Are you looking for a compact SUV that carries as much clout as it does cargo? A used Porsche Macan might do the trick. Powerful, sleek, and nearly as fun to drive as a Porsche Boxster, the Macan checks a lot of boxes. Continual improvements year after year make it challenging to decide which is best, but as model years get newer, so does the price increase. Keep in mind you’re not buying a Honda or Toyota. Routine maintenance and repairs can be pretty expensive on a vehicle like this, so you should keep a little cash reserve just to be safe.
Porsche Macan Generations
Porsche Macan (1st Generation: 2015 - Current)
2015 marks the first year for the Porsche Macan. Early versions are limited to two trims: the Macan S and Macan Turbo. Both have powerful turbocharged engines, so the choice between them boils down to how fast you want to go and how much you want to spend. However, you won't have to worry about fuel economy as both engines get the same 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway rating. The S comes with all the standard features expected in a luxury vehicle, such as power seats, power windows, automatic climate control, etc. The Turbo ups the ante with 18-way power sport seats, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The option sheet for the Macan reads like a CliffsNotes version of "War and Peace." Among the more notable upgrades are a high-end Burmester audio system, a panoramic sunroof, ceramic-composite brakes, and a host of driver-assist systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. Note that none of the Macan’s infotainment systems support Android Auto connectivity -- only Apple CarPlay.
Over time, the Macan lineup grows to include a less powerful and less expensive turbocharged 4-cylinder base model and rowdier GTS. Remember that the Macan is a highly complex vehicle with lots of high-tech electronics that will need repair at some point. Fortunately, the Macan has good long-term reliability ratings, but always be sure to have any used vehicle adequately checked out by a professional before purchase.
Model Updates: The 2016 Macan gains tri-zone automatic climate control, and in 2017 it gains a new 252-horsepower base model and a 360-hp GTS. 2019 brings a revised look for the Macan, along with a new 10.9-inch touchscreen, revised steering and suspension tuning, and a new 348-horsepower turbocharged engine for the Macan S. For 2020, wireless Apple CarPlay and a wireless phone charging pad are standard, as are USB-C ports. The 2022 model year sees significant changes, dropping the Turbo trim and giving the Macan S a new 375-hp twin-turbocharged V6 engine. For 2023, the Macan gains standard adaptive cruise control and a new T trim slotting between the base model and the Macan S.
Porsche Macan Buying Tips
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