Used 2021 Porsche Macan

All Porsche Macans come standard with a rear-biased all-wheel drive (AWD) system for a sporty feel. Three engines are available. The base Macan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 248 horsepower. In the Macan S, a single-turbo 3.0-liter V6 produces 348 horsepower, while the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 in the Macan GTS is even more potent, producing 375 horsepower. Fed more boost, the same twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 also powers the 2021 Porsche Macan Turbo, where it generates a stout 434 horsepower.

Given its excellent balance and suspension tuning, the Porsche Macan is sportier than the other compact SUVs like the Audi Q5, BMW X3/X4, and the Jaguar F-Pace. In cargo space and off-road abilities, though, the Porsche trails these rivals.

Whenever we drive a Porsche Macan, we’re regularly struck by how it’s such a wonderful blend of SUV and sports car. It’s engaging to drive from the instant you fire up its engine.

Even the base Macan is fast. This compact 4-cylinder Porsche SUV hits 60 mph in just over six seconds. The Macan S, with its 3.0-liter turbo V6, shaves a second off that time, while the Macan Turbo blasts to 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds.

That level of performance used to be the exclusive realm of the Porsche 911. But the Macan’s power, together with its all-wheel-drive grip and outstanding balance, makes for a vehicle that’s far sportier than any high-riding 4,000-pound SUV has a right to be. At the same time, Porsche’s compact SUV is blessed with a rock-solid chassis and a remarkably comfortable ride.

The Macan interior isn’t quite as roomy inside as some of its rivals, but it accommodates a tall driver well. And few other SUVs can match this Porsche’s quality, overall design, and functionality. The ignition, in Porsche tradition, is to the left of the steering wheel, while a large tachometer is directly in front of the driver.

A 10.9-inch touchscreen caps the center stack, and Macan seats manage to be firm, comfortable, and supportive all at the same time. The sea of buttons on the center console looks a bit daunting, but at least it’s logically arranged.

With the 40/20/40 rear seat in the up position, the 2021 Porsche Macan has 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space in back. When that seat is folded, that increases to 53 cubic feet.

The look of the Porsche Macan SUV is unchanged for 2021. Nevertheless, we think it remains one of the most attractive compact SUVs on the market. The nose is highlighted by full LED headlights, while the rear boasts an LED taillight that spans the vehicle’s full width.

At the base level, the Macan wears 18-inch alloy wheels, which are a good choice for people who live in areas with lots of potholes. That stated, the 20- and 21-inch wheels available on the Macan S, Macan GTS, and Macan Turbo models look great. The Macan GTS and Macan Turbo are fitted with 265/45R-20 front tires and 295/40R-20 rears.

ADAPTIVE AIR SUSPENSION
Standard on the GTS and the Turbo, Adaptive Air Suspension lowers the Macan by 10mm and makes it even sportier. It’s paired with Porsche Active Suspension Management, which electronically adjusts the damping force based on road conditions and driving style. The Macan driver can select Comfort, Sport, or Sport Plus modes.

PORSCHE SURFACE-COATED BRAKES (PSCB)
The huge brake discs of the Porsche Macan Turbo are coated with tungsten carbide to reduce rotor wear and cut the amount of brake dust that gets deposited on the alloy wheels.

As a Porsche, the 2021 Macan is well equipped. In addition to a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the base Porsche Macan has all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, a power tailgate, LED headlights, and an interior with power front seats, four USB-C ports, and tri-zone climate control. Also standard: a lane-departure warning system, cruise control, and a navigation system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen.

The V6-powered Macan S gets Sport and Off-Road modes, plus 19-inch wheels and shift paddles. To help cope with their added power, the Macan GTS and Macan Turbo both get Porsche Active Suspension Management (air suspension), 20-inch wheels, larger brakes, and a Sport exhaust with silver tailpipes.

Options abound on the 2021 Porsche Macan. Many involve larger wheels and tires, plus a long list of available interior trim such as wood, aluminum, and carbon-fiber.

The most expensive package on the base Macan is the $7,400 Premium Package Plus. In addition to a panoramic roof and heated and vented power front seats with memory, the package includes a surround-view camera, a blind-spot warning system, auto-dimming mirrors, a Bose surround-sound audio system, and active LED headlights.

Adaptive cruise control is a $1,170 option on all 2021 Porsche Macan models, and a surround-view camera can be added for $1,200.

You can also order the Sport Chrono Package on the 2021 Porsche Macan. This $1,360 option includes an analog and digital stopwatch as well as a Sport Plus mode for the engine, gearbox, and chassis. Sport Chrono also includes the Sport Response Button on the steering wheel, which we find especially handy. With a simple touch, the button immediately engages the Macan’s sportiest settings for 20 seconds.

Also available, but only on the Macan GTS, are Porsche’s Surface-Coated Brakes (PSCB). These $3,490 brakes, featuring white calipers, stay clean longer because brake dust is effectively eliminated by a special coating on the rotors that also slows wear. Available only with wheels of 19 inches or larger.

The Porsche Macan’s base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower. Thus equipped, the Macan can hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 with the Sport Chrono).

Powered by the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 348 horsepower, the Porsche Macan S shows off its extra 100 horsepower with a blast to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. This engine’s single turbocharger is located in the valley between the engine’s cylinders.

With its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 generating a healthy 375 horsepower, the Porsche Macan GTS hits 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top track speed of 162 mph. The Porsche Macan Turbo, with a 434-horsepower version of the same 2.9-liter, is even quicker, hitting 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reaching a faster top track speed of 167 mph.

All Macans use a 7-speed PDK automatic transmission (with manual and automatic modes) and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Macan)
248 horsepower @ 5,000-6,750 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/23 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (Macan S)
348 horsepower @ 5,400-6,400 rpm
354 lb-ft of torque @ 1,360-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg

2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Macan GTS)
375 horsepower @ 5,200-6,700 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/22 mpg

2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Macan Turbo)
434 horsepower @ 5,700-6,600 rpm
405 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/21 mpg