Every Porsche SUV Is Recommended by Consumer Reports
What’s in a luxury brand? The name, of course — usually coupled with incredible features and superior power. But frustratingly, many luxury car manufacturers don’t provide superior quality across their lineups. You won’t find many high-end vehicles with excellent reliability scores and low long-term ownership costs. But one of these rare brands is Porsche. It has the distinction of earning Consumer Reports’ “CR Recommended” label for all of its SUVs. (Granted, there are only two Porsche SUVs, but maybe that’s a sign the German automaker should design more.)
A look at the 2022 Porsche Macan luxury compact SUV
For prospective buyers looking for a small yet high-end SUV, Porsche offers the Macan.
Consumer Reports reviewers appreciate the 2022 model’s excellent performance and handling, powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. Porsche also offers a 2.9-liter V6 turbo on higher trim levels and pairs both engines with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Consumer Reports reviewers noted quick and decisive gear shifting, along with superior braking ability and impressive towing capability (5,219 pounds).
Prospective 2022 Macan owners would also undoubtedly enjoy the minimal cabin noise and overall ride comfort. That comfort isn’t just a matter of the vehicle’s smooth performance. The interior abounds with soft-touch surfaces and upscale styling and can be customized to an owner’s taste.
Though the Macan’s high floor and low roof might not make it ideal for taller occupants, supportive seats and standard enhancements such as eight-way power adjustments make riding for most a joy.
So, what’s not to like? In addition to the space issue for taller riders, CR reviewers noted the 2022 Porsche Macan is expensive for its size.
The base model’s starting MSRP is $54,900, but if you buy a higher trim or add optional features, you could pay at least $80,000.
CR reviewers also noted the Macan has a dizzying number of controls to manage its many features. And the sheer number of controls can feel overwhelming at first.
However, these criticisms weren’t enough to stop Consumer Reports from recommending the Macan as its preferred pick in the luxury compact crossover SUV segment.
Want a bigger Porsche SUV? Try the midsize Cayenne
If you need more room, Consumer Reports recommends the 2022 Porsche Cayenne, praised for its performance and handling. Packing a 335-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, the Cayenne can hit 60 mph in an impressive 6.5 seconds. Despite its larger size, reviewers noted this Porsche SUV provides a firm and agile ride, aided by precise and responsive steering.
For even more power, the Cayenne offers more robust powertrain options on higher trims. For example, the Cayenne S has a 434-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, while the turbo trim boasts a 541-hp, 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, though reviewers noted it doesn’t react as quickly when downshifting. They also noted the stop/start feature doesn’t stop or start the Cayenne smoothly.
Like the Macan’s interior, the Cayenne’s cabin is plush, oozing upscale styling. It’s also quiet, well-insulated from engine, road, wind, and tire noise. And it’s spacious in both the front and back rows, with comfortable seating and a generous cargo hold.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much open storage in the front row aside from the bin under the armrest. And like the Macan, the Cayenne has a daunting number of controls.
Nevertheless, there’s plenty to like about the Cayenne, earning it a CR Recommended checkmark.
Other Consumer Reports-praised Porsche models
Consumer Reports isn’t just a fan of Porsche SUVs. The 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster is another CR Recommended model from the German brand.
Starting at $62,600, this sleek roadster is powerful, with a 300-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the base model. For more punch, a 350-hp 2.5-liter turbo is also available. Both are noisy, but each is available with a PDK (Porsche double-clutch transmission), providing direct downshifting and solid braking while helping provide a comfortable ride. And the 718 Boxster’s performance is rivaled only by its plush, feature-filled cabin.
It doesn’t bear a CR Recommended label, but Consumer Reports also praised the Taycan as a great luxury EV. Though not on par with a Tesla in electric range or charging time, the Taycan nevertheless provides drivers with excellent performance, handling, and agility. And though its interior isn’t as sumptuous as the Macan, Cayenne, or 718 Boxster, it’s comfortable and tech feature-filled.
Quality is a common theme throughout Consumer Reports’ reviews of Porsche models. And though CR has not yet reviewed the 2022 718 Cayman, 911, and Panamera, if they’re anything like previous models or their siblings, they, too, will provide adequate luxury and quality.
