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When Porsche jumped into the SUV game, it got a lot right with its uber-popular Cayenne model. After a few years, the 2023 Porsche Macan is on the market and winning shoppers over. The compact luxury SUV exemplifies the brand’s commitment to performance and style. Here are some ways this luxurious sport utility vehicle lives up to high expectations, although the high cost will always be a con.

Pros of the 2023 Porsche Macan:

  • Comfort and power
  • Safety
  • Cheaper than a Cayenne

Cons:

  • Price is high for the average consumer

How much does the 2023 Porsche Macan cost?

Even though it is a Porsche vehicle, the 2023 Porsche Macan price starts at $60,900 this year. With the cost of new cars remaining high, the base model Macan is quite reasonable. Equipped with a range of powerful engines, including turbocharged options, the Macan delivers exhilarating performance that’s true to Porsche’s racing heritage. That base model 2023 Macan still manages to get 261 hp and has a top speed of 144 mph. It also has a zero to 60 mph time of 6.0 seconds.

2023 Porsche Macan TrimMSRPMax Power0-60 MPHTop Speed
Base$60,900261 hp6.0 seconds144 mph
T$66,500261 hp5.8 seconds144 mph
S$72,300375 mph4.6 seconds160 mph
GTS$86,800434 hp4.3 seconds169 mph

The good news is that the 2023 Porsche Macan also comes in other trim levels. The new Macan T starts at $66,500 and comes well-equipped with features and plenty of speed. While some of the specs are the same as the base model, such as 261 hp and 144 mph top speed, the T can go from zero to 60 mpg in 5.8 seconds with the Sport Chrono package.

There is also a Macan S and the top-of-the-line GTS. Even with the GTS approaching $90,000, it still comes in far below the top trim level of the 2023 Cayenne. In the realm of luxury SUVs, that isn’t too bad.

Is a Macan a true Porsche?

A few 2023 Porsche Macan models are lined up in a parking lot.
2023 Porsche Macan | Porsche

No matter how you slice it, the 2023 Porsche Macan is more comfortable than a traditional sedan from the brand. Most shoppers are not looking for a Porsche 911 for comfort, but the Macan does a great job of offering both. The automaker says, “The Porsche DNA is recognizable from the sloping roofline: the ‘flyline’ lends the Macan its characteristic sports car contours.”

The latest model year has two engine choices: a 2.0L inline-four turbo and a 2.9L twin-turbo V6. No matter which one you go with, the Macan delivers a fun ride and plenty of power. Both come with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) automatic transmissions.

A few additional packages, such as the Sport Chrono Package, can be added to the 2023 Macan for better handling and performance. Porsche’s new Sport Response button on the steering wheel pumps 20 seconds of maximum power, just like in the old video games.

Is the Porsche Macan a safe car?

A red 2023 Porsche Macan luxury SUV, is the cost the only con?
2023 Porsche Macan front driver-side quarter view | Porsche

The 2023 Porsche Macan has many Driver Assistance Systems to keep everyone safe on and off the road. Some systems include Active Lane Keep, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Change Assist. There is also a new Intersection Assist system and Night Vision Assist for those late-night drives. Even though the Macan has not been safety tested by groups like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this SUV is well-constructed.

Porsche equips the Macan with many airbags all over the cabin, offering better protection than the average SUV. It isn’t uncommon for luxury vehicles such as the Macan to be excluded from traditional crash testing, but that does not mean it isn’t safe. The automaker ensures that vehicle safety is a priority, right along with the performance and ride.

2023 Porsche Macan vs. Porsche Cayenne

Even though the new Macan exceeds expectations, the Porsche Cayenne is a bit better in many areas. It has a little extra space in the cabin and more power across all of the trim levels. Those reasons also mean a higher cost, starting at $79,200 for the base model and hitting $95,700 for the S trim. However, this is one of the few cons of the 2023 Porsche Macan. If you take the luxury SUV at face value, it often meets and exceeds expectations.

At the end of the day, the 2023 Porsche Macan is a solid choice for a small luxury SUV. For under $70,000, the Macan is a powerful and well-built machine. The interior of the Macan is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and it is a practical choice for everyday driving. Whether seeking the thrill of the open road or the practicality of an SUV, the Porsche Macan combines the best of both worlds.

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