{"id":37077,"date":"2022-11-29T09:03:39","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T14:03:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=37077"},"modified":"2022-11-29T09:03:39","modified_gmt":"2022-11-29T14:03:39","slug":"2023-porsche-macan-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=37077","title":{"rendered":"2023 Porsche Macan Review: The little SUV to buy when you love to drive – Autoblog"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pros:<\/strong> It drives like a Porsche; highly customizable; high-quality cabin<\/h3>\n

Cons:<\/strong> It\u2019s priced like a Porsche; on the small side; below-average fuel economy<\/h3>\n

For those wanting a small SUV that doesn\u2019t drive like a small SUV, the 2023 Porsche Macan<\/a> is the best place to start if you\u2019ve got the cash needed for its admittedly steep entry point. Actually, it doesn\u2019t feel like an SUV at all apart from the constant cognitive dissonance of your forward vision being higher off the ground than every other sensation indicates you should be. All of those sensations say you should be in a Porsche sports car<\/a>, which is pretty cool when you\u2019re just driving the kid to school or going to Target.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s especially true once you start to select from the extensive selection of performance options, or just let Porsche<\/a> do it for you by going with the new Macan<\/a> T or range-topping Macan GTS. We\u2019d ultimately recommend those most. Not that there\u2019s anything wrong with a Macan S (we enjoyed every moment of our two weeks spent with one), but if you\u2019re going with the best small SUV to drive, you might as well experience it at its most capable and enjoyable. That would be the T and GTS.<\/p>\n

That said, if you\u2019re really just looking for a luxurious, well-rounded compact SUV, the Macan may not be the best bet. It\u2019s on the small side, returns below-average fuel economy<\/a> and its standard feature content for the money is poor. If you\u2019re not looking for driving verve, there are wiser choices.<\/p>\n

Interior & Technology<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0 Passenger & Cargo Space<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0 Performance & Fuel Economy<\/a><\/h3>\n

What it’s like to drive<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0 Pricing & Trim Levels<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0 Crash Ratings & Safety Features<\/a><\/h3>\n

What’s new for 2023?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Macan T is added to the model lineup. As we describe fully in our Macan T first drive review, it takes the base Macan four-cylinder engine and applies to it a choice selection of chassis-enhancing features from more performance-oriented models to create a smart choice for a driving enthusiast. We like it quite a bit. After more substantial lineup-wide changes last year, the only other update for 2023 comes by way of adaptive cruise control made standard.<\/p>\n

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What are the Macan interior and in-car technology like?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Just as we\u2019d expect from Porsche, the Macan<\/a> is customizable to your heart\u2019s content. Aluminum,\u00a0carbon fiber<\/a>, wood and paint in a dizzying number of combinations are available.\u00a0The interior ergonomics and driving position are also second to none. You sit reasonably low, yet forward visibility is superb. The sloping roofline really cuts into rearward visibility; an exterior design compromise. You can drop the perfect (optional GT Sport) steering wheel right into your lap, and it never obscures the gauges. It\u2019s the perfect amount of thickness, is quite small in diameter and has clicky metal paddle shifters mounted on the back.<\/p>\n

The gauges might be old-style Porsche at this point \u2014\u00a0newer models<\/a>\u00a0have multiple digital screens \u2014 but that doesn\u2019t make them bad whatsoever. The lightning-quick tachometer is mounted in the center where it should be for a vehicle with a sports car badge on its hood, and the easy-to-read digital speedometer is nestled within it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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After last year\u2019s update, the Macan\u2019s multitude of physical buttons have been replaced by a smaller number of touch-sensitive icons placed on piano black trim. Fewer buttons makes it easier to identify individual buttons at a glance, but their flush-mounting means you have to glance at them longer \u2013 even if they click when \u201cpressed.\u201d At least you don\u2019t have to use the touchscreen to move the air vents as in the Panamera<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As for that touchscreen, it is responsive, appears modern and focuses on making the essentials easy to deal with. We particularly like the customizable home screen that lets you select what controls and information you want to see and where you want them placed. So even if the layout isn\u2019t to your liking upon first getting into the car, know that you can in fact rearrange it. We also like that Porsche maintains a small rotary control knob better suited for wheeling through lists, be it in Porsche\u2019s native system (we liked the ability to run through playlists using Bluetooth Audio) or in Apple CarPlay\/Android Auto.<\/p>\n

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How big is the Macan?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Macan lives up to the description of \u201ccompact SUV\u201d as it is indeed one of the smallest examples in its class. There are even some SUVs in the lower segment, such as the Mercedes<\/a> GLB, that have more interior space. Nevertheless, we wouldn\u2019t exactly call it cramped. We had an easier time installing a rear-facing child seat in its back seat than the otherwise larger BMW X3<\/a>. It\u2019s also reasonably spacious and comfy for adults back there despite a somewhat pinched roofline\/entry. The seats are firm and supportive with a bit more contouring that you\u2019re used to seeing in a compact SUV (it\u2019s a Porsche after all, you can\u2019t leave all the bolstering to those up front).<\/p>\n

The Macan\u2019s official cargo capacity number is 17.7 cubic-feet, but you can pretty much throw that out as it\u2019s just not comparable to the estimates provided by other manufacturers. The space behind the back seat is far bigger than that figure suggests, which would be worse than most subcompact SUVs. Though still on the small end for the segment, we still managed to fit<\/a> two large check-in suitcases, two roll-aboard suitcases and one overnight back there with some room to spare.<\/p>\n

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What are the Macan fuel economy and performance specs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The base Macan and Macan T are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That is one of the healthiest outputs in the segment, which bears fruit in the form of a quick 0-60-mph sprint time of 6.0 seconds (or 5.8 seconds with the Sport Chrono package and its launch control system). Fuel economy comes in at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined, which just isn\u2019t great. Competitors are 3 mpg combined better or more.<\/p>\n

The Macan S is powered by a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. That blows most luxury compact SUV offerings out of the water, and hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds (or 4.4 with launch control). Fuel economy doesn\u2019t go down that<\/em> much, but again, still isn\u2019t great: 17\/23\/19.<\/p>\n

The Macan GTS is now the top-of-the-line offering and gets an enhanced version of the 2.9-liter. It produces 434 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, and hits 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with launch control. Fuel economy dips only slightly to 17\/22\/19.<\/p>\n

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What’s the Macan like to drive?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There will be those who buy the Macan just because the badge says Porsche and that\u2019s good enough. Yet, if you genuinely want a small SUV that connects better with the driver than any other, Macan has to be at the top of your list \u2013 doesn\u2019t matter what the badge says. Then again, even if it wore no badge at all, there\u2019d be no mistaking it for anything other than a Porsche. The immediate, feelsome, just-right responses from the steering, throttle and brakes<\/a> aren\u2019t quite <\/em>as quick and athletic as what you\u2019d get in a 911 or 718, but the family DNA is unmistakable. It drives like a Porsche whether you\u2019re hustling through a winding back road or trying to keep things interesting during yet another school drop-off. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Of course, this being a Porsche, the model choice and options selections can fundamentally alter the way the Macan drives. Getting a four-cylinder in a Porsche SUV may initially seem a bit lame (especially as it\u2019s basically an Audi<\/a> engine), but it provides competitive thrust for the compact luxury SUV<\/a> segment. It doesn\u2019t wow you, but it\u2019s also quick enough that you don\u2019t stare at the steering wheel\u2019s Porsche badge and go, \u201cReally?\u201d The PDK automated manual transmission it\u2019s paired to enhances its performance considerably with its lightning-quick responses and gear changes (though there can be some odd delays and reactions when going between Reverse and Drive). The Macan T (pictured above) takes that base powertrain and enhances it with a connoisseurs\u2019 selection of performance-oriented features that are either standard or optional on the Macan S and Macan GTS (and not on the base model). You can read more about them in our 2023 Macan T first drive review<\/a>, but in short, it heightens the Macan\u2019s Porscheness<\/a> and doesn\u2019t suffer for its engine apart from a lack of audible drama. We\u2019d happily choose one over the Macan S to save some money and gas, while benefiting from the handling benefit of less weight over the front wheels.<\/p>\n

Now, if you are<\/em> seeking more thrilling acceleration, turning to the Macan GTS<\/a> is the way to go. It too gets those connoisseur performance selections (and then some) plus the best-possible acceleration of the group. The only way to best it in a straight line is a BMW X3 M<\/a> Competition (unless you go electric), but that suffers from a punishing ride you won\u2019t have to deal with in the Macan.<\/p>\n

What other Porsche Macan reviews can I read?<\/span><\/h2>\n

2023 Porsche Macan T First Drive Review<\/a><\/h3>\n

Full details about the latest addition to the Macan lineup, including its additional features and what it’s like to drive.<\/p>\n

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2022 Porsche Macan GTS First Drive Review<\/a><\/p>\n

Find out about the extensive list of changes made last year for the Macan, including those specifically for the GTS that made it the new top-dog Macan.<\/p>\n

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2020 Porsche Macan Luggage Test: It’s more coupe-like than expected<\/a><\/h3>\n

Check this story out to see how much luggage you can put into the Macan and learn about its storage solutions.<\/p>\n

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What is the 2023 Macan price?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Porsche Macan starts at a far<\/em> higher price than other compact luxury SUVs. Like, $13,000 or $18,000 more. It also generally comes with less standard equipment, although the inclusion of adaptive cruise control is at least welcome for 2023. No, you\u2019re paying for superior engineering and performance, which is a value proposition that\u2019s harder to quantify than comparing a price and a list of equipment. Ditto the exclusivity of owning something with the Porsche badge.<\/p>\n

It’s also important to note just how extensive the Macan\u2019s customization possibilities are. From its vibrant color<\/a> selections (including paint-to-sample option) to myriad performance enhancements, you can get closer to your \u201cperfect car\u201d with a Macan than you can with its competitors. That said, it comes with a cost. Not only are customization features like color seatbelts pricey, you also have to pay extra for things like memory seats, blind-spot warning and wireless charging be it in packages or a la carte items. There are obviously pros and cons to this approach. \u00a0<\/p>\n

All prices for the 2023 Macan below include the $1,450 destination charge.<\/p>\n

Macan base: $58,950
Macan T: $64,550
Macan S: $69,850
Macan GTS: $84,350<\/p>\n

What are the Macan safety ratings and driver assistance features?<\/span><\/h2>\n

For 2023, the Macan thankfully now adds forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control to the already standard lane-departure system. These were glaring omissions for such an expensive vehicle. Blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist are still optional, and the adaptive cruise control system does not offer lane-centering steering assistance.<\/p>\n

The Macan has not been crash tested<\/a> by a third party.<\/p>\n

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