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Best Car Deals for April 20252023 Porsche Macan: Crossover Luxe
The 2023 Macan offers a great engine and responsive handling. We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s new for the 2023 Porsche Macan?
Porsche makes two notable changes to the Macan lineup for 2023. First, the all-new T trim with upgraded suspension and interior bits debuts. Secondly, the entire lineup now comes with adaptive cruise control as standard.
2023 Porsche Macan models – porsche.com | Shop 2023 Porsche Macan on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Excellent handling
Great top-spec trims
Long term value
Expensive
So-so interior
No Android Auto
Still the best driver’s CUV
2023 Macan Specs
- 261 horsepower from base engine
- 295 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 17.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 52.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Towing capacity of 4,409 lbs
- 10.9-inch infotainment screen
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- 4-year limited warranty coverage
2023 Porsche Macan Powertrain
Porsche sells the Macan with a trio of engine options that all mate up to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (called PDK) and all-wheel drive. The base powerplant is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It feels a touch more powerful than those numbers suggest and Porsche’s PDK transmission does a great job of keeping power delivery smooth.
Above it is a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 with either 375 or 434 hp depending on which model one buys. It’s quite clearly the engine that most Macan owners will prefer. In fact, it spurs the Macan onto a totally different level of performance and capability thanks to better responsiveness and improved supporting modifications like bigger brakes and an active suspension.
In terms of overall ride comfort and quality, the Macan is also above average. Buyers can even add extra features like sound and thermally resistant glass, sunshades, and more heavily-bolstered sport seats.
Towing & Payload
Typically we’d ignore towing capacity for a smaller SUV like this but the Macan can tow up to 4,409 pounds which is just downright impressive. Any space that it might lack in the cargo capacity department can be solved by hauling a decently sized trailer behind it.
2023 Porsche Macan Fuel Economy & MPG
The EPA estimates that the 2.0-liter Macan will get up to 19 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. The S with its V6 drops to 17 and 23 respectively. The GTS keeps the same city rating but falls to just 22 mpg on the highway. Those figures are wildly impressive but next year we expect eco-focused folks to have an all-new Macan EV to choose from.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The Macan’s interior is a bit of a mixed bag. The seats are supportive and nicely adjustable too. We also like the general layout and design of the cabin. Controls are all well within reach, logically laid out, and feel good to the touch. At the same time, the entry-level Macan interior looks could be higher quality considering its $58,950 base price. As is the case with most things in the Porsche catalog, buyers can add nicer materials for more cash.
Thankfully, the S and GTS trims already come equipped with higher-graded surfaces and features. Regardless of trim level the panel gaps are tight and the build quality itself is very good. The rear seats are a smidge tighter than one might find in a BMW X3 or a Genesis GV70 so keep those two other options in mind if you plan to shuttle adult passengers in the back regularly.
Cargo space isn’t impressive but nor is it disappointing. Behind the second row is a bit over 17 cubic feet of storage. Fold that 40/20/40 seat all the way down and that capacity expands to almost 53 cubic feet. That’s a bit less than you’d get in an older Macan but not by much.
Entertainment & Technology
The entire Macan lineup uses the same 10.9-inch infotainment system with Porsche’s own user interface. Generally speaking, we like it. It’s pretty fast, easy to understand, and offers deeper menu features for those that want them. We also appreciate the inclusion of four USB power ports in the base model along with integrated navigation and a wifi hotspot. The standard 10-speaker sound system is nice too. Where we start to feel frustrated is at the lack of Android Auto inclusion. That’s a huge miss in our book.
Safety Features
Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has released any safety data pertaining to the 2023 Porsche Macan. What we do know is that it comes with a decent suite of advanced safety equipment. That includes lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and hill control. At this price, we’d love to see even more but at least it’s better than what Porsche offers in the base 718 Cayman and Boxster.
2023 Porsche Macan Trims & Pricing
Porsche offers four main trim levels each with its own standard equipment. Notably, the Macan is meant to be personalized and to that end, Porsche offers a few packaged equipment options and even more standalone features. In most cases, these can be added ala carte across the lineup.
Macan – $58,950
The entry-level Macan comes with the 2.0-liter engine mentioned above, 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, tri-zone climate control, heated power-adjustable front seats, a mix of leather and cloth upholstery, a 10.9-inch infotainment system, 10 speakers, Apple CarPlay, four USB power ports, integrated navigation, and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat. Safety equipment includes lane-departure warning, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision mitigation.
Macan T – $64,550
The Macan T adds 20-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, a heated steering wheel, launch control, a dash-mounted stopwatch, more driving modes, and a recalibrated traction control system.
Macan S – $69,850
The S adds the 2.9-liter 375 hp version of the available V6. It also gets 20-inch wheels, a sport mode button, leather and faux suede upholstery, 14-inch front brake rotors, and 20-inch wheels.
Macan GTS – $84,350
The top trim gets bigger brakes, 21-inch wheels, an adaptive air suspension, a sports exhaust system, special sports seats, darkened headlights and tail lights, and a 434-hp version of the 2.9-liter V6.
Warranties
Porsche offers a limited warranty and a powertrain warranty that both cover the same timeline. That’s four years or 50,000 miles. In addition, it’ll cover the maintenance on a Macan for a year or 10,000 miles. That’s fine for the segment but Jaguar and BMW offer more.
What we think
2023 Porsche Macan – porsche.com | Shop 2023 Porsche Macan on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Porsche Macan is the perfect small sibling to the Cayenne in more ways than one. It’s mostly practical, looks fantastic and drives way better than a vehicle of this size and shape should. It’s not perfect though and those wanting more luxury than canyon carving capability should cross-shop other options just to be sure that the Macan best suits their needs. If it turns out to be your favorite, be sure to check out our list of new car incentives to find a good deal.
