Porsche Macan Reliability: Compact AND Dependable?

Cathleen V
Feb 20, 2021

Silver 2019 Porsche Macan With Sea View

You know you want a compact luxury SUV to get you where you want to go with amazing performance and in superior style and comfort. But which model should you get? If you’re like many drivers, reliability is key in a vehicle. The 2019 Porsche Macan is a great ride.

How reliable is the 2019 Porsche Macan?

The 2019 Porsche Macan has a high reliability rating, according to both professional experts and vehicle owners, and the 2020 model has received several awards for initial and retained value.

Vehicle History Reviews:

  • Owner Reviews: 4.50 Stars
  • Expert Reviews: 4.20 Stars

Determining whether the 2019 Porsche Macan is the right vehicle for you is a tough process, but we’ve gathered information from a range of sources, including the NHTSA website and Vehicle History’s extensive database and compiled that information into this article. It’s easy for you to find what you need and explore.

History of the Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan, named for the Japanese word for “tiger,” began initial development in 2010 under the code name “Cajun” for “Cayenne Junior,” for the Porsche Cayenne midsize crossover SUV. It was revealed at both the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show and the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show to great acclaim.

The first production models were available for sale in Europe in spring 2014 and in the U.S. in late-spring 2014. The first generation, still in production for the 2021 model year, shares a platform with the Audi Q5 first generation, though with a heavily modified suspension and larger body.

It has featured six different engines over the first generation with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as well as a unique transmission option featuring a one-speed direct-drive front transmission and two-speed automatic rear transmission. The 2016 and 2019 model years saw facelifts to add black accents to the exterior and LED headlights.

2019 Porsche Macan Owner Complaints, Recalls and Related Issues

In a rare turn for a vehicle, especially one that has undergone an extensive facelift, the 2019 Porsche Macan has had no recalls and only a couple of complaints on the NHTSA website. The two complaints didn’t impact reliability, one dealing with a speedometer discrepancy and the other an isolated event.

Though the 2019 Porsche Macan has not been rated by J.D. Power, the 2020 model year has been, showing a great reliability ranking of 77 out of 100. Given the lack of changes from 2019 to 2020, this is a decent indicator of how the 2019 model year will perform.

Expert reviews from the Vehicle History website mention the Macan as the company’s best-selling vehicle, with its Cajun development name reflected in the many features and options included in the Cayenne. Standard all-wheel drive keeps you solidly on the road, while outstanding performance and handling make it a fun drive.

A wide range of safety features make it much easier to avoid accidents. Though this doesn’t necessarily impact the reliability of the drive train, it does keep the vehicle on the road longer by avoiding wrecks that could total the vehicle. It handles corners very well while feeling rock-solid otherwise.

Owner reviews don’t mention any issues with or benefits of reliability, but compared with many vehicles that have extensive complaints and issues with the drivetrain or safety that can impact reliability, we’ll take that as a win. These reviews do mention the extreme comfort, performance and handling of the vehicle.

Is the Porsche Macan Right for You?

The 2019 Porsche Macan is a great compact luxury crossover SUV, delivering the performance and outstanding luxury you’d expect of a Porsche with the off-road capabilities of a compact SUV. But is it the right vehicle for your household? Only you can decide. Vehicle History’s extensive database can help you find the answer.

avatar Cathleen V
Cathleen V is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead’s perspective. Whether it’s the Mercedes-Benz A-class economy and Jeep ruggedness to Challenger Hellcat and Tesla semi capabilities, you’ll discover outstanding intel and research.
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