Michael Harley
Review QuickTakes:
The 2022 Porsche Macan is a compact two-row crossover SUV designed and engineered to deliver the thrilling driving dynamics of a sports car. All versions of the 2022 Macan feature powerful turbocharged engines and an active all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. In addition, buyers can custom-tailor the SUV to a wide range of personal style and luxury and technology preferences through an extensive menu of options.
What's New for the 2022 Porsche Macan?
Porsche makes several significant changes to the Macan for the 2022 model year. For starters, the Macan Turbo model is dropped, leaving the Macan, Macan S, and Macan GTS. Porsche boosts the standard Macan's horsepower, while the Macan S receives a new engine that considerably increases its performance. The Macan GTS also gets a power increase, allowing it to fill the void left by the departed Macan Turbo while delivering slightly better performance than the outgoing variant.
All Macans get upgraded steering and revised suspension tuning this year, along with minor styling updates, new wheel designs in larger standard sizes, adaptive LED headlights, and Sport Design exterior mirrors. Inside, new steering wheels debut, and all 2022 Macans have a revised center console with touch-sensing controls, added storage area, and a redesigned transmission gear selector. The 2022 Macan also offers a new Park Assist system with semi-autonomous operation for parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. Porsche also says it has revised the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems for improved smoothness and effectiveness.
For 2023, Porsche will introduce a Macan T with standard performance upgrades. The 2023 Macan T will slot above the base Macan and below the Macan S.
How Much is a Porsche Macan?
This year, 2022 Porsche Macan prices range from the high $50,000s to the low $80,000s, including the destination charge to ship the SUV from Germany to your local dealership.
2022 Porsche Macan Trim Levels and Configurations
Porsche sells three versions of the 2022 Macan and differentiates them primarily by their performance levels. Here are the highlights of each:
Porsche Macan – The base model has a 261-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (marketed as "PDK"), and a permanent active all-wheel-drive system. A set of 19-inch wheels is standard, and the entry-level Macan model uses 350mm front brakes with four-piston calipers and 330mm rear brakes with single-piston calipers.
Additional features include adaptive LED headlights that swivel to help the driver see around corners and curves, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, and Porsche Entry & Drive remote keyless entry and engine starting. Interiors come with three-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather and fabric upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat.
The Macan has a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a ten-speaker sound system. Porsche Connect services provide access to a Wi-Fi hotspot and come with a smartphone app for remote access to vehicle functions. Safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors.
Porsche Macan S – The 2022 Macan S boasts a more powerful 375-hp twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Additionally, this version of the SUV features 20-inch wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and larger 360mm front brakes with red-painted six-piston calipers.
Porsche Macan GTS – The range-topping 2022 Macan GTS shares its engine with the S, but it is tuned to deliver 434 hp and has enhanced AWD and sports exhaust systems. In addition, Porsche upgrades the Macan GTS to an adaptive air suspension with PASM and a 10mm lower ride height. Standard wheels are 21 inches in diameter over 390mm front brakes with six-piston calipers and 356mm rear brakes with single-piston calipers. The GTS model also features Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB).
Michael Harley
2022 Porsche Macan Review and Test Drive
Test Drive QuickTakes:
Porsche debuted the first-generation 2014 Macan in the fall of 2013, and it is still selling essentially the same vehicle nearly a decade later. That's an unusual move for an automaker because most car companies completely redesign models every five to seven years.
Unfortunate timing is likely the reason for the Macan's longevity, as Porsche built its new small SUV on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform shared by the first-generation Audi Q5. By the time the Macan arrived, the Q5 had been on sale for a couple of years, so when Audi switched to a new platform for the 2018 model year, it came too soon for Porsche to make a similar change.
Instead, Porsche kept the Macan on the first-generation platform. Updates have kept the Macan fresh. The SUV got significant improvements for 2019 and 2022, and while Porsche ambiguously called the SUV the "new Macan" each time, it remained on the well-engineered MLB Platform.
Michael Harley
Still, going nine years without a complete redesign is an eternity in automotive product cycle years. But we won't ever see a second-generation gas-powered Macan because Porsche has already announced that the Macan's successor will be electric. Porsche will continue to sell the first-generation Macan side-by-side with the second-generation electric version until demand for the internal combustion engine models wanes.
When introduced nearly a decade ago, Porsche positioned the Macan as "the sporty flagship in its segment" and, at the time, pitted it directly against the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. This target explains why Porsche added off-road capability to its sporty compact crossover. Now, we can see it was no contest, as the Macan handily outsold the Evoque and became Porsche's best-selling model in the U.S. market.
Porsche says the Macan is for people who seek a premium, stylish, sporty, and fun-to-drive crossover. Off-road capability and maximum utility are secondary concerns. Porsche's data shows that 35 percent of buyers are female, 60 percent are new to the Porsche brand, and their median annual household income is $440,000.
Michael Harley
I tested a 2022 Porsche Macan S for this review, putting it through its paces on my standard driving loop in Southern California. Porsche supplied the test car, which had numerous options, including the Leather package, the Premium Package Plus, the Sport Chrono package, and the Smoking package. Performance enhancements included 21-inch Spyder RS Design wheels, summer performance tires, an adaptive air suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+), and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB). It also had extra-cost paint, wireless smartphone charging, and a heated steering wheel. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) was $87,670, including the $1,450 destination charge.
Michael Harley
2022 Porsche Macan Review: The Design
From 100 yards away, only an expert would be able to distinguish the 2022 Porsche Macan from any of its predecessors. In fact, only the front and rear fascias, lighting elements, wheel designs, and paint colors have changed over the years. That is not a bad thing, and credit for the Macan's agelessly appealing exterior styling goes to Porsche's signature design successfully applied to a legitimately athletic crossover. Owners love the way the Macan looks, so Porsche isn't about to mess it up.
The Macan's interior is beautifully crafted and driver-focused. The leather is high quality, and the fit-and-finish is first-rate. In addition, as most automakers transition to multiple flat panel displays to give their cockpits a futuristic feel, the Macan's cabin is comparatively traditional. For example, analog instrumentation with a prominent engine tachometer takes center stage in front of the driver, and a tall transmission lever resides on the center console.
Michael Harley
It's not all old school, as Porsche has incorporated a small multifunction digital display into the right side of the primary instrument cluster. There is also a 10.9-inch high-definition touchscreen display in the center of the dashboard. Porsche also includes a pair of round dials for the stereo and analog levers to control the cabin temperature. For 2022, most of the other controls are located on the center console with a flat-plan haptic touch design. While this approach is decidedly modern, using them is merely satisfactory because they require the driver to remove their eyes from the road to find the right touch-sensing button.
The test model's 14-way power-adjustable front seats proved exceedingly comfortable and infinitely adjustable. Unfortunately, the Macan S doesn't offer much room for a driver or front passenger to wiggle or move around because Porsche designed the environment to hold occupants in place when taking corners. Still, the seating area isn't cramped. There is generous leg, shoulder, and headroom for those over six feet tall.
Michael Harley
The same cannot be said for the rear seats, which are significantly tighter. Two six-foot-tall adults will fit, but three grown-ups in the second row is likely a dealbreaker for anything more than a very short trip.
The Macan's 17.2 cu.-ft. trunk is right-sized for four adults and a light load of their luggage. Think four roll-on bags and a few backpacks, but not much more. There are sturdy metal tie-downs to secure bulky items, which is a nice touch, and the 40/20/40-split second-row seats fold nearly flat to create 53 cu.-ft. of cargo space. Porsche also offers factory-installed roof rails for additional practicality, but few owners order their vehicles with them.
2022 Porsche Macan Review: The Technology
Porsche has done a decent job keeping the Macan's in-cabin tech fresh and innovative despite its rather conventional appearance. For example, there is a small 4.8-inch digital display to the right of the tachometer that the driver controls via a small dial on the steering wheel. The display projects information about the radio, phone, navigation, engine, and more – but only one crucial bit of data at a time.
Michael Harley
The standard Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with its 10.9-inch high-definition touchscreen is more helpful. Here, you'll find the vehicle settings, navigation, audio, and communication systems. The PCM works well, primarily because it has a half-dozen dedicated buttons (including a home button) on the left side of the screen that allows easy access to primary menus. The system isn't flashy or graphics-intensive–and it's not the newest in Porsche's arsenal–but it's intuitive and quick to respond to inputs. Apple CarPlay is available for those who wish to circumvent the PCM system. If you’re looking for Android Auto, you are out of luck.
Porsche doesn't offer luxurious soft-close doors, massaging seats, or a rainbow array of fancy cabin accent lights for the Macan S. Remember, it's a sports car masquerading as a crossover. So instead of those indulgences, Porsche's extravagant "comfort and assistance" options are limited to what the industry calls advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). These driver-assistance options include Self-Steering Park Assist (semi-autonomous parking assist), Lane Change Assist (blind-spot monitoring), Lane Keep Assist, and Surround View (surround-view camera).
Michael Harley
These upgrades complement the Macan's standard ADAS. Every 2022 Macan comes with a reversing camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors. Porsche also fits adaptive cruise control to every Macan it builds.
Due to the Macan's high price and low sales volume, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have not allocated any budget to perform crash tests on the Macan. However, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) has tested the Macan in Europe, where it scored a maximum of five out of five stars.
2022 Porsche Macan Review: The Drive
Porsche purposefully engineers the Macan S crossover to drive like a premium sports car. This year, the 2022 Macan S better fulfills that mission, boasting a stronger twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 generating 375 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is refined and powerful and motivates all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission revered for its rapid-fire gear changes.
Michael Harley
Porsche's permanent all-wheel-drive system automatically adjusts power delivery to best suit the road conditions. However, Porsche employs rear-biased AWD technology that drives the rear wheels to some degree regardless of the situation. Under normal conditions, most of the engine's power is sent to the Macan's rear wheels. However, if sensors determine that the rear tires are slipping, some of the power is immediately sent through an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to the front wheels until traction is restored. Porsche chose this system for the Macan as it provides traditional rear-wheel-drive vehicle dynamics with unrivaled grip in low-traction situations.
Utilizing the Sport Chrono package's launch control system, the Macan S explosively rockets forward. The automaker claims the SUV accelerates to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Yet, most reputable publications are shaving half a second off that time (my testing equipment yielded a 3.9-second sprint). That puts the Macan S solidly into sports car territory.
Michael Harley
It's a slightly different story when you're not using launch control, as the dual-clutch gearbox takes a moment – a slight lag – before smoothly engaging first gear (a common trait with race-bred dual-clutch gearboxes). However, while underway, the transmission readily executes rapid-fire gear changes. Paired with a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine and seamless AWD, the Macan S powertrain supplies seemingly unlimited acceleration, smooth shifts, and traction under all conditions.
Though the Macan's standard steel springs deliver a comfortably firm ride, I recommend the optional Adaptive Air Suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The ride is notably smoother, and the driver may adjust damping (and ride height) for the conditions.
Toss the Macan S into a corner, and its chassis settles without a hint of drama. Cornering is stable and lateral grip is much higher than most passengers can tolerate, though some of the credit goes to the test vehicle's sticky Michelin summer compound tires. The electromechanical steering is accurate and nicely weighted, and it delivers good feedback to the driver. The Porsche crossover is so enjoyable to drive through curves that most owners will take the long route home simply for the fun of it.
Porsche fits the Macan S with big brakes and strong multi-piston calipers that provide superior braking capability. In addition, my test vehicle had the optional upgraded Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB). These brakes, standard on the upmarket Macan GTS, promise even more stopping power with minimal brake dust. However, note that their initial "bite" is aggressive, so they take some getting used to.
Michael Harley
Few owners will ever take their Macan off-road, but Porsche nonetheless made provisions for such a rare occasion. A standard button-activated "off-road" driving mode reconfigures the drivetrain and associated systems to traction-oriented programs, and the button-activated Porsche Hill Control (PHC) system controls velocity while descending steep grades. The optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) system includes an electronically controlled rear differential lock for additional traction. Drivers can also lift vehicles with the optional air suspension for extra ground clearance. And, in case anyone is wondering, Porsche says the Macan S can tow up to 4,409 pounds when properly equipped.
The EPA rates the 2022 Porsche Macan S at 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg in combined driving. I averaged 20.5 mpg on my testing loop, beating the EPA estimate. In addition, Porsche fits the SUV with a 19.8-gallon fuel tank, which gives the Macan S long legs on the highway.
Is the 2022 Porsche Macan a Good Car?
The 2022 Porsche Macan S is an excellent choice for people who value driving dynamics over interior space, utility, and fuel economy. Essentially, it's a sports car with a crossover shell that delivers thrilling acceleration, cornering, and braking for uncompromising drivers. "Right-sized" for two adults, the Macan provides more than adequate luggage capacity. Still, it's not a good fit for families with children because the second row simply isn't spacious enough to accommodate child safety seats or tall teenagers. Also, the Macan is not an ideal choice for serious off-roading.
Porsche Macan Competitors for 2022
Alternatives to the 2022 Macan include similarly small luxury SUVs that emphasize performance. Examples include the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, BMW X3, BMW X4, and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Porsche Macan Features
Highlights
The 2022 Porsche Macan is a crossover SUV for sports car drivers who need extra space and the sure-footed traction of all-wheel drive. It offers a back seat best used for shorter trips, plus a 17.2 cubic-foot trunk. Fold the back seats down, and a Macan supplies 53 cu.-ft. of cargo space.
2022 Porsche Macan Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Standard feature maintains a set speed and safe following distance to vehicles ahead. Includes stop-and-go capability for driving in traffic
- Lane Change Assist – Available blind-spot monitoring system visually warns the driver if a vehicle is occupying either of the Macan's blind spots*
- Lane Keep Assist – Available feature adds steering assist to keep the Macan within its lane if the SUV crosses over the painted line unaccompanied by a lane-change signal*
- Surround View – Available feature provides a 360-degree view around the SUV*
- Self-Steering Park Assist – Available feature steers the Macan into suitable parallel and perpendicular parking spaces*
2022 Porsche Macan Technology
- Infotainment system – Standard 10.9-inch touchscreen display
- Smartphone connectivity – Standard Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay
- Satellite radio – Standard feature with a three-month complimentary trial subscription
- Porsche Connect Plus – Standard navigation and connected services with access to a Wi-Fi hotspot
- Porsche Car Connect – Standard smartphone app offering remote access to vehicle functions
2022 Porsche Macan Specs
- 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- 261 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque
- Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving
- 2.9L V6 engine
- 375 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque
- Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg in combined driving
- 2.9L V6 engine
- 434 hp and 405 lb.-ft. of torque
- Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg in combined driving
2022 Porsche Macan Interior
- Power-adjustable front seats – Standard feature
- Heated front seats – Standard feature
- Leather upholstery – Available feature*
- Heated steering wheel – Available feature*
- Premium sound system – Available Bose and Burmester audio systems*
*Availability is subject to specific trim level selections
