Porsche Macan review (2014 - 2025)
Porsche Macan cars for sale
4.0
Expert review
Pros
A genuinely sporty SUV
The diesel is surprisingly economical
Superbly made cabin
Cons
Tight on rear-seat space
Petrol models are thirsty
You can buy more practical SUVs for less
The CarGurus verdict
Whether or not the Porsche Macan is for you depends on one of several things, but the most significant is arguably how important it is to drive an SUV that feels sporty on the road. In that respect, only Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio comes close, but it can’t match the Porsche for the quality of the fit and finish of the interior or the impressive residual values.
Because there is so little to visually distinguish between the versions of the Macan, you could buy the entry-level, four-cylinder version and save yourself a small fortune over the Turbo and few people would be any the wiser. But if you’d like to have one of the fastest and most tenacious SUVs ever to tackle a winding road, the GTS or Turbo are hard to resist.
We think drivers will be pleasantly impressed by the spacious boot – not something you find on a Porsche every day – but the back seats are on the snug side, so other midsize SUVs do better on practicality. But if you want a car that puts the sport into Sport Utility Vehicle, the Macan’s for you.
What is the Porsche Macan?
Can there be such a thing as an SUV that stands your hair on end and stretches a smile across your face? Porsche likes to think so. SUVs are of vital importance to the German car company’s financial health (the Macan is its best-selling model) but given the marque’s reputation for creating outstanding driving machines, it can’t afford for them to drive like some sort of horse and cart. So it set out to make the Macan the most athletic SUV in its class, and made good on its promise.
Of course, not everyone wants a fire-breathing SUV. Which is why there are four models in the Macan range, starting with the base model ‘Macan’ which gets a tuned version of the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine from the Golf GTI. Like all other models, it is all-wheel drive. The more driver-focussed T uses the same engine as the entry-level model, while the Macan S and GTS uses a twin turbocharged 2.9-litre petrol. Which you’ll prefer depends on your budget and your need for speed.
In terms of rivals, there are plenty. The more humble versions of the Macan SUV face competition from fellow German rivals such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLE, not to mention other prestige SUVs such as Jaguar F-Pace and Alfa Romeo Stelvio. If, however, the Porsche Macan you're considering is Porsche Macan GTS, then it'll be high-performance SUVs that'll be. vying for your cash, cars like the Audi SQ5, Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Mercedes-AMG versions of the GLE.
The Macan was facelifted in 2018, with a refreshed exterior that included reprofiled headlamps and full width rear lights. At the same time, Porsche also dropped the Diesel model as a reaction to dwindling scales and to distance itself from the ‘dieselgate’ scandal that embroiled parent firm VW.
It was updated again in 2021, with some subtle visual upgrades, some new trim levels and an improved interior with revised switchgear and new infotainment system. Somewhat surprisingly, it dropped the flagship Turbo model.
How practical is it?
Settle into the driver’s seat, survey your surroundings and you’ll quickly appreciate that no other compact SUV feels so well made. The quality of the materials feels first-class, the multi-adjustable driving position is comfortable and you’ll be comfortable covering long distances from behind the steering wheel.
In the rear seats, the Macan’s compact proportions are noticeable. There’s a shortage of legroom for tall adults, and at best the car feels like a four-seater rather than one that would keep five people comfortable, especially if you have to fit one or more child seats (there are two sets of Isofix attachments). So long as you’re prepared to trade off some cabin space in return for the Macan’s quality feel and responsive driving experience, that should be a shortfall you could forgive.
The boot offers 488 litres of luggage space, which is more than competitive for the type of car. However, the floor is quite high, so you’ll need to lift up shopping bags or dogs when loading. With a wide, flat-sided load bay, squeezing in bulky items is made that bit easier. There’s also a decent amount of storage, with large door bins, a usefully shaped glovebox and a deep lidded cubby between the front seats.
Should you wish to venture off-road, the four-wheel drive system, traction control and limited-slip differential, as well as the car’s ground clearance (between 190 and 210mm), mean it can take farm trails, grassy fields or beaches in its stride, and is able to tow an unbraked trailer weighing up to 750kg.
What's it like to drive?
The standard Macan and the T get the same four-cylinder engine, but these are by no means poor relations to the other models. The 261bhp unit is responsive, offers brisk performance (0-62mph takes just 6.4 seconds) yet remains frugal, which explains why it sells well. The VW-sourced unit is also impressively refined, feeling smooth and strong all the way through the rev range. And while it’s not the most charismatic unit, it delivers a purposeful growl when worked hard.
The Audi-sourced V6 engine is equally lacking in character and doesn’t deliver the pleasing sound some Porsche sports cars are known for, although adding the optional sports exhaust does add a little extra snap, crackle and pop when in the car’s sportiest driving settings. And there’s no arguing with the deep-chested performance, both in the 375bhp S and the 434bhp GTS. In fact, in real world terms there’s little between the two for performance, with both more than fast enough to humble supposedly sportier machines.
The seven-speed, dual-clutch PDK gearbox that’s fitted to all models is starting is showing its age a little compared to the transmissions used in newer Porsche models, but even so it offers quick and smooth shifts, only occasionally getting wrong-footed around town when it can snatch some low speed gear changes.
Regardless of the model you are considering, all deliver class-leading roadholding, assuming you value precision and response over refinement and comfort. This isn’t a light car but it hides its weight well, changing direction in an eager fashion and gripping the road surface with determination. You won't find an SUV at any money that's more satisfying to fling around. This is particularly true of the T and GTS, which get lowered and stiffened suspension for even greater precision and driver engagement . And while the ride comfort isn't as cosseting as it is in some cushy SUV rivals, it'll still be easily forgiving enough to satisfy most buyers. The Macan is hushed and refined at speed too, making it a relaxing long distance express. And while it’s not exactly compact, a high set driving position and standard parking sensors make it a confidence-inspiring city slicker.
Technology, equipment & infotainment
Given Porsche’s habit of being a bit stingy with standard kit and encouraging owners to dip their wallets into the expensive options list, it's surprising to find the Macan is so well equipped. All models get LED headlamps, three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, leather trimmed and powered seats, a powered tailgate and a reversing camera.
That’s not to say you can’t splash the cash on extras, and if you’re in a big spending mood then your local Porsche dealer will happily oblige. This is good news when buying used, as many owners did just this, meaning you’ll find plenty of examples with desirable additions, so it’s worth checking exactly what you’re getting.
The standard touchscreen infotainment system on early cars worked well enough, with decent graphics and easy to use menus. It also featured Bluetooth and USB for straightforward connection of your smartphone and media devices.
However, for the latest connectivity, you’ll need the new 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system added to the post-2021 facelift cars. With a detailed resolution and slick interface, plus the addition of Apple CarPlay, it’s a lesson to other car makers in creating a user-friendly set-up. However, it takes a while to become familiar with the layout of the switches surrounding the gear lever; and even when you think you know which button does what, you’ll find your eyes drawn from the road to the switches as you check you’ve turned on the heated seat rather than switched off the lane-keep assistance system.
The Macan was the first Porsche to be assessed by EuroNCAP, and it passed with flying colours, scoring the full five points. Standard safety features include a raft of airbags and electronic stability control. Surprisingly autonomous emergency braking is only available as part of the optional adaptive cruise control system, while other extra cost driver aids include lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.
Porsche Macan running costs
Good news! The Macan may be nearing the end of its life but it remains sought after as a used car. That means the residual values for the Macan are among the best in the SUV class. That said, used buyers will also be happy that the Macan has been around long enough for prices to come down significantly, so early examples can be had for much more sensible money.
The Macan’s service intervals are every two years or 20,000 miles, so you won’t have to pay for annual servicing, or find yourself regularly tempted to buy another Porsche by a canny salesperson who’s put you into a plush-grade courtesy car. However, Porsche servicing costs are some of the most expensive of any manufacturer. And as the years tick by, the list of maintenance tasks naturally increases, so don’t expect to get off lightly when you do have to pay the dealer a visit for scheduled servicing. The alternative is to employ the services of a reputable Porsche specialist, ensuring they adhere to the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Road tax in the first year costs £1,910 for the Macan and Macan S (depending on the wheels fitted, in the case of the S) while the GTS and Turbo models see that increase to £2,245 - although this is bundled into the price. In years two to five, all Macans will cost £475 a year to tax, and then £150 per year after that. Anyone running a Macan as a company car tax will find it sits in the most expensive band, for vehicles that emit more than 160g/km of CO2.
The fuel economy of even the most fuel efficient petrol-powered Macan – 25.7 mpg – will see the typical driver get through a fair amount of fuel in a year. If you were to opt for the mid-range, V6-powered Macan GTS, the fuel consumption falls to 23.9 mpg at best, which means an annual fuel bill of £2170. All the more reason why canny Macan buyers will make their way directly to the used market and seek out a good diesel example.
Porsche Macan reliability
The Porsche warranty is nothing out of the ordinary for the class. The German car company provides three years of cover which is par for the course, but it does at least include three years of Porsche Assistance breakdown cover and there is no limit to the mileage that you can cover during the warranty period.
Those who wish to keep their Macan for more than the first three years of its life may wish to consider investing in an extended warranty. Opting for this during the first year means there is no charge for the 111-point vehicle inspection that would be needed later in the car’s life.
In independent consumer satisfaction surveys, the Macan has performed well, even if Porsche as a brand hasn’t. The 2020 What Car? Reliability Survey saw Macan owners report the least faults of any of the luxury SUVs scored by drivers. Its rating of 96.9 per cent was streets ahead of cars like the Range Rover Velar, which managed just 81.9 per cent.
- Porsche offers air suspension which keeps the car level – such as when carrying heavy cargo in the boot or towing – and offers the function to adjust the ride height, in addition to adjustable damper settings. It costs nearly £1900 and was fitted to the GTS we tested. It's nice to have if you can afford it, or you can be bothered to hunt down a used example with it fitted. However, the standard suspension is pretty good on its own, so the air suspension is not exactly a must-have.
- Don’t get carried away with the options list. On a Macan GTS we tested, Porsche had fitted £20,000-worth of extras. Adding costly extras that are highly personal is likely to lose you a significant sum of money when you come to sell the car or trade it in for another Porsche. It’s more cost effective to choose a higher specification car if you want all the bells and whistles.
- The next generation of Macan will be electric, says Porsche, and will go on sale in 2022. There will be a mix of plug-in hybrid and pure electric powertrains, built around a new platform that's being developed by Porsche and Audi for SUV-type vehicles, and will allow for good levels of ground clearance. Those who would like an electric SUV with a Porsche badge on the front may wish to wait for the new model to arrive in showrooms, rather than buy a current example that will become obsolete.
- You could get the look for less and choose the base Macan with the 261bhp turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and who could blame you for that, when it is the most frugal of the petrols, returning nearly 26 mpg and costing around £47,000?
- But for just another couple of thousand pounds, the Macan S is within reach and it brings a V6 turbo engine that has more oomph and is not all that more thirsty (nearly 24 mpg). So either of those should appeal to the sensible side of drivers.
- For the most economical long-distance cruiser, you might want to hunt out a diesel, although you won't be able to have one of these as a new car because it was discontinued in 2018 (diesel power was also canned in the Cayenne and Panamera at around the same time). Doesn't mean it's not a great engine, though. This 3.0-litre V6 diesel develops 254bhp and can power from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds (6.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package fitted), all while achieving an average fuel economy of up to 46mpg.
- Those who want their SUV to feel as though it’s straining at the leash should consider the more powerful, and more expensive, GTS that features a 434bhp twin-turbo V6 engine. Effectively the same unit that used to sit under the bonnet of the now discontinued Turbo flagship, it can fire the Macan from standstill to 62mph in as little as 4.3 seconds, which is quick enough to have a few sports car owners wondering which way you went.
