2022 Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan is a cheaper and smaller crossover than the Cayenne, but it's no bargain-basement dweller. It's lighter, better looking, and has better handling, making it more of a super-hot hatchback than a family hauler. Still in its first generation, the Macan has been substantially updated for 2022, dropping the Turbo model and introducing a new range-topper in the form of a 434-horsepower Macan GTS. The base Macan retains a four-cylinder turbo-powered model punching out 261 hp while the Macan S uses a twin-turbo V6 packing 375 hp.

In the world of compact crossovers, the Macan is a comfortable and sophisticated machine that boasts Porsche performance chops, but faces stiff competition from the Audi SQ5, BMW X4, and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. To find out if the upgraded 2022 model keeps the Macan's position as the benchmark for small crossover style and performance, CarBuzz was invited to test drive the updated SUV.

Porsche initially struggled to get its design DNA work on an SUV, but they eventually got there. The Macan is a handsome crossover that's immediately recognizable as a product from the famed manufacturer of the 911. The new front end has integrated air intakes in the body color, while the rear boasts new LED taillights. The side blades now have a 3D structured element, and the wheel size has been increased across the range. The base model gets 19-inch wheels, while the GTS comes standard with a set of 21s. Speaking of, the GTS's alloys are a model-specific RS Spyder Design in satin black, which complements the Sport Exhaust System and its quartet of black tailpipes exceptionally well. The S gets four pipes finished in silver, while the base Macan gets twin trapezoidal pipes.

Compact dimensions are just one of the factors the Macan is so nimble. All Macan models are 186.1 inches long, 82.6 inches in width, and ride on a 110.5-inch wheelbase. The base and S models are 63.8 inches tall, while the GTS sits a full inch closer to the ground. From mirror-tip to mirror-tip, the Macan measures 82.6 inches. The entry-level Macan is a full two cylinders down on its siblings, which is why it has a lower curb weight of just 4,151 lbs. The mid-range S model weighs 4,350 lbs, while the GTS with its additional power is just 50 lbs heavier at an even 4,400 lbs.

Black and White are the only no-cost options. The metallic options retail for $700 Carrara White, Jet Black, Volcano Grey, Dolomite Silver, Gentian Blue, Night Blue, Papaya, and Mahogany. The three special colors add $2,910 to the cost of the Porsche Macan and include Chalk, Carmine Red, and Miami Blue. Porsche will also do a paint-to-sample for a hefty $11,430.

Porsche adds one model-specific color to the GTS palette. It's Python Green, which costs $2,910. You have to add a very long list of other options to get this color, including a heated steering wheel with carbon fiber trim, the GTS Sport Package, and carbon fiber door-sill guards. That means all in, to get a Python Green Macan, you need to add $15,600 to the price.

All models come as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. It's an active AWD system with a rear-biased setup, leaving the front axle free to handle only a portion of the power and most of the steering. The base turbocharged four-cylinder Macan has 261 hp and 295 lb-ft to play with. It can do 0-60 mph in six seconds, which drops down to 5.8 seconds if you opt for the Sport Chrono Package. It has a top speed of 144 mph and can do the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds. The S comes with a twin-turbo V6 packing 375 hp/383 lb-ft and gets to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package and 4.6 without. It tops out at 160 mph and does the quarter-mile in 13 seconds dead. The GTS model is equipped with the same twin-turbo V6 but with a power hike up to 434 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power for a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.3 seconds without the Sport Chrono Package and 4.1 seconds with it. That's around half a second faster than the now-defunct Turbo model. The GTS can do the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds and tops out at 169 mph. All models have a maximum towing capacity of 4,409 lbs, which is quite impressive in this segment.

Base model Macans are equipped with the same inline turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the Golf GTI. In this application, it produces 261 hp at 5,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft from just 1,800 rpm.

In terms of engine upgrades, the S model benefits the most. The old 3.0-liter single-turbo V6 has been dropped in favor of a newer 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 used in various Audi RS models. It's a gutsy engine, delivering 375 hp at 5,200 rpm and 383 lb-ft from 1,850 rpm. The GTS uses the same twin-turbo V6, but Porsche fettles with the ECU and equips it with a Sport Exhaust. The result is 434 hp at 5,700 rpm and 405 lb-ft at 1,900 rpm. The maximum engine speed for all models is 6,800 rpm and all models are equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

We know from experience that the base model's four-cylinder packs a surprising punch, and this year it has some extra horses in its stable and is connected to Porsche's super smooth and quick changing seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Macan S model's 375 hp packs a real punch with a super-smooth delivery and an exhaust note that adds to the thrill, particularly when it snarls and pops coming back down the gears.

Topping out the engine range is the boosted GTS twin-turbo V6 designed to give an even bigger thrill than the S model's version. Thrilling drivetrains are one thing, but the beauty is how smooth they are for everyday driving, and a lot of credit goes to the Porsche dual-clutch (PDK) transmission. The shifts are as smooth as Irish butter, but the real magic is in how quick it is in reacting to changing conditions.

Porsche invited us to spend some serious time with European spec models in Southern California. That gave us a chance to put the 2022 Porsche Macan S through its paces in heavy traffic, on cut-up city streets, in the canyons, and out on the freeway. The update includes a fresh tune on the suspension that stiffens the Macan all round, but more so at the rear. The difference around town and on freeways is mostly negligible due to the active suspension on the S model. Still, out on the canyon roads, the Macan S is sharper than ever and exploits Porsche's Active Suspension Management to the fullest. It's a wonder that the small crosser can evoke the handling prowess of a 911, but it does. The rear-biased all-wheel drive lays the power down with little fuss but a lot of thrill, the brakes are responsive and easy to modulate, and when pushed into tight, technical sections of road, the Macan S becomes a fearsome little machine.

On back roads, the Macan is straight-up entertaining even if you forget to pop it into Sport mode, where things become particularly ferocious. The transmission holds gears, throttle response tightens drastically, and the V6 sounds way better than a V6 should. It's not a lazy comparison we made in the intro to a hot hatch because that is, essentially, what the Macan is. Particularly in its GTS guise with the suspension lowered by an extra inch. Either way, the Macan loves to turn in hard and maintain tight lines through the curves if driving hard is your thing.

The only way the Macan could be better on rough city streets is with the pillowy GTS air suspension setup. The steering is a little lighter than sports car enthusiasts will expect, but it's not out of place and pays off the most when slipping through tight city back streets to avoid traffic. The PDK transmission pays off as much in back streets, in traffic, and out on the freeway as much as it does in Sport mode. Any way you drive the Macan, the ride is never harsh, and the cabin is plush and quiet. Add that to a smooth and robust powertrain, and the Macan is a sophisticated little crossover, as happy cruising on back roads as it is on the freeway or traversing a city.

The EPA's estimated mileage figures for the 2022 Macan are not available yet, and since all models are more powerful than before, we can't use the 2021 figures. However, for reference, the base four-pot Macan managed 19/20/23 mpg city/highway/combined while the Turbo managed 17/21/19 mpg. The Macan GTS will likely attain close to this. As you might have expected, the base turbocharged four-cylinder is the most fuel-efficient of the lot. The discontinued 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 wasn't particularly frugal, delivering similar figures to the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6. All models do come with a 19.8-gallon tank, and you can expect between 370 to 410 miles between refills depending on the trim.

The 2021 Macan was a fine product, but it was starting to show its age on the inside. It is officially the oldest product in Porsche's range, and you could tell. For 2022, most of the interior is carried over, but the way you interact has changed. The old-school buttons have all been replaced with the latest haptic feedback buttons. The 10.9-inch main screen is carried over, and Porsche chose not to replace the instrument cluster with a new digital unit. Every model gets a tachometer located right in front of the driver and a smaller 4.8-inch LCD that provides information like gear selection, external temperature, and warning lights. In the turbocharged models, it can also display a boost gauge.

An analog clock that sits proudly on top of the center console is standard on all models. We're big fans of the latter features, as an old-school clock should feature in anything marketing itself as a luxury vehicle.

The seat count for the Macan is five, but rear passengers won't want to be back there for long. The legroom is adequate at best, but the sloping roof cuts back on headroom for taller passengers. The place to be is up front with excellent driver and passenger seats with eight-way adjustment as standard, or 14 way and even 18-way adaptive seating available. There's no excuse for the driver not to find the perfect position to keep full control and exploit the great all-around visibility. The only downside to visibility is the rear window being a little small, but we didn't find it a real problem.

Like the extensive exterior palette, the upholstery choices for the Macan are numerous. The base Macan comes standard with fabric upholstery in Black, Agate Grey, and a mix of Black and Mojave Beige for $260. A Black leather package costs $1,740, while a Black and Bordeaux Red leather combination adds $1,960 to the price. The leather upholstery with deviated stitching is a $3,590 option and is available in Black with Chalk stitching, Black with Gentian Blue stitching, and Black with Papaya stitching.

The extended leather package comes with leather seats and additional leather trim on the dashboard. This is an indecently expensive exercise, as you have to include the cost of the leather trim and add 14-way power-adjustable seats for an additional $1,710. The available options include Black and Agate Grey for $3,630. Combination leather costs $3,880 and is available in Black/Mojave Beige, Black/Bordeaux Red, and Black/Pebble Grey. The extended leather with deviated stitching is a $5,850 option and is available in Black with Chalk stitching, Black with Gentian Blue stitching, and Black with Papaya stitching.

The GTS model comes standard with partial leather seats in Black. You can upgrade to leather and Race-Tex combination for $1,890. Since the GTS already has Black leather as standard, upgrading to the dual-tone options is not as expensive. The GTS is also available with the GTS Interior Package. It consists of black leather trim with deviated stitching. Porsche states that this option costs $4,790, but you have to be extremely careful. Some of the color options require additional upgrades, which adds a massive amount to the price. In the case of the Python Green option, you need to spend a total of $15,600.

Regardless of powertrain, all three models come with a 17.2 cubic foot trunk that can be increased to 53 cubes with the rear seats folded. They do so in a 40/20/40 split adding versatility to the relatively small cabin. Since the Macan only has space for four and primarily kids in the rear, that amount of luggage space is outstanding, but it's far from class-leading.

Interior space is adequate with four dedicated cupholders, large door pockets, and a storage space underneath the center armrest.

All models get dynamic LED headlights, 3D LED taillights, and a power tailgate. On the inside, the Macan comes with tri-zone climate control, eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats, keyless entry with a push-button start, partial leather and Sport-Tex upholstery, a multifunction sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, four USB-C charging ports, and an analog clock. Safety-wise, Porsche included front and rear park assist, cruise control, lane departure warning, Porsche hill control, and auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors.

The three models are pretty similar when it comes to standard features. Most of the differences are mechanical in nature. The GTS model is different, however. It comes standard with GTS Sport Seats with more side bolstering and a memory function. The GTS logo is also embroidered on the front and outboard rear seats.

The center console is part of the Macan's 2022 update and now uses haptic feedback touch buttons, which Porsche says saves space over regular buttons and allows the storage space underneath to be larger. We're not huge fans of haptic feedback buttons like that, but they're quick and easy to get used to. A 10.9-inch touchscreen is also standard through the range, and the system supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless Apple CarPlay. Each model is also equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system, and SiriusXM radio capability.

The 10.9-inch touchscreen looks fantastic and is smooth and quick to respond with attractive graphics and an intuitive interface. Sound is great out of the box, but a 665-watt 12-speaker Bose system is also available and, for those that want something special from their audio, a 16-speaker Burmester surround sound system with 1,000 watts is on the menu.

As there is currently no Porsche on the market that has been around as long as the Macan. There has been more than enough time to iron out the kinks, which is reflected in the recall rate in the USA. Both the 2019 and 2020 models were recall-free, but one recall was issued for the 2021 model. It concerned the front and rear shock absorbers not being appropriately tightened, but Porsche caught the problem early, and only ten units were affected.

Porsche owners are pretty happy with their purchase and the predicted reliability rating is pretty good for the Macan range. Every Macan is sold with a limited and powertrain warranty as standard for four years/50,000 miles. As a bonus, Porsche also includes a one-year/10,000-mile scheduled maintenance plan.

Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has had the opportunity to review the Porsche Macan in the US, and at this point, it's unlikely to happen. According to crash testing agencies across the pond, the original 2014 Macan was a five-star car, scoring 88% for adult occupants and 87% for child occupants. The Euro NCAP tests aren't as thorough, but they do give some indication of how safe the Macan is.

The Macan is handsomely equipped with the usual active and passive safety features. It had front, curtain, and side airbags, the latter for front and rear passengers. It also comes with traction and stability control, powerful brakes with ABS, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors. For 2022, Porsche includes lane departure warning as standard, which means it's still light on driver assistance features. Rather infuriatingly, Porsche doesn't provide an optional package featuring all of its available safety features. You have to pay for each item. Lane change assist is $700, adaptive cruise control is $900, and lane-keep assist is $700. Safety features like these are commonplace, even in the most humble SUVs and sedans. Having to pay for each feature individually, or at all for that matter, is a total rip-off.

As a small performance crossover, the new Porsche Macan retains its edge to remain the best among its competitors. However, that comes at a price as you'll need to step into a twin-turbo V6 to get the full enthusiast experience. The 2022 update improves the overall recipe, and it's hard to find fault with the overall package beyond cost and Porsche's annoying habit of charging extra for features that should be standard. Build quality is excellent, as is comfort and ride, and the Macan makes for a great and practical daily driver. As a family vehicle, space becomes an issue, but families with smaller kids won't have a problem.

In a competitive luxury SUV segment, the base Macan comes with a starting MSRP of $54,900 while the Macan S carries a price of $65,400. The top-spec GTS, which is a replacement for the $84,600 2021 Macan Turbo, retails for $79,900. The Porsche Macan price does not include the $1,350 fee for delivery, processing, and handling, and extras will drive the price up substantially. A well-loaded Macan GTS can reach $120k and that's before you delve into the full customization available under the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur program.

There are three configurations to choose from: Macan, Macan S, and Macan GTS.

These models are quite similar when it comes to standard specification. All models get LED exterior lights, a power tailgate, eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats, keyless entry with a push-button start, an analog clock, and a 10.9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, and a ten-speaker sound system. Safety-wise, each model comes with front and rear park assist, cruise control, lane departure warning, hill control, and auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors.

Most of the differences are either mechanical or design-related. The base Macan, for example, has 20-inch alloy wheels housing black brake calipers, and twin trapezoidal exhausts. It's equipped with a turbocharged inline-four producing 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The Macan S has titanium-colored brake calipers and quad exhausts, a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 with 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, and Porsche's Active Suspension Management with adaptive damping.

The GTS comes standard with a Sport Exhaust System and 21-inch RS Spyder Design satin black wheels. Since it's a replacement for the Turbo, the GTS gets the full-fat twin-turbo V6 with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. Other additions to the GTS include GTS seats with additional bolstering and GTS embroidery and a black/red tachometer with a GTS logo.

All models come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

When it comes to packages, Porsche only offers two for the Macan. The $2,240 Premium Package includes Porsche's Dynamic Light System Plus, a Bose surround-sound system, lane change assist, and rear heated seats. The $5,050 Premium Package Plus ramps the luxury up even more by adding all of the above and a panoramic roof, 14-way power front seats with memory, and ventilated front seats. The Plus Package costs $4,790 on the S and GTS trims.

The GTS comes with its own GTS Sport Package, adding a hefty $12,010 to the price. To be fair, it includes all of the individual features you would want anyway. These include the Sport Chrono Package, performance summer tires, torque vectoring, lower front and rear fascias, SportDesign side skirts in satin black, a Python Green GTS logo, gloss black exterior mirrors, 18-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, leather GTS interior with Python Green stitching, carbon fiber interior trim, carbon fiber door sill guards, a heated GT steering wheel, and Race-Tex roof lining.

Numerous standalone options including various safety systems, seat options, and sound systems exist, but Porsche's configurator is an almost endless abyss of configuration options.

For the best of both worlds, we won't hesitate to recommend the Macan S. It has the power and chops to thrill on a back road and the looks, comfort, and convenience of a luxury vehicle. As we would be dropping serious coin on a small crossover, we would just go ahead and add the Premium Package Plus for an extra $4,790 and mainly for the Bose surround-sound system and the 14-way ventilated seats.

The base model is the cheapest entry into the Porsche world at $54,900, and with the new standard features like keyless entry, heated front seats, and exterior elements, it's a better deal than before. However, it still needs some options to become attractive enough as a daily driver to justify the cost. If you're coming into a luxury base model, for example, dropping an extra $900 for adaptive cruise control is going to be off-putting.

The GTS is expensive, but if you're going to exploit the full performance a lot and money isn't much of an object, it's the best way to enjoy the Macan. We don't think the $12,000 GTS Sport Package is essential here, but if you want the full grin-inducing experience, you'll want to pay the extra cash.

The base price of a Porsche Cayenne is roughly $70,000, putting it in the same sort of ballpark as the $65,400 Macan S and $79,900 Macan GTS. You might be tempted to upgrade to the more prestigious SUV, but at the base level, you only get the older turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Both the 375-hp S and 434-hp GTS Macans provide more power, a more exhilarating soundtrack, and more thrilling handling dynamics. The older engine may provide more low-down torque, but it just isn't a performance car engine.

In every other way, the Cayenne is superior, however. It has more interior room, and the 22 cube trunk beats the Macan's 17.9 cube trunk easily. The Cayenne also has a longer list of standard features, including forward collision warning with automatic braking and a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface. The Cayenne is a better product but keep away from the entry-level model. What you want is the mid-spec S that uses the newer 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, but for the privilege of owning that particular Cayenne, you'll have to fork over $86,800 before options.

The Porsche Macan SUV and Audi Q5 used to share a lot in common, right down to the wheelbase. The all-new Q5 rides on a slightly longer 111-inch wheelbase (110.5 for the Porsche), using the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and turbocharged inline-four-cylinder. The GTI-derived engine delivers 261 hp/295 lb-ft in the Porsche, while the Audi gets 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, meaning it barely rivals the standard Macan, let alone the more powerful ones which require a step up to the Audi SQ5 - reviewed separately.

In our opinion, the Audi wins it in the interior department with its minimalist, high-quality approach. It's also more practical, offering 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus Porsche's 17.9 cubes. Even the rear seats are more accommodating. The Porsche's pricing starts where the Audi's ends and even the SQ5 is significantly cheaper than most Macan models, though it uses the same underwhelming 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 as the Cayenne.

There's no doubt that the Macan is a better driving tool. Even the base four-cylinder is more engaging and fun than any available Audi Q5, including the SQ5. If that's your primary consideration, stick with the Macan, but the Audi is undoubtedly a better all-rounder at a more affordable price.