The Porsche Macan falls into a weird category of cars these days. Like the Alfa Romeo Giulia I reviewed recently, the Macan has been on sale in the U.S. for almost a decade, but still stands its ground as a segment-leader in many ways. Porsche knows that, too, because even after a couple mid-cycle updates it’s really only incrementally changed from when it first came out.
The shuffling of engine offerings has probably been one of the biggest changes over the Macan’s lifespan. In the last nine years, there have been three different V6s and one four cylinder, with multiple tune levels of each. This 2021 GTS model features a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6, which replaced the 3.0-liter in the S and GTS in 2019, and technically also replaced the Turbo’s 3.6-liter V6 in 2023 as the GTS now sits at the top of the lineup. For those four years where the GTS remained a mid-level model, the 2.9-liter produced 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It also puts out one of the best exhaust notes of any small crossover, save for maybe the V8-powered Mercedes or Jaguar alternatives.
The exterior design of what is now the first-generation Macan (thanks to the new Macan Electric coming for 2025) is also largely similar to the initial 2015 launch. Evolutionary updates are generally the Germans’ thing, but nearly a decade without a major redesign is pushing it, even for Porsche. That’s by no means a bad thing, though; the Macan is still a very handsome and subtly aggressive crossover. And casual observers likely wouldn’t be able to tell what model year you have without a more thorough look, which can be a good thing depending on what category of buyer you fall into.
Speaking of subtlety, this particular Macan GTS is a particularly elegant spec. Finished in Night Blue over a Luxor Beige interior, it lacks any of the shouty carbon fiber or big yellow carbon-ceramic brakes. It’s even de-badged at the rear, complimenting the clear taillights. It gets bonus points for the optional trailer hitch, too.
Stepping inside, two things become immediately apparent. For one, the infotainment system is a huge improvement over the earlier Macans (in both screen size and software), and this particular one is also incredibly well-equipped. While I’m not the biggest fan of the cabin color choice, there’s no ignoring the mix of luxury and performance features. From the $6,000 Premium Package Plus (ventilated seats, pano roof, 360-degree camera, Bose stereo, and more) to the Sport Chrono package and 18-way front seats, just about everything you could want is included. When was the last time you saw a passenger seat with this many control switches, let alone one that even had the same level of adjustment as the driver’s?
Porsche is known for having tons of options to jack up the price of their cars, and the Macan is certainly no different. While I can’t determine the exact MSRP of this one, it was likely in the $85-90,000 range. At that point, it becomes a tougher sell versus rivals, but in the mid-50s after three years, it almost becomes a bargain. That said, the excellent build and materials quality could also be found on a base Macan without all the extras.
To once again draw an unusual comparison to the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the Macan shines even brighter once you get it out on the road. Over the years, every variant of Porsche’s small crossover has received high praise for its driving experience, and it’s not hard to see why. On a twisty backroad, aside from the 4,500 pound curb weight, it’s easy to forget the Macan is a crossover — it honestly feels like a slightly heavy hot hatchback. Hell, it doesn’t even require rollover warning stickers because it’s only 63 inches tall. That dimension is within a few inches of a Volkswagen Golf R — an actual hot hatch — and the Macan also closer in length to a Honda Civic Type R than Porsche’s own Cayenne.
Along with the launch control and stopwatch from the aforementioned Sport Chrono package, the GTS features height-adjustable air suspension with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management as standard. The GTS is precise and superbly well-controlled in Sport+ mode but equally superbly relaxed in Comfort. In any mode, the 2.9-liter turbo-six is plenty peppy and paired with Porsche’s renowned PDK dual-clutch transmission. The GTS in 2021 had a claimed 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, but in typical German fashion that number is as much as a half-second conservative. Additionally, the Macan’s driving position is undoubtedly best-in-class.
The only real negatives I can find are the small-for-the-segment rear seat and the mediocre fuel economy. On paper, the GTS’ 22 MPG highway rating (and 19 combined) are not entirely surprising for a nearly 400-horsepower performance crossover, but also identical to the more powerful Cayenne S despite the Macan’s much smaller profile. But hey, when was efficiency ever really a concern for Porsche buyers? And when the rest of the car is Macan-good, who cares anyway? I’d buy this thing over any other rival crossover in a heartbeat. In fact, I might… stay tuned.
| Vehicle Tested | 2021 Porsche Macan GTS |
|---|---|
| Color | Night Blue / Luxor Beige |
| Drivetrain | 2.9L twin-turbo V6, 8-spd automatic, All wheel drive |
| HP / Torque | 375 horsepower / 383 lb-ft |
| Curb Weight | 4,450 lbs (est.) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.9 seconds |
| EPA Fuel Econ | 17 city / 22 hwy / 19 combined |
| MSRP | $85,000-90,000 (est.) |
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