In a world of sporty crossovers, the Porsche Macan fills a hole in the automaker’s family-oriented lineup. We break down the updates, models, and the future of the SUV to choose its best and worst years.
Key Points
- The Porsche Macan began debuted for 2015 and has already had three major updates to its first/current generation.
- Porsche Macans come standard with a PDK transmission, all-wheel drive (AWD), and four trims: Base, S, GTS, and Turbo.
- Porsche based the Macan off the Audi Q5 but changed nearly all of its design.
- The 2016-2017 model years are the worst for the Macan, with the 2019 model currently the best year.
Macan Debuted for 2015, Going on to Sell Over 100,000 Units
With the rise in popularity of crossover SUVs in the early 2010s, it was time for Porsche to expand its lineup and compete with the likes of BMW’s X4, Mercedes’ GLC, and Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio. These crossover SUVs focus more on the sports side, with a smaller design and lightweight turbo engines. As a result, the Macan was introduced for the 2015 model year, sharing a large part of its design with the Audi Q5. However, the Macan set itself apart in a few ways.
While the chassis and suspension of the Porsche Macan closely resemble the Audi Q5, the engine, transfer case, and exterior design are all unique to the Macan. The model is marketed as a middle ground between the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne, and all Macans feature a seven-speed PDK transmission and AWD. With these features as standard, it focuses on the driving experience where other Porsche SUVs are lacking.
Porsche has sold the Macan for just over seven years at the time of this writing. The model has gone on to be Porsche’s best-selling SUV, selling over 100,000 units in the U.S. alone. The first-generation Macan has had a few major updates over the years, and it welcomed a GTS version in 2017.
First-gen. Macan Nabs ‘Best Value’ Awards Despite Fuel Pump & Brake Issues
Porsche launched the Macan with two trim levels: the S and Turbo trim. The Macan S housed a 3.0L twin-turbo V6, producing 335 horsepower. The Macan Turbo received a 3.6L V6 twin-turbo, which bumped power figures to 395 horsepower.
One year later, Porsche announced the GTS trim to fill the gap between S and Turbo trims. Utilizing the same engine from the S, the GTS trim produced 30 extra torque. Fuel mileage for all three trim levels was a constant 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Overall, the three different trim levels mainly differ by their engine options.
Safety ratings for each trim were consistent. The 2015 Porsche Macan received a Euro NCAP rating of five stars overall. It also won a 2020 ALG Residual Value Award: Premium Compact: 2020 Macan, and a Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value award for the 2021 model. As with most new cars, safety is paramount, and the Macan spares no expense.
Thus, only a handful of issues were reported for the first few years of Macan. Most of the reports pertain to a recall for fuel pump issues. In addition, there are a handful of early-year cars recalled for brake boosters damaged on installation.
Macan Adds new Turbocharged Base Engine Producing 242 HP
Surprisingly, at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, Porsche unveiled a missing piece to the Macan puzzle. The base model Porsche Macan debuted as a 2017 model year vehicle housing a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 242 horsepower. One major benefit of the base model Macan is that the fuel mileage bumps up to 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
As for safety, the Porsche Macan continues to produce five-star crash test ratings. Recalls still pertained to issues from early year models, although there was a unique issue for the 2017 model year. The anti-roll bar connecting links moving out of position affects certain 2017 Macans of any trim level. With a five-year run and no major updates to the Macan chassis, it seemed time for Porsche to invest in their best-selling SUV.
Porsche Macan Models 2019-current Get Refreshed Exterior with LED Lighting
Porsche made subtle changes in 2019, including the suspension, fuel system components, and optional packages. The most noticeable changes are the redesigned front and rear fascia. In addition, new Macans come standard with LED headlights and taillights. Optionally available systems include active suspension management, torque vectoring, and a new Sport Chrono package that includes driver-selectable driving modes, launch control, and more precise PDK software.
Engine options for the Macan received some attention as well. All models housed a new engine design aside from the base model Macan. The Porsche Macan S sees power increase to 348 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque thanks to the new 3.0L single-turbo V6. The Macan GTS bumps up to 375 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. of torque due to its new 2.9L twin-turbo V6 shared with the Macan Turbo. The top trim model, the 2020 Macan Turbo produces 434 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque. These engine updates proved to be more reliable than the previous engines as there are no recalls, and they are much more efficient.
Best & Worst Years for Porsche Macan
If you’re in the market for a Porsche Macan, then you have an appreciation for refined, sport-oriented luxury. When it comes to the best years of Porsche Macan, it is hard to ignore 2019 or newer models. With the recent facelift and overall updates, Porsche seems to have remedied any teething issues from the earlier year Macans.
While they aren’t quite old enough to get a steep discount, you can snag a 2019 Macan for between $45,000 to $53,000, depending on options, mileage, and condition. While its competitors are slightly cheaper, the level of quality and reliability you get from Porsche is unmatched.
As for the worst years of the Porsche Macan, it has the be the 2016-2017 model years. Overall, these model years have the most recalls and complaints attached to them. While this doesn’t make them bad years to purchase, it is wise to avoid them if you’re looking for the least issues. The good news for buyers is that the 2016-2017 model years aren’t bad enough to warrant a large price difference. This close price means you won’t feel as bad springing for the slightly newer 2019 plus model years.
Photos: Porsche
