Porsche’s Macan crossover has been a success story from when it was launched in 2014. The Cayenne’s slightly smaller sibling has continuously promised – and delivered – sports car mechanicals and gratifying driving dynamics in a compact crossover. Eye-catching styling, strong resale value, and Porsche’s comprehensive options list that allows customers to make their Macan unique has only added to the vehicle’s appeal.
The Macan Turbo, GTS, and S models have historically stolen the spotlight, but it’s the entry-level model, known simply as the Macan, that’s the real star of the show. In fact, the four-cylinder model accounts for a whopping 60 percent of Macan sales. And, as I found out after a week with the sporty crossover, for good reason.
The four-cylinder Macan was introduced in 2016 (two years after the vehicle’s launch) fitted with a high-output variant of VW Group’s proven turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. Despite two fewer cylinders, the Macan was anything but entry-level in terms of mechanical capability. It featured a 7-speed dual-clutch “PDK” gearbox, just like its siblings, and a standard performance-based Performance Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system shared with the celebrated 911 sports car. While it developed fewer horsepower, and its brakes and tires were downscaled accordingly, the standard Macan boasted better chassis balance – the lighter engine removed 132 pounds of mass from the nose.
Porsche updated the Macan for the 2019 model year with a new front and rear fascia and a redesigned interior with a more robust Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system.
The 2022 model year brings another host of enhancements to the Macan. The styling has been reworked – ever so slightly – front and rear. The front fascia has more cleanly integrated air intakes, while the back features Porsche’s new signature three-dimensional badging. LED headlights and the sport design exterior mirrors are now standard, and the company has introduced seven new wheel designs (sized between 19 and 21 inches).
Porsche has fitted the analog clock atop the dash as standard equipment inside the passenger cabin, and they redesigned the center console with haptic touch elements to clean up its appearance. In addition, the gear shift lever has been shortened, and there is a long list of new options – the GT Sport steering wheel is a must-have upgrade. Lastly, those who prefer to customize their Macan will like the new interior packages with deviated stitching in Gentian Blue, Chalk, and Papaya colors.
Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 (longitudinally-mounted) gets a boost of power to 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque – an increase of 13 hp and 22 lb-ft when compared to last year’s model. According to Porsche, the Macan can now accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package that includes launch control). But Porsche is notoriously conservative, as my testing delivered a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.19 seconds – it’s quick.
It is best to think of the Porsche Macan as a crossover version of the iconic 911. With that in mind, consider the compact crossover a tall sports car that fits two adults very comfortably, four adults for a short trip, and adds a generous amount of utility (the Macan can tow up to 4,400 pounds when properly equipped). The vehicle is “right-sized” for buyers who don’t have child seats or the need to haul lots of passengers regularly (Porsche offers the Cayenne to those shoppers).
Front passengers will find the Macan’s cabin very accommodating and comfortable. The standard 8-way seats are comfy, but the optional 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats are phenomenal – a worthy upgrade. In addition, the seating position is good, and the outward vision is excellent. Large exterior mirrors help remove any blind spots (on that note, Lane Departure Warning and front and rear Park Assist are standard in 2022). Six-foot adults fit fine in the second row, but there isn’t a lot of wiggle room. Thankfully, second-row passengers are offered comfortable seats, rear-seat HVAC controls, heated cushions, and more — it’s anything but a second-class experience. The trunk is well sized for cargo, with a flat floor and robust steel tie-downs (the second row seats fold 40:20:40 for additional utility).
On the road, the Macan is quick and peppy. The four-cylinder engine lacks the sporty growl of the V6 models (Macan S and Macan GTS). Still, the power delivery is immediate and the 7-speed PDK shifts with lightning-fast precision – pulling into traffic is effortless. The SPORT button on the console will drop the transmission into a lower gear and hold the engine to higher revolutions (improving responsiveness) for those who want to pick up the pace. It’s hard to fault the PDK in operation, but there is a cost to a dual-clutch gearbox designed for a sports car – the lack of a tall overdrive gear means fuel efficiency suffers. The EPA rates the Macan at 19 city/25 highway, but my numbers were lower. On a positive note, Porsche fits the crossover with a 19.8-gallon fuel tank, so highway cruising range is more than 475 miles between fill-ups.
Dynamically, the standard Macan is a superstar. The reduced mass in the nose significantly improves initial turn-in, reducing understeer in the sweeping corners. The standard 19-inch wheels with all-season tires (fitted to my test vehicle) are sufficient for most shoppers. Still, driving enthusiasts will want to upgrade to Porsche’s optional 20- or 21-inch wheels and opt for the summer tire accessory – transitional handling and cornering grip are improved considerably. Braking, which is always a Porsche strength, is perfect.
After a week with the 2022 Porsche Macan, it’s easy to see why this model is so well-liked. Not only is its base price of about $55,000 very reasonable (especially when you consider its impressive resale value), but the vehicle is an outright joy to drive. Whether navigating a tight parking lot, cruising down the highway, or tackling a tight canyon – the standard Macan is a premium crossover that puts a smile on the driver’s face.
