2023 Porsche Macan

　　

2023 Porsche Macan Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　There are three reasons to buy a 2023 Porsche Macan. The first is because you want one of the quickest, best-handling compact luxury SUVs you can buy. The second is you absolutely love the Macan's styling. The third is you want a brand-new Porsche and you want an SUV, but the larger and more expensive Cayenne is incompatible with your budget. That's it, end of story.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

　　$218/mo  for Macan Base

　　Macan Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $57,500 MSRPT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $63,100 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 7AM) - $68,400 MSRPGTS 4dr SUV AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 7AM) - $82,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Porsche is known for building some of the world's best sports cars, but it is the Macan and Cayenne that drive the automaker's business and profitability. However, while Porsche has kept the Macan updated since it arrived for the 2015 model year, it's no spring chicken. Nine years without a full redesign is an eternity in the automotive industry.

　　In 2022, Porsche added more power to each version of the SUV and updated the interior with new touch-sensing center console controls. However, most Macans also got more expensive. To solve that affordability gap, a new Macan T slots between the base model and the Macan S. The T stands for Touring, and it includes 20-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, performance enhancements, dark gray exterior trim, and exclusive interior details to create a relatively affordable yet distinct version of the SUV.

　　The main downside to buying a Macan, aside from its lofty price compared to similarly sized rivals, is the lack of utility. The back seat is cramped for bigger kids and adults, and there isn't much cargo space. To overcome that issue and retain the Macan's sporty demeanor, you'll need to find the financial wherewithal to upgrade to Porsche's larger Cayenne.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

9.0/10

　　How does the Macan drive? The Macan feels every bit a Porsche on a twisty road. The way stops, steers and handles gives you complete confidence, and it's a joy to drive along uncrowded backroads. But we've found a big difference in acceleration between the base four-cylinder engine and the available V6. The Macan T we tested, which has the four-cylinder, sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in respectably quick 5.5 seconds.

　　However, that's the number we recorded at our test track when using the Macan's launch control system and Porsche's Sport Response feature (a system that primes the engine to give max power). In typicall driving, the four-cylinder engine feels much more sluggish. Other more powerful trims like the S and GTS are much more satisfying, and true enthusiasts should likely start their search for their ideal Macan there.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Macan? The Macan has a firmer ride than most other small luxury SUVs. You'll feel bumps and imperfections in the road, but it's not harsh or uncomfortable. Models equipped with the available air suspension have a smoother ride; it's worth getting if comfort is a priority. It's a similar theme when it comes to the front seats. The base front seats are firm and lack adjustability and are not the best for long drives. Seats with more adjustability are available, but it's unfortunate that you have to pay extra for them.

　　The climate system works and the controls are easy to use, but the placement of the vents means it's occasionally hard to feel the air coming into the cabin. You'll also be able to hear the fans whirring away. Road and wind noise isn't as well muted as in other luxury SUVs, and the base four-cylinder engine can sound gruff at times.

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