2023 Porsche Macan Review

Porsche

Eight years after entering the segment, the Porsche Macan remains the perfect balance of practicality, performance, and driving excitement. The Macan offers drivers a smaller option over its larger sibling, the Cayenne while offering a more of a sportscar feel, seating for five, and enough cargo space for up to eight bags of mulch from your local hardware store.

The entry-level model gets the inline turbo four that produces 261hp while the S and GTS both get more power V6s producing 375 horsepower and 434 horsepower respectively. Handling remains its most appealing characteristic as the Macan feels more 911 than Cayenne. Its main competitors such as BMW’s X3, Mercedes’ GLC, and Genesis GV70 may offer more standard luxury features, but rivals continue to come up short in this area.

Engine: 2.0L turbo inline-four and 2.9L V6

Drive Layout: All-wheel drive

Horsepower: 261-434hp

0-60mph: 6.0-4.3 sec

Torque: 295-405ft lbs

Top Speed: 144-169mph

Transsmission: 7-speed automatic

Macan is available in four models:

Macan

Macan T

Macan S

Macan GTS

Porsche continued consolidating its model line-up last year ditching the Macan Turbo and sliding the GTS into the top spot, similar to what it did with the Panamera. Drivers though weren’t cheated out of the performance, as the GTS got the top performing 2.9L V-6 that produces 434 horsepower. The model trimming didn’t last long as the all-new Macan T has been introduced for 2023, filling the gap between the base and the S models. This represents the first time an SUV has ever worn the Touring badge for the automaker from Stuttgart.

Engines remain unchanged from a year ago. The entry-level model gets the 2.0 Liter inline four-cylinder turbo that produces 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque that it also shares with its corporate cousin, the Audi Q5. The Macan T gets the same engine but with more standard performance options in an overall lighter package which makes things feel a lot peppier.

Those looking for more performance can step up to Macan S which gets you the 2.9 liter V-6, putting out 375hp. If that’s not enough, the GTS adds performance numbers that approach base 911 territory with 434hp and a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. Fuel economy remains adequate with drivers seeing 19mpg city, 25mpg on the highway, and a combined 21mpg.

Porsche has never been one to make drastic changes from year to year to its models and the Macan is no different. The sporty compact SUV maintains its muscular appearance, only receiving subtle changes for the 2023 model year. Those changes include an updated front fascia with a newly designed spoiler.

The biggest exterior change is that of the rear fascia and diffuser. At first glance, it resembles the Cayenne GT with cues from the legendary 911 GT3. Over the past few years, Porsche has made an effort to make its cars closely resemble one another with all of them having the same basic silhouette, similar body lines, and nearly identical front and rear ends. Each model in the current generation borrows cues from each other while taking design cues from the Porsche's of old.

Porsche also continues to lead the segment in pricey options. There are currently four different wheel options coming in at nearly $5000 ($4850) and as always, they are some of the best-looking wheels available in the Sport Design Wheels. There are also only two paint options that aren't extra with those being white and black. Prices for upgraded paint options start at $700. And for those looking to express their individuality by way of custom paint, the Paint-To-Sample option comes in at an eye-popping $11,430.

Exterior Colors

Standard

White

-

Black

-

Optional

Jet Black Metallic

$700

Carrara White Metallic

$700

Gentian Blue Metallic

$700

Copper Ruby Metallic

$700

Volcano Grey Metallic

$700

Dolomite Silver Metallic

$700

Night Blue Metallic

$700

Papaya Metallic

$700

Premium

Carmine Red

$2910

Chalk

$2910

Miami Blue

$2910

Custom Paint

Paint to Sample

$11,430

Dimensions

Wheelbase

110.5 inches

Length

186.1 inches

Width

75.6 inches

Height

63.8 inches

Passenger Volume

96 cubic ft

Cargo Volume

17 cubic ft

Curb Weight

4199-4386lbs

Porsche models across the board have always had great build quality. Creeks and rattles that plague other automakers are virtually nonexistent even after drivers put a substantial number of miles on the odometer. The automaker has always used high-quality materials for its interiors making the initial entry prices a little easier to swallow. The Macan does not deviate from this but to get the same luxurious feel that comes standard in other vehicles in the segment, comes at a price. Take for example leather interior. The full-leather interior isn’t standard, and drivers wanting to feel it all over most interior surfaces will have to pay up to the sum of $2230.

Let’s talk about cabin space. As mentioned previously, the Macan is as close to a sports car as one can get in this segment; for all intents and purposes, it is truly a four-door 911. That being said, passengers will find they have about as much seating room as a 911. Up front, things are enjoyable with comfortable seating that will remain pleasant across long road trips. For those in the back, not so much unless they’re in a booster, or still struggling with acne. Larger families would be better off opting for the Cayenne if they’re willing to give up the sports car feel.

Porsche continues its focus on technology, while not at the forefront like its four-ringed cousin things have been improving in recent years. The 10.9-inch touchscreen is inviting and the focal point in the otherwise clean interior. Apple CarPlay comes standard along with a Wi-Fi hotspot that’s powered through the constantly improving Porsche Connect Services. Still, Android users will continue to feel left out as there is still no Android Auto available.

10.9-inch Touchscreen

Navigation

Wireless Apple CarPlay

Wi-Fi Hotspot

The German automaker offers a wide array of safety features in the Macan. But sticking with the company’s theme, it all comes at a price. The only standard safety features are a backup camera with park assist and lane departure warning. All others are a-la-carte including Porsche’s Surround view camera system, Lane Change Assist, and Lane Keep Assist with Traffic Jam Assist. Sadly there is no package available that bundles popular safety features together for those looking to make their vehicle a little safer.

Standard Lane Departure Warning

Standard Rearview Camera

Available Lane Change Assist

Available Lane Keep Assist with Traffic Jam Assist

This segment is starting to look more like a traffic jam as it’s becoming increasingly crowded each year. Shoppers can choose from impressive offerings such as the BMW X3 M, Audi’s SQ5, Jaguar’s F-Pace S, and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Newer entries include the Genesis GV70, the Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio, and the Range Rover Velar.

Porsche has brand loyalty going for it as its long-time customers typically won’t drive anything but a Porsche. And this is a good thing for them, as the Macan has one of the highest starting prices in the segment and suffers from Porsche’s tendency to charge for everything with hardly any standard options. Take for example Audi’s SQ5 offering standard Carbon Fiber trim to the interior of every model SQ5, while this will set you back $940 in the Macan – add another $1540 if you want it on the doorsills.

But despite customers being nickeled and dimed, they don’t seem to mind as the Macan still remains one of the most popular vehicles to come out of Stuttgart. As of October, just under 16,000 Macans have rolled off dealership lots and into U.S. driveways. Expect this number to increase as the much-anticipated Macan EV hits the shores as a 2024 model.

Porsche has announced that the All-electric Macan will be offered as a 2024 Model.

Yes, both SUVs receive the 2.0L inline turbo four-cylinder as the standard engine.

Two, Black and White. Metallics start at $700 and go up to $2910, while custom colors will set you back $11,430.

All-wheel drive is standard across every model Macan.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the Macan holds its value well, up to 42% over a five-year period.