Pros:
- Powerful engine options for a high-performance sports car feel.
- Attractive and sporty exterior styling.
- Large selection of options and upgrades for customizing to individual preference.
Cons:
- Cargo space is lacking.
- Some interior designs seem below usual luxury standards for the maker.
- The four-cylinder engine should get better gas mileage compared to competitors.
Would we buy one? Definitely!
Vehicle Type: Four-door compact luxury crossover SUV with seating for 5.
Price Range: Start pricing is $52,520 MSRP going to $84,950 MSRP, before options.
All pricing includes a $1,350 destination charge.
Powertrain: There are three engine options:
The base powertrain is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 248 horsepower and 273 pound-foot of torque.
A 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine making 434 horsepower and 405 pound-foot of torque is available as well as a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine making 348 horsepower and 354 pound-foot of torque depending on trim levels.
A 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard as the sole drivetrain.
Competitors: BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Mazda CX-5.
Overall Score: 8.9/10
Safety Features: 8/10
Some competitors like the Mazda CX-5 offer better standard safety equipment than the Macan. Safety features for the Macan include all-around airbags, stability and traction control, and lane-keep assist.
More advanced available safety features include a blind-spot warning system, road-sign recognition system, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane change assist.
The 2020 Porsche Macan has not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety at the time of this writing.
Value: 8/10
A Porsche is generally not expected to be an affordable new car, but the base model does offer just that. However, if the cost is a purchasing factor, more economical rivals like the BMW X3 or Audi Q5 may be considered as the price can get into six digits on the higher tiered Macan Turbo.
There are four trim levels for the Porsche Macan: Macan Base, Macan S, Macan GTS, and Porsche Macan Turbo.
For the Base model, start pricing is $52,520 MSRP. A $60,750 MSRP starting price for the Porsche Macan S. Stepping up to the GTS increases to $72,650 MSRP starting price. The top tier trim level Macan Turbo starts at $84,950 MSRP.
A $1,350 destination charge is included in pricing.
For a new Porsche, we like the Porsche Macan GTS or the Macan S. The monster turbo V6 is a serious competitor in the speed department in the segment and makes the Macan a fun ride. The Sport Chrono package adds some racecar-like features to add to the enhanced driving experience.
Tech Features: 8/10
The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system with a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen for the new Macan, is impressive.
Some standard features include a navigation system, climate control, satellite radio, a 10-speaker stereo system, and USB ports.
A Bose or Burmester audio system and Apple CarPlay are available with wireless connectivity capabilities.
Practicality: 7/10
At 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the hatchback, and 52.9 cubic feet with rear seats down, the Macan offers less space than some compact SUV competition. Competitors like the Audi Q5 offer more cargo cubic feet space and roomier rear seats. But, the Macan is more sport performance motivated than some of its rivals perhaps, so lack of space may be forgiven in this luxury SUV and may not be a factor, depending on individual tastes.
Seating is comfortable with legroom and headroom in the front seats that are accommodating. The rear seats can get a little tight for bigger adults.
The center console, cup holders, and improved larger infotainment touchscreen are smartly designed for easy access.
Styling & Design: 9/10
Consumers can expect a range of exterior and interior options that can get a little expensive if that is a factor. If not, the sky is the limit on how the Macan can be customized. Finery like real wood interior paneling, leather upholstery accents, and brushed aluminum trim is available.
The colorful surface coated brakes add to the sporty demeanor of the Macan as well giving it a visually striking appearance.
Suede-like Alcantara material on the armrests adds a supple touch of luxury we liked.
The Sport Chrono Package adds features like a sport exhaust for some aggressive sound and performance settings that notch the speed up a little.
All in all, the Porsche Macan is a sleek and sharp looking crossover SUV that we found very attractive.
Driving Experience: 9/10
The GTS model variant uses the same V6 as the S and Turbo models of the Macan, but it is less tuned and doesn't have the same massive horsepower as the Turbo. This works to its advantage. A seven-speed automatic PDK transmission utilizes a dual-clutch that rapidly shifts for quicker acceleration from the start in the GTS. The Macan also has a nicely tuned air suspension that reacts to cornering well thanks to manually activated dampers.
We prefer the performance of the 2020 Macan GTS twin-turbo V6 over the previous model years 3.6-liter turbo V6 in this Porsche Macan review.
Borrowing from the Porsche Cayenne and Panamera's braking system, the Macan has responsive stopping power that feels improved for 2020.
Fuel Efficiency: 7/10
Fuel economy is probably not a highlight of the Macan. It lags behind segment competitors and delivers great performance with its powertrains, but gives lackluster gas mileage.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain coupled with the AWD gets 19/23/21 MPG city/hwy/combined according to the EPA while the 2.9-liter V6 gets 17/22/19 according to EPA estimates. The 3.0-liter V6 gets 18/23/20 MPG city/hwy/combined.
