2019 Porsche Macan Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

More powerful turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine for S modelsNew interior design incorporating a 10.9-inch touchscreenSubtle styling updatesMore natural voice recognition softwarePart of the first Macan generation introduced in 2015

　　No automaker can resist the allure of SUVs, not even Porsche. If you'd said at the beginning of the 2000s that Porsche's best-selling car would be an SUV, only the savviest auto industry insiders would have nodded sagely. Everyone else would have laughed you from the room.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Porsche Macan 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$227/mo  for Macan Base

　　Macan Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $49,900 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM) - $58,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The Porsche Cayenne debuted a few years later as America's appetite for SUVs turned voracious, and it's widely credited with turning around the company's financial fortunes. Slicing the SUV pie finer, the 2019 Porsche Macan distills the Cayenne's qualities into a compact and dynamic size.

　　With its choice of high-revving turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engines, rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, quick-shifting seven-speed transmission, and a suspension calibrated more for winding roads than dirt trails, the Macan comes closer to the performance character of the automaker's lauded 911 coupe better than its larger, heavier counterpart.

　　For 2019, the Macan features a variety of updates to further its appeal. Inside is a new infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display and web-based navigation. The Macan S trim gets a revised V6 engine with more horsepower and low-end torque, as well as larger brakes that Porsche says also improve brake feel. The latter has been one of the Macan's few weaknesses we've discovered in our testing. New options include a heated windshield, a cabin air ionizer, and suspension and engine software upgrades that extend the Macan's power and handling limits.

　　Like every new Porsche, the Macan can be optioned and equipped to your heart's desire. Alas, doing so can result in a price that might even give a hedge fund manager pause. But if you want a small crossover that's a lot like a sports car, the Macan is the way to go.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Porsche Macan as one of zzdcar' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Porsche Macan Turbo (twin-turbo 3.6L V6 | 7-speed automated manual | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current Macan has received some updates, including new engine choices, a new infotainment system and revised suspension tuning. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Macan, however.

　　

Driving

　　The Porsche Macan Turbo is one of the quickest compact SUVs on the market and among the best-handling. Yet it is also one of the most civilized SUVs to drive. Lesser-known fact: Even with all this on-road performance, the Macan has impressive off-road and towing capabilities.

　　

Acceleration

　　A 400-hp, twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 plus a quick-shifting transmission and good isolation make the Macan Turbo deceptively fast. Utilizing the optional launch control feature, the Macan Turbo rockets to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. For the 2019 Macan S, Porsche quotes a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds.

　　

Steering

　　The Macan's steering response and precision are better than direct competitors, although in truth we'd still like a little more driver feedback through the steering wheel. The Macan provides excellent straight-line highway stability and road isolation.

　　

Handling

　　The Macan Turbo is one of the best-handling SUVs available, even when fitted with low-grip all-season tires. Standard self-adjusting multimode shocks provide confident and poised manners, making the Macan perform like a good sport sedan.

　　

Drivability

　　The engine, brakes and steering work in concert. The Macan is sized perfectly for easily getting around a city but still substantial enough for long drives. Auto stop-start to save fuel is reasonably unobtrusive (and can be turned off).

　　

Comfort

　　The Macan Turbo is more highly equipped than the S model, coming with premium seats and a self-adjusting multimode suspension. For a compact SUV, comfort doesn't get much better than this.

　　

Seat comfort

　　With 18-way adaptive, heated leather front seats (optionally ventilated), the Macan offers a high level of support and comfort. The rear seats are split 40/20/40 and are nearly as bolstered as the front seats.

　　

Ride comfort

　　The Macan Turbo comes standard with adaptive suspension dampers, and our test vehicle was outfitted with the optional air suspension, too. The air suspension can feel floaty at times but does a nice job smoothing out bumps.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　With barely audible wind noise and a highly muffled exhaust note, the Macan Turbo is quiet even during maximum acceleration. This isolation is part of the reason it's so easy to exceed the speed limit.

　　

Climate control

　　Three-zone climate control is standard and works quietly and effectively. You can even set how aggressively the auto climate control system works. The buttons may be small and fiddly, but simply set the temperature as you please and leave everything in auto, and you won't ever have to touch it again.

　　

Interior

　　Outstanding ergonomics and a low stance make the Macan feel like a perfectly tailored suit. It feels "right-size" when you drive it. Downsides: Outward visibility is hampered a bit by thick roof pillars, and the cargo capacity is small, even for a compact SUV.

　　

Ease of use

　　The 2019 Macan gets a 10.9-inch touchscreen that's currently in the Cayenne and Panamera models. Along with the larger interface comes a redesigned dash. We think the new design looks great. While some vehicles' displays look like a tablet tacked on to the dashboard as an afterthought, the Macan's is flush-mounted and nicely integrated into the overall design.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The Macan, especially when equipped with the optional air suspension, sits lower than most compact SUVs, making for fuss-free entry and exit.

　　

Driving position

　　With the number of adjustments you can make, you need to spend time moving the seat around so you can be really comfortable. The relationship between the steering wheel and the seat is just about perfect, but you do have to remember that, as in all Porsches, the ignition is on the left.

　　

Roominess

　　For a small SUV, the Macan feels pretty large inside thanks to a low dashboard, ample-size windows, and plenty of passenger room. It seems Porsche focused more on people space than luggage room.

　　

Visibility

　　The outward sightlines are pretty typical for small SUVs, meaning not fantastic, and there are some noticeable blind spots. Optional aids will help with this issue, including front and rear parking sensors, rear camera and blind-spot monitoring.

　　

Quality

　　Not exactly unexpected coming from Porsche, the Macan has an impeccable build quality. The car's construction is one of its standout features.

　　

Utility

　　It's clear what compromises Porsche had to make to build the Macan and make sure that it stayed sporty. It doesn't carry as much cargo, nor is it as spacious on the inside, as just about all of its competitors.

　　

Small-item storage

　　Storage for small items is lacking, handled by modest door pockets, a glovebox, and a deep but small center armrest bin.

　　

Cargo space

　　Luggage space is 18 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 53 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. That's limited cargo space, even for a compact SUV. Tie-down loops in the cargo area are a nice touch and lie flat when not in use.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

　　The car seat anchor points are easily accessible in their own compartments. There are three upper anchors for flexible car-seat placement. It's a bit of a reach, but the outer two top anchors are accessible from the side doors.

　　

Technology

　　For 2019, the Macan gets an upgraded infotainment interface that includes a 10.9-inch touchscreen display, internet connectivity and web-based navigation. Some of the Macan's systems can be operated and monitored via Porsche's own compatible smartphone app. Apple CarPlay was standard on earlier models but becomes an option for 2019.

　　

Which Macan does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Macan S has more capability than most drivers will ever need, yet it remains tame enough for the rigors of daily driving. Of the available options, we'd start with the Premium Package Plus. It adds a nice bundle of desirable equipment without getting too deep into the wallet-draining choices of more personalized choices.

　　

2019 Porsche Macan models

　　The 2019 Porsche Macan is a five-seat small luxury SUV available in two trim levels: base and S. Both come standard with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Other variants, such as the Turbo and the GTS, are expected to arrive later in the model year or for 2020.

　　The base model starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (248 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque), 18-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a lane departure warning system, a power liftgate, LED headlights, automatic wipers, rear privacy glass, three-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, partial leather and simulated-suede upholstery, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat and a cargo cover.

　　Electronic features include the Porsche Communication Management infotainment system, upgraded for 2019 with a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen interface, improved voice recognition software, internet radio and web-based navigation. Carryover features include Bluetooth, four USB ports (two front, two rear), and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite and HD radio.

　　The Macan S is equipped similarly, with the notable exception of a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (348 hp, 354 lb-ft), 19-inch wheels, more powerful brakes, different exterior trim types, and dual twin-pipe exhaust ports.

　　Options abound for both trims — bundled in packages and as stand-alone features. Highlights include the Premium package, which adds adaptive headlights, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, heated seats, Apple CarPlay, and a Bose surround-sound audio system. A step further is the Premium Package Plus, which adds a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, and upgraded front seats with ventilation and memory settings. The Sport Chrono package includes an analog stopwatch, launch control, and driver-selectable modes that optimize suspension and transmission settings.

　　Along with a dizzying array of interior and exterior trim upgrades, stand-alone options worth checking out include an adaptive air suspension, adaptive sport seats, an electronically locking rear differential, a premium Burmester audio system, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 Macan articles

　　

2019 Macan Highlights

Trim: BaseSBase

　　

Base MSRP	$49,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$227/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles