2018 Porsche Macan

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Rating8.0

Ranked #9 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$47,800 - $87,700
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 10, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Quick and swift acceleration

Below average rear seat and cargo space

No major changes in 2018

Comfortable and composed ride

A full featured cabin adds extra cost

Highly customizable

Less cargo space than some competitors

User friendly infotainment system

Sub-par fuel economy

Specs & Features

$47,800

price

252 hp @ 5000 rpm

horsepower

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

torque

7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual w/od

transmission

2.0L 4cyl AWD 7AM

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2018 Porsche Macan is the brand's entry-level small luxury crossover, sitting below the larger Cayenne. For 2018, the Macan receives minor upgrades, like new interior and exterior color options, improved infotainment, and a new Sport Edition package. The powertrain in the Porsche Macan lineup remains the same, with a 252-hp turbo four-cylinder.

 The 4-cylinder base model is able to rush to 0-60 mph in just over 6 seconds and has an impressive towing capacity of 4,400-pounds. With a starting price of $47,800, the 2018 Macan goes up against the Jaguar F-Pace, Audi Q5, and the Mercedes GLC 300.

Buying Advice

While the base level starts at $48,000, the top level starts at $ 87,000. And that price is without any customization! Keeping the performance to price ratio in mind, the Macan S seems like a nice buy. It has more power and capability than most would ever need, while still being docile enough for everyday drives. It also has access to a long list of options out of which the Premium Package Plus best suits the Macan S.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

"The 2018 Porsche Macan is the performance pick among compact crossovers because of course it is." - The Car Connection

The Macan receives minor updates for 2018, including new interior and exterior color options, enhanced infotainment, and a new Sport Edition trim. For 2018, the Macan lineup is unchanged, with a 252-horsepower turbo four-banger and two twin-turbo V-6 engines producing 340 hp (in the S) or 360 hp (in the R) (in the GTS). All-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are still standard.

The 2018 Macan starts at a base price of around $ 47,800 and goes all the way to $60,400 for the Macan Sport Edition. The Macan’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be around $34,500, or $6,900 per year.

Features
9.0/10

The 2018 Porsche Macan is available in 3 trim levels: the base, S, sport edition. An All-Wheel Drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard across the trims.

All-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard, as are a decent number of features. As you progress through the Macan lineup, a few additional standard features are added.

Trims Macan Macan S Macan Sport Edition
MSRP $ 47,800 $ 55,400 $60,400
Key Features 18-inch Macan wheels All Features of Macan, plus: Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
  Four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers at the front, single-piston floating calipers at the rear. 18-inch Macan S wheels. Driveline Traction Control 
  Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive. Six-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers at the front, single-piston floating calipers at the rear. auto dimming day-night rear view mirror
  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).   Adaptive Headlights
  Porsche Communication Management (PCM).    
  SPORT button.    

We Recommend

Although even the base trim comes equipped with a decent amount of standard features and moving higher up the trim adds even more features, but to truly make Macan your own you’ll have to go through Macan’s extensive options list. The options list brings Macan’s top trim’s features as add-ons to the base trims, as well as adds countless trim, color, and material customization choices.

The Macan gets fancier as you move up the trim levels, but it also gets expensive. While the base level starts at $48,000, the top level starts at $ 87,000. And that price is without any customization! Keeping the performance to price ratio in mind, the Macan S seems like a nice buy. It has more power and capability than most would ever need, while still being docile enough for everyday drives. It also has access to a long list of options out of which the Premium Package Plus best suits the Macan S.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

Gas mileage is the Macan’s Achilles’ heel (at least for those who care about such things). Four-cylinder models get just 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while V6 models get 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. Both engines are less fuel-efficient than most class rivals ” – US News

The fuel economy is not one of Macan’s strong suits. While it delivers great acceleration and luxury, it lags behind the competition in terms of mileage. The class average seems to hover near the 24 mpg combined, but the 2018 Porsche Macan settles for 22. Fuel economy may not be a deciding factor for someone who can actually afford a Porsche, but still, Macan is one thirsty beast!

Model 2018 Porsche Macan 2018 Jaguar F-Pace 2018 Audi Q5 2018 Mercedes GLC 300
mpg city 20 22 23 22
mpg highway 25 27 27 28
mpg combined 22 24 25 24

Porsche did try to improve the fuel economy by equipping Macan’s front grille with a shutter door. The door closes during low speeds when cooling requirements are low to improve Macan’s aerodynamics. At higher speeds, the door opens to cool down the engine. This is done to improve the fuel economy, we can only imagine how disappointing the numbers would have been if Porsche hadn’t added this advantage!

Interior
7.0/10

The Macan Turbo comes standard with adaptive suspension dampers, and our test vehicle was outfitted with the optional air suspension, too. The air suspension can feel floaty at times but does a nice job smoothing out bumps” – Edmunds

2018 Porsche Macan Seating and Comfort

The 2018 Porsche Macan may be the cheapest vehicle in Porsche's lineup, but the quality was not compromised in any manner. The inside has a sleek look thanks to the aluminum edges and dynamic control layout. Even the base trim is made from high-quality materials.

To withstand Macan's high speeds, the seats are well-bolstered. The instrumentation is straightforward and straightforward, although the rev counter is in the middle, as it is in Porsche sports cars (which the Macan is essential). You'll also have to get used to Porsche's tradition of having the key on the left side of the steering wheel.

Model 2018 Porsche Macan 2018 Jaguar F-Pace 2018 Audi Q5 2018 Mercedes GLC 300
Passenger capacity 5 5 5 5
Front – Head/Shoulder/Leg (in.) 39.4/-/33.1 37.8/57.7/40.3 41.7/57.7/41.0 41.9/57.3/40.8
Second – Head/Shoulder/Leg (In.) 36.3/-/32.3 37.5/55.8/37.2 39.3/56.5/37.8 38.5/56.5/37.3

The 2018 Porsche Macan can accommodate 5 people. Leather and Alcantara front seats are standard in all trims. The driving position is slightly elevated, which improves the visibility which is a bit diminished by the thick roof pillars. The front seats are 8-way power adjustable and include thick bolsters to offer excellent support. If you still want more, 14 and 18-way adjustable seats are available, too.

The second row feels a bit tight. It is perfect for two mid-size adults or three children. The headroom is no problem thanks to Porsche’s coupe-like roof flow. The problem for the taller passengers in the backseat would be the legroom. Porsche reduced their wheelbase by 3.5 inches in 2015, and since then it seems like legroom in the backseat is what paid the price.

Interior Features

The standard features include:

  • Ambient lighting
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Rearview camera
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Lane departure warning

Apart from these, the optional features include:

  • Wi-Fi hot spot
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Adaptive cruise control with full stop-start functionality
  • Dynamic headlights (which swivel to provide better lighting around corners)
  • Surround-view camera
  • Lane keep assist
  • Lane change assist.

2018 Porsche Macan Infotainment

At first glance, the vast number of buttons surrounding the touchscreen appear confusing, but a few minutes with the system is all that it takes to become familiar with their operation. The 7-inch touch screen is responsive and receives a makeover for the 2018 and now supports multi-touch. Although Macan offers Apple CarPlay for easy connectivity with iPhones, Android users would have to settle for classic connection options as Android Auto is not available.

The standard system includes:

  • Porsche Communication Management interface
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Two USB ports
  • 11 GB of internal jukebox storage
  • Two SD card slots
  • Satellite radio
  • HD Radio
  • Ten speakers

For those who appreciate the quality of music a bit more than others have the option of upgrading to:

  • Burmester or Bose surround sound system
  • Six-disc CD/DVD changer
  • Rear-seat entertainment system

2018 Porsche Macan Cargo

There was a lot of thought that went into redesigning the 2018 Porsche Macan inside and out. Sadly, cargo space was neglected. With the rear seats up, Macan only offers 17 cubic feet of storage, which is too low for its class. Folding the 40/20/40 split rear seats increases the space to 53 cubic feet. It’s not less but other rivals do much better here.

Model 2018 Porsche Macan 2018 Jaguar F-Pace 2018 Audi Q5 2018 Mercedes GLC 300
Volume (ft.cube)(w/Rear seats fold) 53.0 64.0 57.3 57.0
Loading Capacity (lbs.) 14,88 900 13,44 16,00
Towing Capacity (lbs.) 44,09 52,91 44,00 35,00

The split-folding rear seats allow you to fold down just a section for extra cargo room while still seating more than one passenger. The seats, however, don’t lie completely flat. The cargo area has tie-down loops, which is a nice addition, and they easily lie flat when not in use.

Exterior
7.0/10

 The Macan's curved snout, low roofline, and quick backlight recall the larger Cayenne and Panamera. The Macan's front end, with its headlights, side strakes, and front bumper, screams Porsche. The Macan is a quick and powerful machine with a butch and bold appearance to match.

The front fascia on the GTS and Turbo grades is distinctive and muscular. The GTS features a matte-black finish on the side blades, as well as a more dynamic colour scheme and a 10 mm lower ground clearance, giving it a sportier appearance. The Macan Turbo is distinguished by its front spoiler lip and squared-off quad exhaust outlets.

Model 2018 Porsche Macan 2018 Jaguar F-Pace 2018 Audi Q5 2018 Mercedes GLC 300
curb weight(lbs) 3,902 3880 4,045 3891
Lenght(in) 184.9 186.3 183.6 183.3
Width(in)(w/o mirror) 75.7 81.5 74.5 74.4
Height(in) 63.9 65.0 65.3 64.5
Ground clearance(in) 7.8 8.4 8.2 8.3
Wheel base(in) 110.5 113.2 111.0 113.1
Track width(in) F/R 65.2/65.0 64.6/65.1 63.6/63.3 63.9/63.7

Some other standard features include:

  • power-folding side mirrors
  • power-operated liftgate
  • 18-inch wheels
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers and tinted and thermally insulated glass in Macan S
  • 20-inch wheels, suspension setting and other performance upgrades in Macan GTS

Safety
9.9/10

Standard equipment includes a rear camera, parking sensors, forward collision warning, and automatic braking. Optional features include a crisp surround-view system, lane departure intervention, and adaptive cruise. ” – Edmunds

The 2018 Porsche Macan has not yet been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Although it is a safe bet based on the previous Macans’ crash tests and the added safety features this year that the 2018 Porsche Macan will do equally well, if not better.

Recommended available features includeThe standard safety features available in 2018 Porsche Macan include:

  • A rearview camera
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Lane departure warning system
  • Adaptive cruise control with full stop-start functionality
  • Dynamic headlights (which swivel to provide better lighting around corners)
  • A surround-view camera
  • Lane keep assist
  • Lane change assist.

 

Competition
9.0/10

2018 Porsche Macan vs 2018 Jaguar F-Pace

When it comes to redefining an SUV's capabilities, the Jaguar F-Pace is on par with the Macan. Because of its gripping performance, driving an F-Pace instills confidence in the driver. Although the Jaguar F-Pace offers a variety of powerful engine options, the Macan's engines outshine them. The F-Pace is a good car, but the Macan is simply superior.

The diesel engine, on the other hand, is the F-Pace's in the hole. This is a first for a small SUV. A diesel engine provides superior fuel economy, putting the Macan's already poor economy to shame. The interiors of the F-Pace are also a little more premium and spacious than those of the Macan. Overall, Porsche is the stronger performer, but if the cost is factored in, the F-Pace is a better option.

2018 Porsche Macan vs 2018 Audi Q5

Because both the Porsche Macan and the Audi Q5 are Volkswagen offspring, it's no wonder that they're the closest competitors. The Q5 boasts more cargo room and tech features than the Macan, which is more powerful and customizable. Although the Macan outperforms the Q5 in terms of power and acceleration, the Q5 isn't as far behind as some of its rivals.

Another factor that works to Q5's advantage is its price. The Q5 is over $ 6,300 less expensive than the Macan. So, if acquiring the most powerful and fun-to-drive SUV is your top goal, the Macan is the way to go. However, if you're willing to give up a little power in exchange for a better overall vehicle, the Audi Q5 is the ideal choice.

2018 Porsche Macan vs 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 300

The Mercedes-Benz GLC lacks Macan’s agility but provides impressive comfort at a much lower price. the extruding look of the Macan proves to be deceiving as, its interior is not so roomy, whereas the GLC 300 is quite roomier than the Macan though its exterior dimensions are lesser than the Macan.

Still, at the end of the day, power and performance are what matters for the price paid. So spending a few extra bucks for a better performance and power makes the 2018 Porsche Macan, a better choice if one can compromise with its less roomy space and cargo.

Final Verdict

Style, luxury, comfort, and breath-taking speed are just a few of the qualities that come to mind when describing the 2018 Porsche Macan. It puts in a strong performance that is complemented by its luxurious interiors. A few flaws, such as the lack of Android Auto or a small number of safety features, maybe overlooked because just a few vehicles can match the Macan's agility and interior quality.

The Porsche Macan is the most costly small SUV available. A fully outfitted Macan can cost up to $ 90,000, over $ 8,500 more than the class average! Fortunately, there are less expensive but equally effective alternatives on the market. If you don't mind sacrificing speed and power, Porsche's corporate cousin, the Audi Q5, is a superb alternative. Both have excellent interior quality, but the Q5 outperforms the other in terms of cargo space and safety features.

Trims

    Base
    $47,800 onwards
    • 7-Inch touchscreen interface w/ Bluetooth & Apple CarPlay
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Lane departure warning system
    • Power liftgate
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Rearview camera
    • Three-Zone automatic climate control
    • Xenon headlights
    S
    $55,400 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 7AM
    • Horsepower: 340 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 339 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5 sec
    • Top Speed: 134 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    Sport Edition
    $60,400 onwards
    • 20-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Navigation system
    • Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
    GTS
    $68,900 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 7AM
    • Horsepower: 360 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 369 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 162 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    Turbo
    $77,200 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl AWD 7AM
    • Horsepower: 440 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 442 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 3.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 169 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$47,800- $87,700

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8

Horsepower

440 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

442 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$44,200- $58,650

Gasoline

7.67

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

267 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

7

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$35,800- $44,000

Gasoline

7

279 hp @ 6200 rpm

252 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,995- $79,795

Gasoline

7.55

280 hp @ 5200 rpm

306 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,500- $52,100

Gasoline

7.58

252 hp @ 5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$49,900- $65,400

Gasoline

8.23

252 hp @ 5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

7

Read Review

$54,300- $58,500

Gasoline

8.41

354 hp @ 6000 rpm

346 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$42,650- $54,500

Gasoline

7.69

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$47,600- $59,250

Gasoline

7.02

240 hp @ 5000 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$57,200- $74,050

Gasoline

7.79

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

300 lb.-ft. @ 1200 rpm

5

Read Review

2018 Porsche Macan vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.3 sec14.8 sec128 mph
    3.6 sec-115 mph
    2018 BMW X3

    Ranked #2

    4.7 sec13.2 sec155 mph
    2018 Audi SQ5

    Ranked #3

    5.1 sec13.8 sec155 mph
    5.1 sec13.7 sec115 mph
    5.5 sec14 sec120 mph

    2018 Porsche Macan vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      20 mpg25 mpg22 mpg19.8 gal.396/495 mi.
      31 mpg28 mpg30 mpg17.2 gal.533.2/481.6 mi.
      31 mpg28 mpg30 mpg17.2 gal.533.2/481.6 mi.
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg18.5 gal.396/522 mi.
      2018 BMW X3

      Ranked #2

      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg17.2 gal.378.40/498.80 mi.
      22 mpg28 mpg25 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/445.2 mi.

      2018 Porsche Macan vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        184.3 in.76.1 in.63.9 in.7.8 in.110.5 in.

        2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV

        Ranked #1

        224.3 in.80.5 in.74 in.8 in.130 in.
        210.2 in.79.9 in.75.8 in.9.2 in.121.1 in.
        210 in.79.9 in.76.4 in.9.7 in.122.5 in.
        203.9 in.80.5 in.74.4 in.8 in.116 in.
        2018 Audi Q7

        Ranked #5

        199.6 in.77.5 in.68.5 in.8 in.117.9 in.

        2018 Porsche Macan vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          17.7 cu.ft.-53 cu.ft.
          2018 BMW X6

          Ranked #1

          26.6 cu.ft.164.4 cu.ft.59.7 cu.ft.
          19.3 cu.ft.-103.4 cu.ft.
          16.6 cu.ft.-95.1 cu.ft.
          38.2 cu.ft.-80.3 cu.ft.
          7.5 cu.ft.117 cu.ft.58.5 cu.ft.

          2018 Porsche Macan vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            63.3 cu.ft.17.7 cu.ft.53 cu.ft.-
            10.4 cu.ft.17.7 cu.ft.54.6 cu.ft.-
            5.4 cu.ft.24.2 cu.ft.52.7 cu.ft.-
            2018 Audi Q5

            Ranked #4

            4.6 cu.ft.26.8 cu.ft.60.4 cu.ft.165 ft.
            83.7 cu.ft.7.5 cu.ft.58.5 cu.ft.-
            58.5 cu.ft.7.5 cu.ft.58.5 cu.ft.-

            2018 Porsche Macan vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              4409 lbs.1488 lbs.3902 lbs.
              10330 lbs.1070 lbs.4905 lbs.
              8700 lbs.1620 lbs.5673 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1656 lbs.5676 lbs.
              8300 lbs.1460 lbs.5578 lbs.
              8201 lbs.1841 lbs.4751 lbs.

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