2023 Porsche Macan

Even after eight years on the market, the Porsche Macan is still up there with the best in its class. Simply put, if you want one of the quickest and most agile compact luxury SUVs on the market, this is the car for you. First launched in 2014, the Macan has been treated to several facelifts through the years, keeping it up to date on the technology- and drivetrain fronts, and even in its run-out phase, it's difficult to fault.

Developed from the Volkswagen Group MLB platform, the Porsche Macan shares its skeleton with the Audi Q5. The first-generation Porsche Macan is available in four trim levels for 2023 with three power units between them ranging from a 261-horsepower turbo four-cylinder to a 434-hp twin-turbo V6 displacing 2.9 liters. All variants share a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, and whether you order a base model, a T, and S, or a GTS, they're all far more fun to drive than a premium compact SUV should be.

Impressive as these figures are, the Porsche Macan hasn't been the most potent among competitors in the class for a while. The twin-turbo V8 in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 has more power and torque, and the BMW X3 M produces more power, while the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has steering no one can match. It also doesn't offer a coupe-like relative as the other Germans do, but it looks sleek enough with its own 911-inspired styling cues.

In a competitive luxury SUV segment, the base Macan comes with a starting MSRP of $57,500 while the Macan T goes for $63,100. One step up to the S will set you back at least $68,400, and the top-spec GTS retails for $82,900. These prices for the Porsche Macan do not include the $1,450 fee for delivery, processing, and handling, and extras will drive the price up substantially. A well-loaded Macan GTS can reach $125k - and that's before you delve into the full customization available under the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur program.

The 2023 Porsche Macan offers lively performance even in its most basic form. The entry-level Macan and Macan T employ a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine, good for 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and even with a claimed curb weight of 4,151 pounds, the base model is good for a 0-60 mph sprint in only 6.0 seconds, dropping to 5.8 seconds for the Macan T with its Sport Chrono pack. All Macan models have AWD and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, so it's easy to achieve such performance figures consistently. The V6-engined models are even quicker, thanks to their larger displacement and twin-turbo setup. In the mid-level Macan S trim with 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, it will get to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the Macan GTS has 434 hp and 405 lb-ft to get the same sprint done in only 4.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package.

That is perhaps a little way off from the quickest newer compact luxury SUVs, but it's a close call.

But when straight roads end and twisty ones begin, the handling dynamics are entirely up to the challenge posed by the speed on tap, with flat cornering, direct and surprisingly communicative steering, and a neutral overall handling balance to go with high grip levels. However, the new Porsche Macan is still an SUV, and its high center of gravity demands some compromises to allow such spirited cornering ability. The ride quality is the main casualty here because it can get somewhat choppy over rough surfaces. This is even more apparent in the GTS due to its 21-inch wheels with very low-profile performance tires. Still, it's not the worst in this regard, but an X3 M makes this feel like a magic carpet ride.

The Porsche Macan is still at the head of its class in many ways, although buyers might imagine it to be a bit dated by now. Regardless of this perception, the Macan is still a very good car, and will provide a pleasing ownership experience to a luxury compact SUV buyer who wants something different from the mainstream. Reliability reviews for the Porsche Macan are also promising.

There are only two areas where the Macan lags slightly behind its rivals: BMW and Mercedes have both released high-power alternatives in the time since the Macan first arrived, and the Macan's pricing, which is somewhat on the pricey side when considering the standard equipment on offer. With this in mind, the verdict has to be that the Macan is a very good car, but there are equally-enticing alternatives around the same price point.

For the best of both worlds, we won't hesitate to recommend the Macan S. It has the power and chops to thrill on a back road and the looks, comfort, and convenience of a luxury vehicle. As we would be dropping serious coin on a small crossover, we would just go ahead and add the Premium Package Plus for the Bose surround-sound system and the 14-way ventilated seats.

The base model is the cheapest entry into the Porsche world at $57,500, and with the new standard features like keyless entry, heated front seats, and exterior elements, it's a better deal than before. However, it still needs some options to become attractive enough as a daily driver to justify the cost. If you're coming into a luxury base model, for example, dropping an extra grand for adaptive cruise control is going to be off-putting.

The GTS is expensive, but if you're going to exploit the full performance a lot and money isn't much of an object, it's the best way to enjoy the Macan. We don't think the pricey GTS Sport Package is essential here, but if you want the full grin-inducing experience, you'll want to pay the extra cash.