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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  Unreliable Macan Turbo - 2020 Porsche Macan
  By Amad Kafarani - November 3 - 2:24 pm

  Not reliable and spent time in the dealer more than driving it. Macan turbo with all Porsche packages that you can imagine! start failing when had only 2k miles on it, now 8k miles and issues always on the rise. I have video's for the the front suspension noise, brakes and delay in complete stop. each time they fix something another thing come up after 1-2 weeks. PNA and local dealer involved but no resolution. Next step for me is to seek legal advise!

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  First Porsche Macan S- IN LOVE! - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Angie DB Southlake, TX - November 25 - 8:41 am

  This is my first SUV; previous owner of Audi A5 and a few BMW 3-series cars. Wanted something sporty but higher off the ground. Really happy thus far with purchase. In addition, I purchased tire warranty and 5-year maintenance warranty. It is peace of mind for me. Interesting enough, I saw a nail in my tire just today so the warranty will come in handy inside of my first month of ownership.

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  Great driver but poor technology - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By BenE - August 23 - 11:44 am

  Moved up from Audi S6 to Macan S. Great driver very good acceleration, handling and braking. However its at least 5 years behind Audi for technology. Actually discovered after picking up the vehicle - has no voice control. Apple car play requires phone to be ard wired to special plug. Very little control over car features. If you want a great driving SUV this is top of the list - but be warned a Chevy Cruze actually is more technical advanced for connectivity.

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  A sport car with Compact SUV look. - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Robert Lee - August 14 - 4:40 am

  Everybody loves it, grandpa loves and grandson in college loves to borrow to show off too.

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  Great car - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By peter Ring - June 5 - 2:15 am

  Its simply more expensive than others in its class but it does drive so so well and it looks incredible.

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  Porsche misses big - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Roman - May 12 - 9:31 am

  This car is full of mechanical problems. To include leaking fuel line, and exhaust brackets that easily brake causing horrendous noise. Well below even average quality. The roadside (yes you will need it!!) service is poor. The "concierge" service is a joke. They will tell you where you can go rent a car and they might pay for it after your $90,000 crappy car breaks down for the second time in 20k miles. Porsche has become a watered down brand with poor quality and even worse service! AVOID!!

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  If you like to be different from the crowd - 2015 Porsche Macan
  By adm77450 - May 11 - 10:31 pm

  For the most part I love my new Macan. It was what I was looking for in the way of sportiness and practicality after having a Mercedes CLS that couldnt handle the bad roads of Houston. In sport mode it is engaging and quick but in traffic I just drive in comfort mode. Perfect size and easy to park. Only problem so far is my Sat radio function stopped working after 4 days and I have been waiting over 2 months for a replacement. Pretty disappointed that Porsche has not fixed this yet but hopefully soon. Getting about 21MPG combined so far.

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  Smooth ride, excellent performance, maneuverable! - 2016 Porsche Macan
  By Elena - May 26 - 3:14 pm

  Perfect in its niche of a compact SUV/crossover: luxurious, spacious, powerful, comfortable, maneuverable. Ideal for those who love style, and do not want to drive what everyone else is driving. Ideal for those who do not like/need sedans or low profile sports cars, but are not ready to settle for a huge SUV. Thats when Macan comes in place! Compact SUV is exactly what it is, but add here 340 hp (for base model Macan S), smooth ride, amazing maneuverability, interior comfort and at least two packages - and you will enjoy it without paying $100,000. Almost 1.5 times less! A little problem is that people do mistake it for a $100,000 car, which is flattering but not needed.

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  A luxury car that is not overstated - 2015 Porsche Macan
  By langdonstreet - March 11 - 2:08 pm

  The car drives like a charm. In the 2000 miles from FL to NY we averaged 26.5 mpg. The technology helps keep me in check.

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  wow! update "double wow" 2017 Macan S - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Pinehurst John - November 30 - 4:16 am

  after driving bmws for the last 25 years, decided to try a Macan S. What a great decision I made....smile.......... Powerful and my Macan S 2017 is a sports car acting machine outdoing most of the bmws I have owned..........with the possible exception of my 3 series M convertible. It is a truly great combination of practicality and driving excitement. This is a Porsche, no doubt about it, from the sound of the engine to going around 35mph corners at 60...........its a Porsche! The ride and noise in the cabin are muted and comfortable, bumps are a little harsh, but the other attributes of the vehicle are well worth the small aggravation of the semi stiff ride. After all this is not a Lexus RX. Cabin is done very well with great materials and is big enough for me, 63", 260lbs. I am not sure what I would do to improve this vehicle, not anything I can come up with right now. 5 stars for sure...........................yippee!!!! UPDATE: 6mo owning the vehicle, 7000 miles. double down on all statements previous. nothing about the vehicle that I can complain about. it is really a blast to drive, so much in fact I find myself taking the long way to almost everywhere I go and going for joyrides very often. I have not had my first ticket yet as I am a careful driver, but the car is so responsive it is hard to drive the speed limits. Whatever speed you are going seems to slow. Get one or test drive one, until you do, you can not possibly know what I know. It is driving heaven. UPDATE, one year later.......... all review items remain at same high levels. I find myself driving places I dont need to go just to be driving. This is truly a great vehicle and it seems priced correctly for the quality and image that you get driving a Porsche. I am very pleased with this vehicle and it will be hard to drive anything else after this experience. update: 18 months owned, 18k miles. no further comments, all of my previous comments stand as written. Great Vehicle.