Most Porsche Macan enthusiasts don’t spend much time gauging cargo hatches or attempting to fit twins in the rear seat. With its increased ride height, distinctive Porsche performance, and excitement, this SUV is only concerned with having fun. Macan models with V6 engines show that they are intended for drivers first and shotgun passengers second. The rest of the group may hang on and take it easy while, preferably, traveling light.
A 261-horsepower, four-cylinder Macan with a turbocharger will still cost only $58,950 in 2023. With Porsche’s Sport Chrono system and an adjustable suspension with selectable driving modes, the four-cylinder Macan T raises that price to $64,550 but offers a significant performance value. Speed freaks will want a Macan S or GTS, which come with a furious twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V-6 and a choice of 375 or 434 horsepower. AWD and a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic gearbox are standard on all Macans. At $84,350, the Macan GTS is very expensive, an increase of $3,100 from the 2023 model.
It’s important to note that the Macan GTS, which has the same engine as the discontinued Macan Turbo, costs around $4,600 less. However, from a “glass half full” viewpoint, it will cost $7,800 more than the Macan GTS, which will be less potent in 2021. With only a few more options, our Macan GTS costs $95,180. Models in opulent attire might cost $100,000 or more.
However, the GTS, in particular, is a precise tool for carving up highways or even conquering a racing circuit beyond just having more power. Even in base form, braking is superb, and the responsive pedal brings to mind Porsche sports cars like the 911. A few competitors—including the BMW X3M—bring more raw power, but the Porsche may be the cleanest-driving, most car-like SUV in its class. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Jaguar F-Pace, and Audi Q5 are possible rivals. While they all have high-performance Quadrifoglio, AMG, SVR, and S-line models, only the Macan is as devoted to performance as it is.
All of the models in the range come with all-wheel drive, and the tuning of the primary suspension is revolutionary. With summer tires, an adjustable suspension, a torque-vectoring differential, and tungsten-carbide-coated rotors available, Porsche keeps the door open for even greater performance levels for those with the desire and the resources.
As usual, the inside of the Macan doesn’t wow you with luxury, particularly in its monochromatic grey-black form. But starting with 2022 models, the Macan receives a redesigned gear lever, a steering wheel inspired by the 911, a new digital driver’s display, an expanded 10.9-inch center touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay.
Performance:
The Macan’s brilliant performance is the main incentive for high-end SUV buyers—you know who you are—to shell out massive amounts for Porsche’s smallest SUV. Even the brand-new 261-hp Macan T can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.8 seconds and achieve 144 mph. A magnificent twin-turbo V6 in the Macan S ups the ante to 375 horsepower, a massive improvement over the four-cylinder.
Spend money on a Macan GTS, and the same V6 engine with 434 horsepower can sprint to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in a little over 12 seconds. Rapid gear changes are produced via an automated gearbox with seven speeds, a dual-clutch, and paddle shifters.
The Macan scarcely seems like an SUV while driving on twisty roads; it exudes elegance, confidence, and balance more comparable to a performance sedan. Although the steering has a natural feel, it never feels overly heavy when driving around town. The GTS has height-adjustable air springs, an adaptive suspension, and Porsche’s strong tungsten-carbide brakes as standard equipment.
fuel efficiency: Porsche Macan
A respectable 21 mpg combined, 19 mpg city, and 25 mpg highway are delivered by Macans with four cylinders. However, the twin-turbocharged six in the Macan S and GTS hurts fuel efficiency, achieving 19, 17, and 23 mpg in the exact measurements, respectively (the GTS loses one mpg on the highway).
Even then, the greedy BMW X3 M comfortably outperforms those Macans, achieving barely 17, 15, and 20 mpg in the same parameters. The Macan also passes the Mercedes AMG GLC 63’s 17 combined, 15 cities, and 22 highways. Even at speeds over 70 mph, the Macan GTS exceeded its official rating on interstate drives, averaging 25 mpg.
Safety and driver support technology:
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) have not evaluated the Macan. The 2014 model was the final Macan to undergo testing by the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program), and it achieved the highest possible five-star rating. However, the absence of test results somewhat lowers it in our rankings.
Being a Porsche, a long list of security and driving aids are standard, albeit a couple are optional extras. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane departure alerts, and manual park assist. The additional cost choices range from $390 to $1,200, including self-steering parking assistance, a surround-view camera, blind spot warning with lane change assistance, and lane maintenance assistance. If you order them all, your total cost will be almost $3,000.
Room and Comfort:
Front-seat passengers will enjoy Macan’s fantastic sports seats, ideal driving posture, perfect steering wheel placement, gear lever, and buttons. The rear seat is big enough for an average six-foot person but feels cramped for shorter passengers. Performance is more important than passengers, but the Macan is less vulnerable to on-road vandalism than many other SUVs. The actual chassis adds to the sense of safety and tranquillity.
The Macan offers a pleasingly supple ride, and adjustable dampers and air springs allow a more comprehensive range of ride-and-performance settings. Considering its pro-level athleticism, Porsche’s suspension tuning is a significant benefit. Even in aggressive GTS trim, the Macan offers a more comfortable ride than Mercedes’ gruff AMG GLC 63 or BMW’s hot-rodding, stiff-legged X3M.
Infotainment: Porsche Macan
An improved 10.9-inch central touchscreen and a more transparent, more informative digital display are available starting in 2022 for older Macan infotainment systems. However, Porsche’s PCM 5.0, not the more recent 6.0 version featured on its most recent vehicles, is still in use in the 2023 Macan. Consequently, certain features have a learning curve and too many little screen icons that are difficult to focus on when driving.
New haptic switches on the redesigned center console replace conventional buttons for a cleaner appearance. (We miss the somewhat aircraft-style buttons and haven’t particularly enjoyed similar controls in previous VW, Audi, and Porsche items). Wireless Although Apple CarPlay is a valuable enhancement, Android Auto is still unavailable, regardless of price, which is unfortunate for the large population of people who still prefer Google’s smartphones over Apple’s.
Space for freight and storage:
A weakness of the Macan is its lack of storage, which includes a dismal 17.2 cubic feet behind the second seat, making it the poorest in its class: A BMW X3M has a load capacity of two-thirds larger, at 28.7 cubic feet. When the split rear seat is folded, space climbs to 53 cubic feet, still over 20 and 30 percent less than the BMW and the exceptionally capacious Jaguar F-Pace.
The majority of the industry likewise has less console and cubby storage. In defense of the Macan, fans understand that it is a Porsche first and a practical family car second. Behind the Porsche’s back seats, a respectable amount of luggage, including five or six roller bags, may still fit.
Styling:Porsche Macan
From its 911-inspired snout to its sensual rear shoulders, the Macan instantly signals enormous money and higher performance. The top-of-the-line GTS gives the Macan’s fashionable, streamlined design some much-needed excitement. It has side skirts, clear LED taillamps, a Sports Exhaust system, and black-finished tailpipes. The four distinctive GTS colors—Python Green, a breathtaking Miami Blue, Carmine Red, and Chalk—are even more striking.
The Macan’s inside isn’t as beautiful as the interiors of the Genesis GV70 or other high-end crossovers with a luxury emphasis, but that’s not exactly what it’s there for. Most owners want a serene, practical interior because a Porsche is a driver’s car.
Is the 2023 Porsche Macan worth it?
The Macan is among the most expensive small SUVs on the market, but it more than makes up for it with superior performance, attractive aesthetics, and resale value. The most excellent alternative to contain the Macan’s growing price is the brand-new 2023 Macan T, which costs $64,550 (with a $1,450 delivery fee) and offers a modest 261 horsepower from a turbocharged four-cylinder.
For those willing to spend a bit more, the V6 Macan S ($69,850) offers much more power to match the Macan’s aggressive chassis and may provide a more fulfilling driving experience. Since it costs more than $18,000 less than the Stelvio Quadrifoglio and much less than the BMW X3 M or X4 M, it provides more excellent room for customization.
As with every Porsche, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the options sheet: Expensive add-ons, like Burmester audio systems, luxurious leather, and performance packages, may quickly push the list price by $20,000 or more.
How much does insurance for a Porsche Macan run?
Compared to its top competitors, Porsche Macan’s insurance rates are slightly higher. According to our study, the typical annual premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record is $2,549 for the entry-level model and may go as high as $3,019 for the Macan GTS. The average cost of an Audi Q5, a BMW X3 30i, and a BMW X3 M is $2,550, $2,293, and $2,943, respectively. The F-Pace Type R costs $4,550 compared to the Jaguar F-Pace P340S’ $2,869 price.
Our Finding
The Macan feels equally at home as a classic SUV and an ultra-high-performance AWD hatchback. The pricier Macan further supports the adage, “You get what you pay for.” This is notably true for the $84,350 434-horsepower Macan GTS and the 375-horsepower Macan S. The most recent infotainment technology from Porsche is included in the cabin at those costs. Just be aware that the Macan has little storage room and one of the tightest rear seats of all the SUVs in its class, making it one of the least practical models.
