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Bentley Bentayga
SUV · Gas · 16 versions · owner report
Ranked #6 of 10 luxury full-size SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (310 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is mixed, heavily dependent on the specific powertrain and the owner's priorities.
5 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentExtremely high repair and maintenance costs
Includes $14,000 USD oil leak repairs, $16,000 infotainment unit replacements, and $24,000 fenders. Annual service starts at ~$1,250.
- Very frequentSevere depreciation
Vehicles depreciate "like crazy," making resale financially painful.
- RecurrentW12 engine long-term reliability concerns
Noted as "very expensive when they break.".
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentSuspension and transmission issues
Mentioned as known problems that are costly to fix.
- IsolatedOil leaks and cooling system problems
Specific reports of oil filter housing gasket leaks, cylinder deactivation solenoid leaks, and coolant leaks from the water pump requiring major engine disassembly to repair.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Feedback indicates trade-offs: the V8 engine (including Azure and S trims) is noted for being "bullet proof" in terms of reliability relative to other Bentleys, while the W12 is praised for power and refinement but flagged for extreme repair costs. The V8 S trim is noted to have a sportier, stiffer suspension setup, but it is unclear if this is mode-dependent or constant. The diesel variant is mentioned but dismissed as an incongruent choice for the brand.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Range Rover (Autobiography/SV), Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne (Turbo) and Audi Q7/Q8.
Is the Bentayga right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is mixed, heavily dependent on the specific powertrain and the owner's priorities. The vehicle is widely praised for its exceptional comfort, commanding road presence, and high-quality interior fit and finish, with one owner describing it as "the most comfortable car I've ever owned." It is frequently positioned as a more driver-focused and performance-oriented alternative to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. However, significant and very frequent criticism is directed at extremely high ownership costs, including exorbitant repair bills, expensive annual maintenance (estimated at $1,250+ USD, potentially doubling with high mileage), and catastrophic depreciation. The W12 engine variant, while powerful, is singled out for being particularly expensive to repair. There is also recurrent feedback that the driving experience can feel "tame," "quiet," and "a tad boring" compared to more aggressive competitors, leading some enthusiasts to find it less engaging.
Positioning vs competitors
The Bentayga is consistently positioned between the ultra-luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the performance-focused Lamborghini Urus. Compared to the Cullinan, it is viewed as more driver-oriented and slightly more connected to the road, but lacking in ultimate luxury refinement and being more ostentatious. Versus the Urus, it is seen as significantly more comfortable and luxurious but far less aggressive, exciting, and engaging to drive; the Urus is described as a "loud monster" while the Bentayga is "much more tame." It shares its fundamental platform and V8 engine with the Urus, Cayenne Turbo, and Audi Q7/Q8, but is considered a step above in luxury, albeit at a substantially higher cost of ownership.
Recommended configurations
A used Bentayga is cited as a "fairly decent value proposition" in the $110,000-$150,000 USD range, offering significant depreciation savings over new. An extended warranty is strongly recommended, with an average cost reported at approximately $7,000 USD per year or $13,000 for two years. Avoiding the W12 engine is suggested for those concerned with long-term maintenance costs. The Azure trim is mentioned favorably by an owner.
General recommendations
Recommended for buyers who prioritize supreme comfort, build quality, and brand prestige over driving engagement and operating costs. Strongly advised to purchase with a comprehensive extended warranty due to the high cost of potential repairs. Not recommended for buyers sensitive to depreciation or those who desire an exciting, performance-oriented SUV; the Lamborghini Urus is frequently suggested as the alternative for those buyers. Prospective owners should be prepared for very high routine maintenance costs, expensive tires, and the potential for complex, costly repairs (e.g., suspension, transmission). A thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical, especially for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Remarks
Owner feedback is heavily bifurcated between appreciation for the vehicle's comfort and luxury and severe criticism of its cost of ownership. The Bentayga's platform and parts sharing with Volkswagen Group siblings (Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7/Q8, Lamborghini Urus) is well-understood by the community, which notes the performance similarity but vast price disparity for repairs and maintenance. The vehicle is considered "conspicuous" and may not be appropriate for all occasions. Much of the critical data comes from owners comparing it to long-term ownership of Range Rovers, which are also expensive but described as significantly cheaper to maintain than the Bentayga. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Bentayga2016–202612 complaints · 17 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): service brakes (3) · air bags (3) · fuel system (2)
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of this generation describe it as an incredible, classy, and underrated vehicle that offers a lot of car for the money on the used market, with particular praise for the interior, the Mulliner specification, and the W12's character.
10 problems reported (10 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- IsolatedTurbocharger failure requiring replacement
- IsolatedSteering rack failure
- IsolatedCoolant system repairs
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedEngine mounts wearing out and costing thousands
- IsolatedWater pump leaking shortly after purchase
- IsolatedSunroof seal pulling away from the corners causing wind and road noise from the passenger side
- IsolatedA/C failure traced to a bad sensor, repaired under warranty using an Audi part
- IsolatedOverheating leading to suspected head gasket failure after the engine was left running at 270 degrees
- IsolatedHigh key fob replacement and programming cost
- IsolatedGeneral unpredictability of repair timing described as "Russian roulette"
Is a 2016–2026 Bentayga right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2017. Years to avoid: 2017Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Bentley Bentayga years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 7 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 1 | 4 | fuel system |
| 2018 | 1 | 4 | service brakes |
| 2017 | 9 | 2 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices17 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2021 · seat beltscampaign 21V605000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 21V975000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga, Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Continental GT Convertible vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the air bag system will not deploy when the "Passenger Airbag On" symbol is illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V276000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2021 · electronic stability control (esc):control module:softwarecampaign 21V647000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. Incorrect software for the chassis control module may cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to malfunction.
2021 · seatscampaign 22V257000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga vehicles. The second row seats may be installed incorrectly, without being locked on all seat rails.
2021 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 22V743000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview camera image may be blank when the car is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V592000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, resulting in a fuel leak.
2019 · seat belts:rear/othercampaign 20V154000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row upper seat belt attachment may not stay connected to the vehicle in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 20V321000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Bentayga vehicles. A fuel line quick connector located in the engine compartment may leak.
2019 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 20V092000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V592000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, resulting in a fuel leak.
2018 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 18V632000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018 Bentley Mulsanne and 2018 Bentayga vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rearview camera display may be obstructed or may not be fully visible within two seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
2018 · seat belts:rear/othercampaign 20V154000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row upper seat belt attachment may not stay connected to the vehicle in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
2018 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 20V092000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate.
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V592000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, resulting in a fuel leak.
2 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
4.0 V8
4.0L 8-cylinder · 550 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2022–2026