There are few vehicles capable of hauling four passengers and their cargo in comfort with the 2020 Porsche Macan’s level of performance. It’s that good, topped perhaps only by far pricier sporty crossovers such as the Lamborghini Urus. We score the 2020 Macan at 8 out of 10 for the way it sways even the most ardent crossover haters with its excellent acceleration, taut handling, and all-around competence.
Base Macans use a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at a relatively mild 248 horsepower. We’ve not driven a base Macan, though that same engine does duty in the Audi Q5 with good acceleration. Still, the base turbo-4 is largely a lease special.
The Macan S is the most likely candidate for driveways and roadways. Starting just above $ 60,000, the S comes with a 348-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic.
The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6, which pumps out up to 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque in GTS trim, gets the Macan from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is .4 seconds quicker than the S. The Sport Chrono Package in any trim shaves .2 seconds off 0-60 mph times. We’ve not yet driven the $ 73,000 GTS, but the badge usually denotes a sweet spot in Porsche’s lineup, with just the right combination of go-fast and handle-better upgrades.
All Macans have turbochargers, but there is only one Macan Turbo. Confused? Its 434 horsepower will vault you to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds (4.1 with Sport Chrono), which should leave you merely dazed. The $ 85,000 asking price may as well.
Even in standard form, the Macan is an impressive handler. Its steering is sharp and direct, its ride taut without being overly firm even with optional 21-inch wheels, and its handling as impressive on track as it is navigating to work and back.
The optional summer tires are best for coaxing performance out of the Macan, though many drivers will be better of spending instead for either the optional adaptive dampers or the full air spring setup, both of which adjust the car’s ride at the tap of a button. The air suspension can lower the Macan by about an inch for even more optimal handling prowess.
Porsche’s all-wheel-drive system provides sure-footed grip as it sends most power rearward but can adjust quickly to slippery roads as needed. Don’t look for the Macan to be particularly useful off-road, though. This is a sports wagon with a slightly elevated seating position.
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