2022 Porsche Macan
Variants, Reviews, Pricing, and Specs
Prices Starting at $56,250
Overview
The Porsche Macan was first seen in November 2013 and went on sale in the United States in 2014 as 2015 model year car. It was going to be called the Cajun originally, but changed the name to Macan before launch. Originally, Porsche launched the Macan S and the Macan Turbo. The second model year, 2016, didn’t bring many changes to the Macan, aside from three-zone climate control becoming standard. But 2017 gave us a new trim, the Porsche Macan GTS, designed to fit between the two launch models with its 3.0 twin-turbo V6 and slightly more boost pressure than the S. It also had standard PASM adaptive suspension paired with air springs. Porsche added a 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo model as the Macan entry point. All models got Porsche's superb seven-speed PDK and electro-mechanical power steering, a double wishbone front suspension and what Porsche calls a “self tracking trapezoidal link” suspension in the rear. All Macans get six-piston front brake calipers and single-piston floating rear clampers. Those calipers are putting the squeeze on 13.8-inch front rotors on the Macan S and 14.2-inchers on the Macan GTS and Turbo. Rear rotors are 13 inches on the S and GTS, while the Turbo gets the bigger 14-inch rear pizzas.
In July 2018, Porsche unveiled a new facelift for the Macan range in Shanghai. The production started the following month and the Europeans saw it at the Paris Motor Show in September. The 2019 Porsche Macan update includes refreshed exterior styling that includes updated front and rear bumpers, new taillamps that span the width of the liftgate, and new wheel designs. Porsche also gave us another update to for the 2022 model year. While this isn’t a full redesign, the Macan got some notable tweaks to its exterior, interior and mechanicals. Across the 2022 Macan lineup, Porsche gave buyers more powerful engine options compared to 2021 models.
The Macan is the top selling Porsche and looks likely to be the car that defines the company going forward. It outsells all the other models by some margin. While recently Porsche announced the Macan T, the truth is that the biggest change to the Macan is going to be the move to electrification. Prototypes for Porsche's electric Macan have been spotted revealing a number of new design elements bound for the production model and Porsche is expected to give us details in the coming months. The electric Macan will be a 2023 model and we bet it is going to be a cracking car and the choice for Porsche urbanites everywhere.
The Macan might be getting on a bit, but if you want an SUV that drives and feels like a sports car then it's still top of the tree.
Matt Watson
Pros
The Porsche Macan is a practical, roomy SUV that’s also quick and fun-to-drive. The interior has also been brought into line with alternatives thanks to 2021 updates.
Cons
The base Macan is not powerful enough. The competition is roomier and more comfortable. Options get expensive given the segment it competes in.
Verdict
Blends a typically Porsche-like driving experience with plenty of practicality and technology. If you want an SUV that drives and feels like a sports car, this is it.
What's New for 2022
While this isn’t a full redesign, the Macan got some notable tweaks to its exterior, interior and mechanicals for the 2022 model year. Porsche updated the Macan's front and rear bumpers and added new wheel designs to the order form for 2022. The interior sports a reworked center console, steering wheel, and shift lever. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder now makes 261 horsepower, and the Macan S inherits the 375-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 from last year's GTS. Porsche cut the Turbo from the list but transferred its 434-hp V-6 to the GTS. Porsche is also adding a new model to its Macan lineup, the 2023 Macan T, with standard equipment meant to provide sportier handling and performance to the company’s compact SUV. The “T” stands for Touring, and Porsche said it’s the first time a four-door has worn the badge, previously used only on its 911 and 718 cars.
Our Pick of the Range
We don't love the base Macan (it isn't powerful enough), so we would skip that altogether. If you need a daily driver and don't need to spend a fortune, then the V-6-powered S is a great choice. Its six-cylinder, 380hp 2.9-litre engine has a tuneful rasp, plenty of torque and performance that’ll keep you happy. It has a lot included as standard, but you should opt for the Premium package for its heated front and rear seats, adaptive headlights, and an upgraded 14-speaker audio system. Sports Chrono is also worth the money. If even the S isn’t enough for you, there is the GTS model which replaces the old Turbo. With 440hp its straight line performance isn’t far off that of a 911, while the GTS gets handling tweaks to make it even sharper in the bends. If it were our money, we would go for the Macan GTS every single time. It is genuinely fun and really fast and it does everything well. A great car.
2022 Pricing Guide
Macan (Base) - $56,250
Macan S - $66,750
Macan GTS - $81,250
Macan T - ~ $50,000 (arriving as 2023 MY)
Ranking vs Competition
Porsche Macan - $56,250
Mercedes-AMG GLC63 4Matic - $76,900
BMW X3 - $44,695
Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV - $86,575
“Still a hugely capable, desirable package that’s just starting to show its age in places”
TopGear
Rivals have their own small victories: the Alfa Stelvio is lighter on its feet, and the AMG GLC 63 sounds cooler while being caned. But as an all-rounder, a car for all tasks and occasions, Porsche’s effort is unsurpassed.
Top Gear
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