A green 2024 Porsche Macan driving down a scenic road.

There’s 1 Thing Holding Back the 2023 Porsche Macan in Its Class

The Porsche Macan is a seriously impressive SUV, there's no doubt about it. However, the price tag is a big barrier to entry for most people.

by Betty Lawson

Published on October 31, 2023 5:07 am

3 min read

The Porsche Macan price is higher than many of its rivals

Porsche got into the SUV game with the mid-size Cayenne and immediately won over its customers’ hearts. The Cayenne’s little sister, the Macan, is a generous car for people who want more space but don’t want to commit to a sports car. The vehicle has a unique Porsche exterior design and a classy interior, but some people may find it tough to justify its high price.

The 2023 Porsche Macan is available in three trims: Base, T, and S. The base trim has a starting MSRP of $58,950, while the mid-level trim Macan T starts at $64,550, and the top trim Macan starts at a whopping $ $69,850. The Macan falls within the compact luxury SUV segment, competing with models like the Genesis GV70, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class, the Volvo XC60, and the BMW X3.

The Macan has a much higher starting price than its rivals. For comparison, the Volvo XC60 is one of the cheapest compact luxury SUVs in the market, starting at $44,545. The BMW X3 and the Genesis GV70 come close with starting costs of $47,195 and $46,000. The Mercedes GLC-class starts at $48,250.

The Macan’s U.S. News ranking proves it isn’t worth its high price

Luxury SUVs cater to consumers looking for the practicality of an SUV but can also afford to go for the high-tech features offered and other creature comforts. If you’re paying upwards of $58,000 for a car, you probably expect it to be a high-performing, plush, and reliable vehicle with guaranteed satisfaction.

However, expert rankings of the Macan show that buyers may be better off buying other vehicles. The Macan placed 11th in a U.S. News list of the best luxury compact SUVs for 2023 and 2024, earning a 7.0 score. The site praised the vehicle for its agile handling, handsome interior, straightforward infotainment system, and powerful engine options.

However, it didn’t like its small cargo hold and below-average fuel economy. The publication also found fault in the Macan’s high price tag. For its price, the Macan should have at least made it into the top 10 if the top five was too competitive. For comparison, the Genesis GV70 snagged first place, earning an 8.8 score for its gorgeous cabin, balanced ride and handling, and powerful engine options.

The X3 came in second place, earning an 8.6 score, while the GLB and GLC-class tied in fourth place, earning an 8.2 score. The U.S. News ranking proved that the Macan was not worth the extra price as it was lowly ranked, with cheaper luxury SUVs scoring much higher.

Overview of the 2023 Porsche Macan

The 2023 Macan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 261 hp. The base engine takes five seconds to leap from 0 to 60 mph, which isn’t bad considering the BMW’s base trim takes 6.2 seconds to saunter to 60 mph, while the GLC-class takes a respectable 5.6 seconds.

The base four-cylinder engine also powers the new mid-trim Macan T, but lead-footed drivers can upgrade to the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6-powered top trim Macan S. The base model may not be as quick as most people would want, but it is more efficient with EPA-estimated ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Upgrading to the 2.9-liter V6-powered S model drops the numbers to 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The vehicle’s interior disappoints with less rear seat space, material, and equipment that doesn’t measure up to Porsche’s luxury ethos. Additionally, the car only comes with Apple CarPlay but no Android Auto.