model year is important on a 958. Two cars with the same badge can have very different engines.
Engines and Models
Shop by engine, not just trim
The 958 range is broad enough that you should shop by engine and condition first, then by badge. A base V6 is the straightforward entry point. The Cayenne S, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S add speed, equipment, and repair exposure.
| Model family | What it is | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Cayenne | The regular V6 model. | Buyers who want the simplest 958 route. |
| Cayenne S and GTS | Faster gasoline models with more performance focus. | Drivers who want a stronger road feel without a Turbo badge. |
| Turbo and Turbo S | The high-performance V8 versions. | Buyers with room in the budget for specialist maintenance. |
| Diesel | Torque-heavy models sold in selected markets. | High-mileage drivers where diesel support makes sense. |
| Hybrid and S E-Hybrid | Electrified versions of the 958. | Buyers who will check charging and battery records closely. |
There is no automatic winner. A documented Cayenne S can be a smarter buy than a cheap Turbo with missing invoices. The same goes for options. A loaded car is fun, but every extra system needs to work at inspection.
The Hybrid Models
Porsche offered hybrid Cayennes during this generation. The later Cayenne S E-Hybrid was a plug-in hybrid and marked Porsche’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. Porsche’s Cayenne press material tracks the line’s later E-Hybrid development.
A hybrid can be a good choice, but buy the condition rather than the idea. Test its charging equipment, drive it in electric and gasoline modes, and have a specialist scan it before money changes hands. Ask for invoices that show how the car was serviced.
Buying a Cayenne 958
Start with the VIN, the original build specification, and complete service records. Then book a pre-purchase inspection with a Porsche specialist. The inspection should include a cold start, a road test, a diagnostic scan, and a look underneath.
Test every option. Check the air suspension height settings if fitted, the power tailgate, cameras, climate control, seat functions, and infotainment. A seller saying something “just needs a reset” is not a service record.
Check recalls by VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup if you are shopping in the US. For model-specific repair history, use our Cayenne common problems guide. A good inspection is still cheaper than discovering a big issue after the first week.
Buy the cleanest example you can afford. The 958 is a great all-round Porsche when it has been cared for. It is a poor place to save money on the purchase price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Porsche Cayenne 958?
The Porsche Cayenne 958 is the second-generation Cayenne SUV, sold for the 2011 through 2018 model years. Porsche also calls this generation E2 and uses 92A in parts catalogs.
What years are Porsche Cayenne 958 models?
Porsche Cayenne 958 models cover the 2011 through 2018 model years. The facelifted version arrived for 2015, so it is often called the 958.2.
How can I tell a facelifted Cayenne 958 from an early one?
A facelifted Cayenne 958 has a sharper front bumper, redesigned headlights, and revised rear lights. It arrived for the 2015 model year.
Which Porsche Cayenne 958 should I buy?
Buy a Porsche Cayenne 958 with complete service records, a clean inspection, and the engine you understand. A well-kept base V6 can beat a neglected Turbo every time.
Does the Porsche Cayenne 958 have a hybrid?
Yes, Porsche sold the Cayenne S Hybrid and later the Cayenne S E-Hybrid during the 958 generation. The S E-Hybrid was Porsche’s first plug-in hybrid SUV.
Images: Porsche 958 Cayenne S, front by Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC0. Porsche Cayenne 958 Turbo, 2017 by Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0. Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid by Yahya S. from Livonia, United States, CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
