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2021 Porsche Macan review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Porsche Macan highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Strong acceleration
  • Comfortable and composed
  • Most engaging SUV in its class

Cons

  • Tight rear seat
  • Price can climb quickly
  • Thirsty four-cylinder engine

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 21 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

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The 2021 Porsche Macan is the sporty entry-level crossover of the Porsche lineup

The Macan was introduced in 2015 as Porsche's second SUV. With styling similar to the larger Cayenne, the Macan is the lowest-priced entry in the Porsche lineup and has been the brand's bestseller since it came to market. The Macan remains unchanged for the 2021 model year except for the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay® as a standard feature.

As a crossover SUV, the Macan brings the expected utility of such a vehicle with seating for five, reasonable cargo space, and excellent traction from its all-wheel-drive system. But the Macan is, first and foremost, a Porsche and brings the performance expected of this German sports car brand. Four trims are available, ranging from the base to the Turbo, which gets a 434-horsepower turbocharged engine. While there are other crossovers of this size with similar levels of luxury, the BMW X3 M or Mercedes-AMG GLC are true competitors to the Macan.

All Porsche Macan years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Porsche Macan generation from 2015 to 2026

What is new for the 2021 Porsche Macan?

  • Updated infotainment system with larger touchscreen and improved interface
  • Enhanced safety features including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
  • New fuel-efficient engine option available for select trims
  • Standard wireless charging pad added to all models
  • Optional all-wheel drive now available on base model

2021 Porsche Macan trims

Curious how Porsche Macan trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 248-hp, 273-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Porsche Macan inventory

S:

GTS:

Turbo:

Porsche Macan photos

What We Like

Performance: Porsche offers the Macan with a range of performance levels, but even the base model delivers impressive performance. Higher trims provide strong acceleration for easy merging and passing, and all variants offer excellent braking and handling with responsive steering and sport suspension. A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provides good traction under any road conditions.

Technology: The Macan's infotainment system is straightforward and easy to navigate, with customizable tiles on the home screen. Interaction with the system is done via the touchscreen or with natural language voice controls that work quite well. Multiple USB ports are available for both front and rear seat passengers. Apple CarPlay® is standard, but Porsche doesn't offer Android Auto™ in the Macan.

Comfort: The Macan's suspension may be a bit stiff, but the ride still remains comfortable. Cruising on the highway is quiet and smooth, with just a bit of engine noise. Front seats with available 14-way adjustment are comfortable; they provide good bolstering and support without feeling tight. Porsche does offer the Macan with sport seats, which are a bit stiffer but provide better support for enthusiastic driving.

What Needs Improvement

Storage: With 17.6 cubic feet of storage space, Macan's cargo area is one of the smallest in its class. The sloping rear window looks good from the outside but further infringes on the space, making transport of taller items difficult. Storage up front is less than optimal, with a small center console and smaller cupholders.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

5 customer reviews
The 2021 Porsche Macan offers impressive power and dynamic handling, providing a sports-car-like driving experience in an SUV. Its stylish design and high-quality ride are praised, though maintenance costs and fuel economy are notable drawbacks. Limited interior space may deter some shoppers, but overall satisfaction remains high for its performance-focused attributes.
3
1
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Above Average

RepairPal gave the Porsche Macan an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Porsche Macan 15th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Porsche Macan

Porsche Macan features and specs

Turbo 4D Sport Utility 4WD/AWD

Standard Features

  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Power Locks
  • Side Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Leatherette Seats
  • ABS Brakes
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Air Conditioning
  • Traction Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Mirrors
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Automatic Transmission
  • 4WD/AWD
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Navigation System
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Head Up Display
  • Leather Seats
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Smart Key
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Tow Hitch
  • Running Boards
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Burmester Audio
  • Apple CarPlay

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.9L

Horsepower

434

Torque (ft-lbs)

405

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

19.8

Wheelbase

110.5"

Overall length

184.5"

Width

76.2"

Height

64"

Front tires

P265/45WR20

Rear tires

P295/40WR20

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

441/4409 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Porsche Macan FAQ


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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