Overview & Reviews

The Porsche Macan is Porsche's first new crossover SUV since the one that started it all, the controversial but highly successful Cayenne. Arguably, the smaller Macan's mission is less daunting. Although the midsize Cayenne debuted to howls of dismay from Porsche purists, its popularity in the marketplace has made the idea of a Porsche SUV seem perfectly normal. All the Macan has to do is prove that Porsche can do compact crossovers, too.

While the Macan has some underlying mechanical similarity to the Audi Q5, Porsche has subjected it to a comprehensive makeover. The result is a lower, sleeker vehicle that provides a unique interior, a choice of turbocharged V6 engines, impressive athleticism and even respectable off-road chops. The Macan does suffer in terms of passenger and cargo space compared to some roomier compact luxury crossover rivals, but nothing else on the market can match its overall performance.

Current Porsche Macan
Introduced for 2015, the Macan is offered in S and Turbo trims. In fact, both are turbocharged, but the base Macan gets a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 340 horsepower, while the Turbo boasts a 3.6-liter V6 that's good for 400 hp. The only transmission available is Porsche's seven-speed automated manual, known as PDK. All Macans feature an all-wheel-drive system that sends most of the power to the rear wheels by default for a sportier driving feel.

Porsche is notorious for its expensive options, but the Macan actually comes nicely equipped from the get-go. Standard features on the S include 19-inch wheels, active bi-xenon headlights, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker sound system. The main attraction with the Turbo is what's under the hood, but there are also some exterior styling tweaks, more power adjustments for the front seats, an upgraded audio system and a navigation system.

Even the absolute entry-level Macan S, then, is still a desirable package, and possibly the best value in the Macan lineup. To wit, check out the price gap between S and Turbo; it's not for the faint of heart. But many Porsche customers revel in being able to personalize their vehicles with custom add-ons, and Porsche obliges with extra-cost items like 20- or 21-inch wheels, variable rear-wheel torque vectoring for more precise handling, an adaptive air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, an upper-crust Burmester audio system and all manner of interior trim upgrades.

With the Macan, Porsche has built a focused performance machine, one that can keep up with most sports cars on a winding road. From the driver seat, the Macan feels hunkered-down and intimate, with Porsche's trademark rising center console creating a cockpit-like feel. Materials quality is excellent, giving up little if anything to other Porsche models. At highway speeds, the Macan is remarkably quiet, but big-time fun is just a squeeze of the throttle away. Even the base engine accelerates with verve, while the Turbo is either totally awesome or overpriced, depending on your perspective. On the downside, though, the Macan is fairly tight on the inside. A relatively small backseat and cargo hold make it less practical than the still sporty Audi SQ5 or BMW X3.

User Reviews:

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  Pretty darn fast - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By George Posada - May 8 - 2:10 pm

  I have owned BMWs for over 40 years. This Macan GTS is my first Porsche and it is great. It needs two things 1) to be available in a manual transmission (I know I cant shift as well as this transimission but Its more fun) and 2) to have a day time backlit tach when the lights are off (even paddle shifting needs a visible tach). I offered to buy a second Macan for my wife, but she wont give up her Mini because she loves a manual transimission too. I still have my BMW stick, as well. Our left feet are so bored with no clutch to operate. Having said all that, the Macan is still kick to drive. Love the way it sounds in Sport and Sport + mode.

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  What a great car! - 2016 Porsche Macan
  By Harold Broberg - September 26 - 6:38 am

  Drives like a boxster with more room and more power! Same great 7-speed PDK transmission as the boxster with smooth shifting that is difficult to feel. Mileage is about 23 mpg overall so far, so the factory mileage obviously depends on the driver and the conditions. This is mostly suburban driving but I believe the smooth engine turn-off and turn-on when you stop/go is part of the solid mileage for this 4100 lb, 340 HP car. My wifes car and she loves the ride and ease of driving and the handling. It just goes where and when you want total smoothness. The standard ride package is excellent so we did not get the sport package.

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  Bad lease disappointing experience with Macan. - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Gabriel - September 14 - 9:59 am

  3 years of lease with this Macan. Hopefully this is ending in february od 2018 and we can rid of it ! Lot of problems , too often in the car dealer . We had problems with steering wheel and transmition once, have several issues with brakes noises, problems with stero/radio not working properly.... That it was not expecting when choosing a Porsche. Even though when big issues happened we didnt have any support from Atlanta headquarters and Miami dealer. A deep disapointment overall. Two friends of mine (company peers) have had Macan and they are cancelling lease too, so I guess it is not a good bet . You are warned by three diferent clients!.

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  Its a Beautiful Car - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Ursula - March 15 - 1:36 pm

  I really wanted this Porsche and we traded my BMW X5 for it and my hubbys 911, however, now I dont want to take it many places because it was so darned expensive that I just want it to sit in the garage! lol I miss the shoulder and open room of my X5 and some other little features that you dont realize you enjoyed until they were gone. Soft close doors, heads up display, just the roomy feel in general. I love, love, love the Macan, however, being in my 50s now and not in my 20s, I enjoy the ease of getting in a vehicle as well as getting out, and that is very tight in this beauty. However, once youre in, it fits like a glove and rides like a dream. Im torn with keeping her or getting the new Audi SQ5 or the Volvo XC-60 R Design. Im truly a car person and giving up that Porsche for one of those is definitely going to feel like going a few steps down. Im torn I tell you!!

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  retired ole goat ! - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By P. Mason - March 8 - 1:27 am

  Reaching our late 60s, my wife and I have had Blazers, Tahoe, BMW X-5, Mercedes ML series. We needed a somewhat smaller SUV but still haul grandkids, dogs, groceries, hardware around. The Macan S had all the accessories that we needed and wanted. The vision 360 degrees is great. Comfort is fantastic. Performance is perfect, this ole goat can run with any of them! The Macan is easy to maneuver and park. I took a close friend for a ride and he was astounded at the interior design and room! If you are considering updating an SUV and dont take a look at the Macan, you are cheating yourself.