The Best Porsche Macan Model Years

Why It's On The List

Popular automotive site Edmunds picked the Porsche Macan as one of the best luxury SUVs for the year, citing reasons such as the Macan's agile handling, high-quality interior, and exterior styling. 

With the Macan, Porsche had been able to create a compelling argument for a performance SUV that blends athleticism with everyday usability.

The 2018 Macan introduced changes like new exterior and interior colour options, an updated infotainment system and a new Sport Edition model. A turbocharged 4-cylinder powers the base model, while the S and GTS models get a more powerful twin-turbo V6 option.

The Macan S offers the best balance between value and performance. It is only 20 hp less powerful than the GT3 trim, and there's still plenty on offer to deliver an engaging driving experience behind the wheel.

Why It's On The List

There was a significant refresh for the 2019 Porsche Macan. The mid-cycle update included new front and rear bumpers.

The rear also received a full-width LED taillight strip, connecting the taillights and giving it a more modern Porsche family look, similar to the Cayenne and Panamera.

New wheel designs were offered, and the side blades (trim pieces on the lower doors) became available in silver, black, or body colour. While not a complete overhaul, the interior received updates, including new colour options and a larger 10.9-inch infotainment screen.

Under the skin, the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 248 hp, while the 3.0-litre V6 for the more potent S had 100 hp more.

The base model is a bit underpowered for spirited driving, so you will want to pick the more powerful S variant.

Why It's On The List

The Macan EV, first introduced for the 2024 model year, remains one of the model highlights. It is built on an entirely new platform and pairs Porsche's characteristic agility with the immediate power of electric motors.

The Macan EV is positioned as a separate lineup from the traditional ICE siblings. The base model Macan EV is rear-wheel-drive only, while other trims have two motors driving both axles. The headliner is the top-trim Macan Turbo EV with over 600 hp on tap. Besides the Macan EVs, the ICE options like the Macan S and T still form part of the current lineup. However, Porsche has stated that the production of the ICE Macan will end in mid-2025, leaving only the EV option in the lineup.

Standard features include an updated infotainment system and LED headlights. However, as with most Porsche models, you'll need to splurge on optional packages like the Sport Chrono pack to get the best out of any Macan you purchase.

Why It's On The List

The highlight for the 2017 model year had to be the addition of a new GTS trim to the Macan lineup. The Macan GTS slotted between the S and the Turbo trim, providing a compelling alternative to those who wanted something more than the Macan S but were put off by the pricey Macan Turbo.

The Macan GTS had the same twin-turbo V6 found in the S, but in this case, a few mechanical tweaks meant it had a higher torque output for more spirited driving.

It also came standard with air suspension, adaptive dampers, larger brakes and GTS-specific aesthetic elements.

Porsche's updated touchscreen infotainment was added to all Macan variants as a standard feature, alongside HID headlights, Alcantara seat centres, a piano black interior package and a lane departure warning system. At the same time, the extensive options list grew even larger with add-ons like LED headlights, microsuede-trimmed steering wheel and new exterior colours.

Why It's On The List

By now, the Porsche Macan had been around for about a decade, and an all-electric replacement was in the works. That did not stop Porsche from consolidating the existing lineup with a new Macan T variant (where the T stands for 'Touring'). 

It was positioned between the base Macan and the Macan S. It boasted the same turbocharged inline-four engine as the base model, but the package was spiced up with the addition of certain performance goodies as standard. They included launch control and Porsche's Active Suspension Management System.

The 2023 Macan T, in particular, offered a compelling proposition for buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience without the significant price jump associated with the S or GTS models.

In addition to the Macan T addition, Porsche added a few more features, such as adaptive cruise control and a 10-speaker system, as standard across all the Macan variants. The 2023 model is also highly rated on popular review sites like Kelley Blue Book.

Why It's On The List

The 2015 Macan represents excellent value, offering Porsche's renowned driving dynamics at a more accessible price point compared to the newer models. This compact SUV, while sharing underpinnings with the Audi Q5, was undeniably a Porsche through and through.

The Macan sported a unique design with a distinctive clamshell hood and a lower, sportier stance. Porsche engineers meticulously refined the Q5 platform, enhancing driving dynamics through unique suspension tuning, quicker steering, and a more rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.

The result was a vehicle that felt more agile, more responsive, and ultimately, more engaging to drive than its platform-mate or any rival in its class, for that matter.

Given the age of the 2015 Macan, potential purchasers are advised to proceed with caution. Although an excellent vehicle, a comprehensive inspection by a qualified mechanic is crucial to assess its current condition and identify potential issues.