The 2022 Porsche Macan is a cheaper and smaller crossover than the Cayenne, but it’s no bargain-basement dweller. It’s lighter, better looking, and has better handling, making it more of a super-hot hatchback than a family hauler. Still, in its first generation, the Macan has been substantially updated for 2022, dropping the Turbo model and introducing a new range-topper in the form of a 434-horsepower Macan GTS. The base Macan retains a four-cylinder turbo-powered model punching out 261 hp while the Macan S uses a twin-turbo V6 packing 375 hp.
In the world of compact crossovers, the 2022 Porsche Macan is a comfortable and sophisticated machine that boasts Porsche performance chops but faces stiff competition from the Audi SQ5, BMW X4, and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. To find out if the upgraded 2022 model keeps the Macan’s position as the benchmark for small crossover style and performance, CarBuzz was invited to test drive the updated SUV.
The Porche Macan enters 2022 sporting a significant facelift. It has a new design front and rear, and the base wheel size has increased to 19 inches. All models in the range get a power upgrade, with the GTS variant now boasting 434 hp. That’s enough power to render the Turbo model moot, which is exactly what Porsche has done.
The interior also gets a complete overhaul and now comes standard with a redesigned console housing the haptic feedback touch buttons found in more recent Porsches. Lane departure warnings and front and rear park assist have also been included across the range.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
We have yet to attach a VBox data logger to a 2022 model with the base turbo four-cylinder, but we’ve taken a test drive and found its power to be more than adequate. The one we’ve tested is the GTS model, which comes with a 434-hp twin-turbo V-6, and it jumped to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. That’s significantly quicker than the times posted by the Audi SQ5 and Jaguar F-Pace S. An SUV probably doesn’t need to launch off the line as quickly as that, but we sure appreciate it.
Quickness is important in a crossover with sporting intentions, but we wouldn’t be nearly as impressed with the Macan if it weren’t for its all-around competence on the road. It feels remarkably like a sports sedan. The ride is wonderfully smooth and carefully controlled, and it’s rare for a jolt from the pavement to make itself known to the driver. The steering is a tad lighter than it is in Porsche’s sports cars, but it’s still super accurate and pleasantly tactile.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2022 Porsche Macan‘s EPA ratings haven’t been released yet, but last year’s model earned estimates that were very similar to those of its competitors. On our 75-mph real-world highway fuel-economy loop, the Macan S averaged 26 mpg, bettering its highway figure by 3 mpg. For more information about 2022 Porsche Macan’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2022 Porsche Macan‘s standard interior fittings are a disappointment in a crossover of this price and provenance, and it’s expensive to outfit one in a manner that befits the Porsche crest. There’s also less space for back-seat passengers in the Macan than in most competitors. The power-adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger, while comfortable, are the only pieces of standard interior equipment that feel luxurious.
You could have the whole interior draped in leather, which would partly address the issue, but Porsche—living up to its price-gouging reputation—requires an extra $2230 just to cover the dashboard and doors in cowhide. A puny cargo hold and small interior cubbies make the 2022 Porsche Macan one of the least practical vehicles in this segment. But when has bought a Porsche ever been a rational choice? We fit six carry-on bags in behind the bench and 16 with the rear seats folded, which should be enough for most people.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2022 Porsche Macan‘s infotainment system can be had with all manner of high-tech features, but they’ll cost you. USB ports and 12-volt outlets are sprinkled throughout the cabin, so everyone should be able to keep their devices fully charged. A Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay come standard, but no Macan offers Android Auto.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2022 Porsche Macan can be had with a wide array of driver-assistance technology, but almost none of it is standard. For more information about 2022 Porsche Macan’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Photos
Full Specifications
2022 Porsche Macan GTS
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $81,250/$104,410
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 177 in3, 2894 cm3; Power: 434 hp @ 6600 rpm; Torque: 405 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink; Brakes, F/R: 15.6-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc/14.6-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc; Tires: Pirelli P Zero Corsa PZC4 F: 265/40R-21 101Y NE0, R: 295/35R-21 103Y NE0
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.5 in; Length: 186.1 in; Width: 75.9 in; Height: 62.8 in; Passenger Volume: 96 ft3; Cargo Volume: 17 ft3; Curb Weight: 4332 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.5 sec
100 mph: 9.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.1 sec @ 112 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 169 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 148 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.98 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 19/17/21 mpg
