Used Porsche Macan review

An SUV it may be, but the Porsche Macan retains enough of the German manufacturer’s sports car DNA to make it the best car to drive in this sector. Better still, the Macan's interior is great and extremely practical for a car of its size too, making it the ultimate family car in many ways.

Naturally you’ll have to part with a small fortune to get your hands on one, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to the equipment list: Porsche has a habit of making the most desirable bits of kit optional extras, so you need a keen eye to make sure you get the best model and spec for your needs and to ensure that your car holds on to its value as tenaciously as possible.

Don’t be put off by the lack of a manual gearbox either: the PDK dual-clutch automatic is as slick as they get, with automatic and manual modes to suit whatever mood you’re in behind the wheel.

This is a far cry from 2002, when many people feared for Porsche when it revealed the Cayenne. However, that car soon became the carmaker’s best-selling vehicle by quite some distance, and the inclusion of SUVs in its line-up has secured its financial future.

When the Macan arrived 12 years later, it was cut from the same cloth as its larger sibling, offering terrific handling, a high-quality interior and excellent passenger space. Heck, it could even tow a caravan.

As a smaller package it was cheaper than the Cayenne too, although these things are relative and that premium badge means the Macan sits at the top end of what you can expect to pay for a small SUV.

Models covered

• • Porsche Macan Mk1 (2014-date) – German brand’s smallest SUV isn’t cheap, but it has a unique blend of talents.

Porsche Macan Mk1

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History

The Macan reached showrooms in summer 2014, with three different models available. The 335bhp Macan S and 254bhp Macan S Diesel both featured turbocharged 3.0-litre V6s and cost £43,300; the £59,300 395bhp 3.6-litre V6 Macan Turbo topped the range.

In October 2015 the 355bhp GTS joined the line-up between the S and the Turbo, and in June 2016 there was a new entry-level model: the 248bhp Macan, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. At the other end of the spectrum was the 434bhp Macan Turbo Performance Pack, the new range-topper from September 2016, at £69,505.

A facelifted Macan went on sale in October 2018 with new colours, tweaked suspension, better infotainment and more driver-assistance systems – but no diesel.

Porsche Macan reviews

• Porsche Macan in-depth review
• Porsche Macan review
• Porsche Macan Diesel S review
• Porsche Macan S review
• Porsche Macan GTS review
• Porsche Macan Turbo review
• Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Park review

Which one should I buy?

All Macans come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, dubbed PDK, and Porsche doesn’t do trim levels, so pick your engine and find cars with the options you want.

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Even the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol is quick, while the V6 petrols are seriously fast; the Macan Turbo does 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds. Macan S Diesels provide the best balance of performance and economy, and these are likely to become more sought after, with the Macan now a petrol-only SUV.

All models get climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, parking sensors, a DAB radio and leather – but not always sat-nav, which is seen as essential by used buyers. It’s also worth finding a car with the optional air suspension because this improves the ride without sacrificing cornering ability. 

Alternatives to the Porsche Macan

The Macan faces some pretty talented rivals, including the BMW X3 and X3 M Competition. These don’t have the poise of the Porsche and their cabins don’t feel as special, but the X3 has superb drivetrains, strong build quality and lots of space.

The same applies to the Audi Q5/SQ5 and Mercedes GLC, and you could also consider the Range Rover Evoque; this looks sharp and offers a luxurious interior, but like the Germans, it comes generally in diesel form unless you’re buying almost new.

You could look at a petrol-electric hybrid Lexus NX, too; it’s stylish and has a cast-iron reputation, but is less engaging to drive.

What to look for

Alloy wheels

The Macan, S and S Diesel all come with 18-inch wheels, the Turbo gets 19-inch items, while the GTS features 20-inch rims.

Lights

Although the GTS and Turbo have bright bi-xenon headlights, the Macan, S and S Diesel are fitted with older-school halogen units.

DPFs

Low-mileage diesel models can suffer faults with their particulate filters; some city-living buyers have regretted opting for a diesel Macan.

Sat-nav

The navigation system in pre-facelift models doesn’t cope all that well with postcodes, but the later set-up is much better.

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Interior

You can see where your money’s going as soon as you sit in a Macan. Premium materials are everywhere, even if the cabin looks rather busy because there’s so much kit. Space is decent, too, with room for five adults, although headroom isn’t all that generous in the back – especially if the panoramic roof is fitted. Boot space is below the class best, at 500 litres seats up, or 1,500 with them folded. 

Prices

Prices for used Macans can vary wildly depending on the options that have been added to them but as a general rule, the Macan's desirability means it comes in a bit more expensive than rivals. Visit our sister site Buyacar to see what's on offer at the moment or make use of our valuation tool below...

Running costs

The Macan needs servicing every two years or 20,000 miles, alternating between minor and major. The biggest service takes place every 12 years or 120,000 miles, and Porsche centres offer fixed-price servicing.

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A minor service is an oil and filter/pollen filter change and a systems check; major services cover spark plugs on petrol Macans, plus an air filter every 60,000 miles. After the first service, budget £450-£1,125 for petrols and £525-£1,150 for diesels. All engines are chain-driven. 

Recalls

The Macan has been subject to four recalls. The first, in May 2014, remedied faulty brake servos on cars built up to the previous month. The second, in November 2015, affected Macan S and Turbo models made before October 2015, which could suffer fuel leaks. In March 2017 just two cars were found to have faulty airbags, and in 2020 it was announced that issues could arise with the fuel pump: this affected more than 7,000 examples of the Macan in the UK, built between 2015 and 2018..

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The Macan hasn’t featured in our Driver Power surveys; it’s even too niche to get into our annual Brands survey. But reviews on carbuyer.co.uk are very positive, giving an average score of 4.1 out of five. Sub-standard sat-nav and insufficient rear-seat space get mentions from owners, but otherwise it’s all good news in terms of build quality, performance, handling and comfort.