2020 Porsche Macan: 2 Things We Like and 5 We Don't

Porsche’s smallest SUV was updated for 2019, and for 2020 the Macan brings back the GTS and Turbo models after a one-year hiatus. In his review, Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays said that in a class of luxury SUVs that are largely fun to drive, the Macan rises to the top. It’s not without its blemishes, however: The Macan is expensive and cramped.

Related: 2020 Porsche Macan Review: Impractical Fun

For our complete driving impressions, follow the related link above to the full review. If you’d like a quicker take on this luxurious tiny ‘ute, keep reading for two things we like, and five not so much, about the 2020 Porsche Macan. 

Things We Like

1.  0-60: It’s Quick (Duh)

The Macan S model’s turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 is good for 348 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet of torque, and it’s quick; Mays said the powertrain was responsive overall thanks to Porsche’s PDK transmission — a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic. It holds lower gears longer to keep revs high and upshifts multiple gears in quick succession when you reach cruising speed and let off the accelerator. Porsche says the Macan S hits 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, quicker than the base Macan’s 6.3 seconds.

2. Steering and Handling 

Mays said the Macan was a joy to drive thanks to dialed-in steering and crisp handling. Turn-in was quick without feeling twitchy, and steering feedback felt excellent through turns. Mays also noted that the Macan seldom understeered, and the rear end was responsive — but not over eager — to progressive application of power through sweeping curves to help rotate the car.

Things We Don’t 

1. Antiseptic Interior

While nothing feels or looks cheap, the cabin has a decidedly unluxury feel due to a bland design and ordinary materials. Mays said it’s missing the generous padding and stitched trim found in other luxury SUVs. However, some of that changes if you spend more money; much of the cabin can be wrapped in leather for a price. 

2. Busy Multimedia System 

The Macan’s center console is a sea of physical buttons and tiny backlit indicators that many editors found difficult to sort through. Some buttons, like the separate fan directions for the passenger, seemed especially unnecessary. And while a large 10.9-inch touchscreen is standard, Wireless Apple CarPlay is available but Android Auto is not, and the touchscreen confines CarPlay to just 7 diagonal inches of tiny icons and text. 

3. Cramped in Front and Back

Room and comfort for people and stuff are two big problems. In front, Mays said the seats don’t go back very far, have overly firm bolsters and too much lumbar support. There’s also a lack of driver-accessible storage in the cabin. The backseat has minimal legroom and no seating adjustments. Cargo room behind the rear seats is class competitive, however.

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4. Safety Misses

The Macan’s safety feature list is disappointing. Lane departure warning is standard, but forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is not. Many non-luxury vehicles have this as standard equipment. Also, lane-centering steering — a common feature available on many luxury and non-luxury vehicles — is unavailable. 

5. Sticker Shock

Many of the Macan’s competitors start in the mid-$40,000 range with all-wheel drive; the Macan starts much higher at around $52,000, and there are some things missing for that kind of money. For example, Mays’ test car cost $74,840 after options, yet he still had to put the key into the ignition. Porsche’s keyless access system remains an extra-cost option even on an $84,950 Macan Turbo.

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