Porsche Macan review (2014-2024)
Porsche makes sports cars, we all know that. So what is it doing dabbling in the SUV market? Well, it’s making sporty SUVs, that’s what. The Macan is its smallest and sportiest SUV. It might be tall like an off-roader, shaped like something practical, but it still drives with all the crisp attitude of a sports car. Keep reading for our full Porsche Macan review
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Pros
- Very good to drive
- Plenty of performance engines
- Good interior and boot space
Cons
- More expensive than rivals
- Running costs can be pretty high
Interior
Our rating: 9/10
Driving position
It’s clear from the moment you sit in the front seat, the Porsche Macan’s interior is designed for drivers.
The seat and steering wheel have ample adjustment, so you can find the perfect position.
You’re also sat cocooned within the car, even though you’re quite high up, ideal for feeling in command.
Tech and features
The steering wheel has a few too many controls, while the rest of the gadgets operate from physical buttons – ones you can feel and press without any distractions from the road.
The final piece in the performance car package, a big and clearly marked rev counter slap bang in the middle of the dials, so you always know what’s going on with the engine.
As an expensive luxury car and a sports car, the Macan is well-appointed.
It has automatic headlights and wipers, a self-opening tailgate and there’s a big touchscreen on the dash with navigation, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity – everything you really need.
The fit and finish of the whole interior really shows up the car’s quality feel. It’s as though it was built to very tight tolerances – it’s solid with no creaks or rattles.
Even the leather-clad parts, although smooth and clearly high-end, are tough – as if makers can’t machine those soft surfaces accurately enough for the Porsche Macan.
The combination of a driver-focused design and precisely engineered elements perfectly mirror the attitude of the entire car.
Performance
Our rating: 9/10
Handling and ride comfort
If you’d trust anyone to make a high-riding SUV that was fun to drive, it’d be Porsche.
As a result, it comes as no surprise to find that the Macan is a hoot when you’re behind the wheel.
You really need to recalibrate yourself once you’ve clambered aboard the Macan. You need to forget its reasonably bulky size and high-up driving position and treat it like a seriously powerful all-wheel-drive hot hatch.
It’s so accomplished at hiding its weight, you never consider its size. It also transfers its power to the road so effectively, you never worry about managing its incredible performance.
Engines and power
One of the newst additions is the Macan T, which is a big deal because it's the first Porsche SUV to carry the 'Touring' badge.
This Macan was made to combine the thrilling driving you get in Sports and Sports Plus mode with the comfort you'd expect for all the family.
It's not as all-round aggressive as the Macan GTS, but it certainly keeps you smiling as you round those bends!
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
There are more practical SUVs than the Macan. That’s no surprise - no one ever bought a Porsche because it was the most sensible choice.
That being said, the Macan is more than big enough in the back for a couple of adults or a trio of children.
Boot space
Plus, the boot can accommodate four chunky suitcases, a set of golf clubs or a pushchair.
The rear seats fold down individually too, which lets you lower just the middle seat and pass long objects through, like skis, while still carrying two rear passengers.
The rear seats, however, leave a little ridge in the boot and don’t fold completely flat.
Running costs
Our rating: 6/10
Fuel economy
You can expect just under 40mpg from the petrol-powered Porsche Macans, and over 45mpg for the diesel models – economical considering its size and performance.
Insurance groups
What you save on fuel, however, you’ll easily spend on costly servicing, high insurance, expensive tyres – the downside of running a Porsche.
Reliability
Porsche has a reputation for building well-engineered, high quality and durable performance cars – the result of all those decades of endurance motorsport.
The Macan continues to build on Porsche's esteemed position and has proved to be a reliable SUV.
The verdict
Interior
9/10
Performance
9/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
6/10
The Porsche Macan feels tightly bundled – it squeezes ballistic road-crushing performance, expert levels of control and high-quality finishes into a compact, but not too small, package.
It’s a car that doesn't force you to compromise, it's a practical family car and it's a fun sports car, too.
Try not to be fooled by this car's practicality, though, because it's still a Porsche, and you'll still have to contend with the higher running costs associated with such performance.
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