Porsche Macan 2026 review | Driver’s choice among mid-size SUVs

What is the Porsche Macan?

Can there be such a thing as an SUV that stands your hair on end and stretches a smile across your face? Porsche likes to think so. Some performance SUVs, such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, are a halo car for their respective model range, but every version of the Macan is quick, sporty and enjoyable to drive. It’s part of the reason why this popular Porsche has been a fixture of SUV sales charts for the past decade.

Of course, not everyone wants a scorching hot SUV. That’s why there are four models in the Macan range, starting with the base car (simply called ‘Macan’), which gets a tuned version of the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine also found under the bonnet of the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Unlike the Golf, however, it is all-wheel drive, as is every other version of the Macan. The more driver-focused Macan T uses the same engine as the entry-level car, while the Macan S and GTS use a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre petrol motor. Which one you prefer depends on your budget and need for speed.

There is also a fully electric Porsche Macan. This second-generation machine, launched in 2024, was originally expected to replace the combustion-engined car you see here. However, such is the up and down nature of electric vehicle regulations and popularity, that the ‘regular’ Macan remains in production. This review will deal with the petrol-powered Macan only. We’ve covered the Macan Electric here.

In terms of rivals, there are plenty. The more humble versions of the Macan face competition from fellow Germans such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, not to mention other prestige SUVs such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and now-dicontinued Jaguar F-Pace. If, however, the Porsche Macan you're considering is a GTS, it'll be high-performance SUVs that are vying for your cash. The likes of the Audi SQ5, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Mercedes-AMG versions of the GLE, for instance.

The Macan was facelifted in 2018, with a refreshed exterior that included reprofiled headlamps and full-width rear lights. At the same time, Porsche also dropped the diesel model in response to dwindling sales, and to distance itself from the ‘dieselgate’ scandal that had embroiled parent firm VW. That’s a shame, as diesel power worked well in the Macan – and indeed its bigger brother, the Porsche Cayenne. However, the petrol versions are still very good.

Porsche gave the Macan another refresh in 2021, with some subtle visual upgrades, new trim levels and an improved interior with revised switchgear and new infotainment system. Somewhat surprisingly, it dropped the flagship Turbo model, leaving only the Macan, Macan T, Macan S and Macan GTS on sale.

How practical is it?

Settle into the driver’s seat, survey your surroundings and you’ll quickly appreciate that no other compact SUV feels quite so well made. The quality of the materials is first-class, the multi-adjustable driving position is comfortable and you’ll find covering long distances a delight from behind the steering wheel.

Try the rear seats, though, and the Macan’s compact proportions become more apparent. There is a shortage of legroom for tall adults, and at best the car feels like a four-seater rather than one that could carry five in comfort, especially if you have to fit one or more child seats (there are two sets of Isofix attachments). Still, if you wanted a bigger Porsche SUV, you’d be looking at a Cayenne rather than the Macan. And so long as you’re prepared to trade some cabin space in return for the Macan’s quality feel and engaging driving manners, you’ll get along with this Porsche just fine. Furthermore, there’s also a decent amount of storage, with large door bins, a usefully shaped glovebox and a deep lidded cubby between the front seats.

The boot offers 458 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in place, or 1,503 litres with them folded – both decent numbers for this type of car. With a wide, flat-sided load bay, squeezing in bulky items is made that bit easier, but the floor itself is quite high, so you’ll need to lift up shopping bags or dogs when loading.

Should you wish to venture off the road, an all-wheel-drive system, traction control, limited-slip differential and vast array of engine and chassis controls, plus ground clearance of between 190mm and 210mm, mean the Macan can tackle farm trails, grassy fields or rocky beaches in its stride. It can also tow an unbraked trailer weighing up to 750kg. That said, all-wheel drive does not an off-roader make, so approach wet, muddy or loose surfaces with a degree of caution, and fit some more rugged tyres if you have to tackle poor surfaces regularly.

A tow bar is available across the line-up, and you can add Porsche roof bars, bike carriers, snowboard holders, child seats and much more when you place an order.

What's it like to drive?

The standard Macan and T get the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it’s by no means a poor relation to the larger 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 in the Macan S and GTS. The 261bhp 2.0 unit is responsive, offers brisk performance (0-62mph takes 6.4 seconds, or 6.2 seconds with the Sport Plus option ticked) and remains frugal. It’s also impressively refined, feeling smooth and strong all the way through the rev range. All it lacks is a bit of character.

The Audi-sourced V6 doesn’t deliver the pleasing sound some Porsche sports cars are known for, either (it certainly isn’t as charismatic as the V6 in a Stelvio Quadrifoglio, for instance). But adding the optional sports exhaust does add some extra snap, crackle and pop in the sportier drive modes. And there’s no arguing with its deep-chested performance, both in the 375bhp S (the 2021 facelift brought a 29bhp power hike) and the 434bhp GTS (a 59bhp increase from 2021). For the S, the 0-62mph sprint is all done in 4.6 seconds, while in the GTS it takes a mere 4.3 seconds. That’s performance supercars would have been proud of little more than a decade ago.

The seven-speed, dual-clutch PDK gearbox fitted to all models is starting to show its age a little compared to the transmissions in newer Porsches. Even so, it offers quick and smooth shifts, only occasionally getting wrong-footed around town when it can snatch some low-speed gear changes. In every Macan, whether it’s the entry-level car or the GTS, you really feel like Porsche’s engineers have poured their souls into trying to make the driving experience as good as possible. Besides, the dual-clutch ’box is still more than responsive enough when you want to enjoy a nice stretch of road.

Regardless of the model you are considering, all deliver class-leading roadholding, assuming you value precision and response over refinement and comfort. That’s not to say the suspension-set ups aren’t compliant, merely that excellent levels of wheel control and a brilliant feeling of responsiveness from the chassis come at the cost of a firmer ride.

This isn’t a light car but it hides its weight well, changing direction in an eager fashion and gripping the road surface with determination. You won't find an SUV at any price that's more satisfying to fling around. This is particularly true of the T and GTS, which get 15mm lowered and stiffened suspension for even greater engagement. The GTS also has the narrowest front track and widest rear track of the line-up, giving a real sense of agility and purpose. It’s worth noting that the Macan, S and T all use steel springs while the GTS has air suspension, further broadening its dynamic potential. In addition, the GTS gets Porsche Active Suspension Management, or PASM, to control its damper settings as standard. This is an option on other models.

The Macan is hushed at speed, making it a relaxing long-distance express. And while it’s not exactly compact, a high driving position and standard parking sensors make it a confidence-inspiring city slicker.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

Given Porsche’s habit of being stingy with standard kit, thus encouraging owners to dip their wallets and explore the extensive options list, it's surprising to discover the Macan is so well-equipped. All models get LED headlamps with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, leather trimmed electric seats, a powered tailgate and a reversing camera.

There are 14 colours to choose from. The Macan rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, the Macan S and T are fitted with 20-inchers, while the GTS wears 21-inch rims.

That’s not to say you can’t splash the cash on extras, and if you’re in a big spending mood then your local Porsche dealer will happily oblige. For example, if the standard paint selection doesn’t inspire you, there is the option to spend nearly £8,000 on Porsche’s paint-to-sample service, which allows you to select pretty much any colour you want. Although the Porsche configurator can create some truly ghastly specifications, there are some lovely options, too – we particularly like Jet Green Metallic and Viola Metallic. This is particularly good news if you’re buying a used Macan, as many owners didn’t simply opt for a standard model, meaning you’ll find plenty of examples with desirable additions. It’s worth checking exactly what you are getting.

The standard 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system on early cars worked well enough, with decent graphics and easy to use menus, combined with a 4.8-inch display in the instrument cluster. It also featured Bluetooth and USB connectivity for relatively straightforward smartphone pairing. However, the 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system added to post-2021 facelifted Macans is significantly better. With a detailed resolution and a slick interface, plus the addition of Apple CarPlay connectivity, it’s a lesson to other car makers in creating a user-friendly set-up.

Eight-way electrically adjustable seats are standard on the base Macan, with 14-way or 18-way adjustable seats available as options. The GTS gets the latter at no extra cost.

The standard stereo system is OK, but for a more intense and high-quality experience there is a 665W, 14-speaker Bose system available for just under £1,000. If that isn’t quite good enough, there’s also a 1,000W, 16-speaker system from Burmester for nearly £4,000, including a meaty 300W subwoofer.

The Macan was the first Porsche to be assessed by safety organisation EuroNCAP, and it passed with flying colours, scoring the full five stars. Standard safety features include a raft of airbags and electronic stability control. Surprisingly, autonomous emergency braking is only available as part of the optional adaptive cruise control system, while other extra-cost driver aids include lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. Side airbags in the rear of the cabin are also optional on every version of the Macan, and will set you back upwards of £300.

Porsche Macan running costs

The Macan may be fundamentally old, but demand for used examples remains high, meaning residual values are among the best in the SUV sector. That said, used buyers will be happy to know the Macan has been around long enough for prices to tumble down significantly. Early examples can be had for quite modest money, especially when compared to a brand-new example.

When it comes to maintenance, the Macan’s intervals are every two years or 20,000 miles, so you won’t have to pay for annual servicing, or find yourself regularly tempted to buy another Porsche by the canny salesperson who just sourced you a 911 courtesy car. However, it also won’t hurt to service the Macan more than once every two years if you can, especially if you choose a more performance-focused model.

Porsche servicing costs are some of the most expensive of any manufacturer, and as the years tick by, the list of maintenance tasks naturally increases. As with any used car purchase, study the service history and don’t be afraid to walk away if it hasn’t been looked after as well as you’d like. If Porsche main dealer costs are too steep, there are numerous reputable marque specialists dotted around the UK who will adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

When it comes to road tax (VED), the rate will vary depending on whether you go for a Macan, T, S or GTS. All versions come with the annual fee of £425 for the first five years. Indeed, any new car with a list price of more than £40,000 is liable for this surcharge, the only exception being vehicles that are zero-emissions and were registered before 1 April 2025.

As for fuel efficiency, the joint most economical models are the Macan and the Macan T, managing a claimed 26.4-27.9mpg. The V6 S manages 24.1-25.4mpg, while the GTS achieves 24.1-24.9mpg. But let’s face it, you aren’t buying a Porsche to be as frugal as humanly possible.

Porsche Macan reliability

Porsche’s warranty is nothing out of the ordinary for this class. The German company provides three years of cover, which is par for the course, but it does include three years of Porsche Assistance breakdown cover – plus there is no limit to the mileage that you can cover during the warranty period.

Those who wish to keep their Macan for more than the first three years of its life could consider investing in an extended Porsche Approved Warranty. With this, you can have a legitimate Porsche warranty until the car reaches 15 years old. You can add it before the car reaches the end of its original three-year warranty, or you can purchase it within the first year after buying a Porsche Approved Used car over three years old. Finally, you can add it to any Porsche that is less than 15 years old. Found a 10-year-old Macan that’s not been to a Porsche service centre since the end of its regular warranty? No problem, all you need to do is pay for a Porsche 111-point vehicle inspection, get any issues resolved, then away you go.

In independent consumer satisfaction surveys, the Macan has performed well, even if Porsche as an overall brand has not. The 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey saw Porsche finish 19th in the manufacturer charts, with a reliability rating of 91.1%. More positively, the Macan was in third place in the used family car category, with a reliability rating of 99%. By comparison, used BMW X3s were ranked 38th at best, the Volvo XC60 was 43rd and the Audi Q5 was 62nd.