RX II (XU30) vs Cayenne I (955/957): which is better?
Lexus RX II (XU30) (2003–2009) vs Porsche Cayenne I (955/957) (2002–2010): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus RX II (XU30)
Porsche Cayenne I (955/957)Specifications
| Lexus RX II (XU30) | Porsche Cayenne I (955/957) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2003–2009 | 2002–2010 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 (RX350) | 4.5 V8 (Cayenne S) |
| Power, up to | 276 hp | 340 hp |
| Torque, up to | 342 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 755 mm | 4 782 mm |
| Width | 1 845 mm | 1 928 mm |
| Height | 1 680 mm | 1 699 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 715 mm | 2 855 mm |
| Fuel tank | 72 L | 100 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 509 525 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus RX II (XU30)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 276 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 72 L
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Porsche Cayenne I (955/957)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 340 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large fuel tank: 100 L
Cons
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- RX II (XU30) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Cayenne I (955/957) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: RX II (XU30) or Cayenne I (955/957)?
RX II (XU30): up to 276 hp, Cayenne I (955/957): up to 340 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: RX II (XU30) — about 68 375 ₸, Cayenne I (955/957) — about 509 525 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.