2025 Porsche Macan

Although it’s a bit more expensive than its main rivals, the Macan is the most affordable new Porsche. That makes it an approachable entry point to Porsche prestige, but it’s also an engaging vehicle in its own right, rising above dependence on the latest gadgetry with its finely tuned suspension, energetic engines, and quality build. It’s no surprise that owners rate it even more highly than we do, or that the Macan is Porsche’s best-selling vehicle — it’s that good.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury SUVs including the Porsche Macan.

Although there’s an all-new, second-generation Macan with an all-electric drivetrain arriving for 2025, the first-generation gasoline-powered model is also still available, and that’s the one we’re interested in here.

The 2025 Macan receives only minor updates as it enters its 11th year of sales, with paint-to-sample being discontinued and the standard color palette reorganized into groups. The previously optional Porsche Surface Coated Brakes are no longer available for Macan, Macan T, and Macan S models, but remain standard in the top-spec Macan GTS.

The Porsche Macan is more expensive than most of its alternatives, including the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and BMW X3, all of which start around the $50,000 mark, about $12,000 below the base Macan. The Acura RDX, Genesis GV70, and Volvo XC60 are also more affordable.

Before buying a new Macan luxury compact SUV, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying. Resale values are comfortably above the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The base Macan is brisk and capable, sporting 261 horsepower and a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. That’s level with the entry BMW X3, another enthusiast SUV. The Macan T has the same output, yet hits 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The Macan S and GTS are even faster, sprinting from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.6 and 4.3 seconds, respectively. Opting for the Sport Chrono package shaves a couple of tenths off each of these figures.

Acceleration times only tell part of the Macan performance story. The true driver’s choice among compact SUVs, the Macan has plenty of power, confident brakes, and a firm suspension. Unlike other performance SUVs in its class, the Macan also displays Porsche’s expertise in tuning the weight, feel, and responsiveness of the steering, the way the throttle and brakes respond, and the slick, quick shifts of the PDK gearbox. The result is a next-level driver’s experience, and one deserving of the Porsche badge, despite coming in the form of an SUV.

Compared to excellent performance SUVs like the BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, or Audi SQ5, the Macan’s mastery of the finer points of driving enthusiasm puts it at the top of this class.

Fuel Economy

The 2025 Porsche Macan and Macan T achieve 21 mpg combined (19 city/25 highway), which is a bit less than alternatives like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, or Mercedes-Benz GLC — all of which get around 25 mpg combined. Except for the X3, which gets 27 to 29 mpg. The Acura RDX is rated at 23 mpg combined.

The Macan S adds more than 100 hp and drops gas mileage to 19 mpg combined. The good news is the GTS adds another 59 hp while returning the same 19 mpg combined, although it’s thirstier on the highway by 1 mpg.

You might expect to give up some space for the Macan’s sleek exterior lines and sporty dynamics, and you’d be right. The BMW X3, for example, has almost double the cargo space behind the rear seats, and about 30% more with the rear seats folded. And while Porsche doesn’t state rear legroom for the Macan, there’s about an inch less space compared to most of the competition. The coupe-like BMW X4 is a closer comparison to the Macan’s profile, with 18.5/50.5 cubic feet, as opposed to the Macan’s 17.2/53.1 cubic feet.

Regardless of space considerations, we’ve found the Macan’s cabin to be premium and comfortable. The dashboard layout and controls are all well-placed. And button aficionados will appreciate the many direct controls in place of nested touchscreen menus. Fans of technology, however, may be a bit disappointed in the aging Macan’s offerings, which aren’t quite at the cutting-edge

Unlike the BMW X3/X4 duo, there’s no “coupe” version of the Macan, because it already follows those lines. We think it’s an attractive design, sure, but it’s beginning to show the fact that it made its debut for the 2015 model year.

Still, the compact size makes it a flexible choice for urban use or commuting while still having the space for longer trips. Each variant of the Macan gets its own bespoke details and wheels, while the GTS sports its own aerodynamic styling kit, 21-inch wheels, and dual exhaust pipes.

Responsive performance
From the dynamic, engaging driving feel to the punchy, responsive engines, the Macan is out-and-out fun — vehicle style notwithstanding.

Macan T
The twin-turbo V6 models are great, but the turbocharged 4-cylinder Macan T is a sweet spot in the lineup. The lighter engine combined with the Sport Chrono package and Porsche Active Suspension Management makes the Macan T’s steering and handling all the sharper without sacrificing daily comfort.

Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto users are out of luck, but iPhone fans can cut the cord with wireless Apple CarPlay, which comes standard on all Macans.

Sport Chrono package
With a dashboard-mounted stopwatch, steering-wheel-selectable driving modes, launch control, a Sport Response button for a 20-second power boost, and an expanded stability management system, the Sport Chrono package hones the Macan’s already fine edge.

Burmester audio
At nearly $5,700, this is not a budget-friendly choice, but it is a fantastic auditory experience, with 16 speakers and 1,000 watts of power.

Self-steering Park Assist
Although the Macan has good outward sight lines, all cars have blind spots. This system helps maximize safety when parking by steering into and out of parking spaces — both parallel and perpendicular.

The Macan has four powertrain configurations, two based on a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, and two based on a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6.

The Macan and Macan T get the 2.0-liter, rated at 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in both variants. The Macan S and Macan GTS share the V6, with the S making 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the GTS generates 434 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque.

All versions of the combustion-powered Macan have a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The Porsche Macan’s new vehicle warranty is good for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical in the luxury sector, as is the included complimentary roadside assistance.

Safety

The Macan hasn’t been crash tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Macan does offer advanced driver assistance features, but they are optional extras. Many rivals offer include similar equipment for no additional cost.