Few luxury SUVs meet discerning, thrill-seeking owners’ expectations better than the Porsche Cayenne. However, most consumers and critics place Lexus and BMW at the top of the midsize luxury SUV reliability list while giving a less enthusiastic nod to the Cayenne.

This could have something to do with issues Cayenne owners have endured before their SUV reaches the 100,000-mile mark. Some of those problems began as early as 30,000 miles on the 2019 model, causing owners to question whether choosing this Porsche SUV was wise.

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne’s 30,000-mile issues

In a 30,000-mile update of their 2019 Porsche Cayenne, Car and Driver‘s testers note several problems. Here’s a rundown of their significant maintenance and repair bills:

They spent $21 on two quarts of Porsche-spec OW-20 oil to replace the 1.3 quarts missing just before the 30,000-mile checkup. But that was trivial compared to the maintenance and repair costs that piled up afterward. An oil change and new spark plugs during the 30,000 scheduled service required $1,003 out-of-pocket. Another $200 to replace a gouged tire was an irritating precursor to replacing another wheel and a suspension realignment after hitting a curb. That cost $2,430.

According to CD’s 30,000-mile update, the overall cost of owning their 2019 Porsche Cayenne adds up to $1,626 for service, $103 for normal wear, $299 for repairs, and $3,046 for damage and destruction, bringing the 14-month total to $5,074. But with a new transmission problem that has developed, concerns of a significant increase in out-of-pocket expenses loom. So, what’s up with the transmission?

Their Cayenne’s transmission began to behave rather uncouthly at low speeds, which the frigid winter weather didn’t help. The automatic transmission’s issues include clunky, jerky downshifts, along with stop-start driveline jolts. They’re concerned that a visit to the dealership for a diagnosis will raise repair costs yet again. And the issue has dampened their original enthusiasm for owning and driving a Porsche Cayenne.

But the 2019 Porsche Cayenne boasts plenty of positive features

Despite their concern for long-term Cayenne ownership, Car and Driver’s testers have found plenty of positive features. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 rattles the cupholder at 5,000 rpm but produces an impressive 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. With that sort of power, the brakes’ firmness provides greater confidence, but it takes some getting used to.

The Cayenne’s controlled and competent suspension provides a smoother, quieter ride than other luxury SUVs while contributing to its balanced handling. Despite its 4,708 pounds, which partly accounts for the SUV’s average 21 mpg, the Cayenne offers effortless driving dynamics.

Behind the wheel sits a five-gauge instrument cluster featuring a true analog tachometer in the center, creating a sporty vibe. A clean and technical look defines the 2019 Cayenne’s haptic-feedback center console, featuring a smartphone-smooth black surface and crisp graphics.

Those who drive an SUV like a sports car rather than a limousine will find the right combination of elements to feed their rebellious side.

Owning a 2019 model

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne provides plenty of features to please luxury midsize SUV seekers with refined yet somewhat playful tastes. However, owning a Cayenne is less than a perfect experience. Its reliability tends to lag behind Lexus and BMW models in the same class despite its superior performance.

So, although this SUV may give you many reasons to love it, expect it to challenge your affections as it throws nagging issues at you along the way.