The Porsche Macan is a luxury compact SUV that began as a 2015 model year.
It features lively turbocharged engines, offers more utility than a sports car and has a distinctive Porsche exterior design.
In this article, we’ll be thoroughly analyzing all of the best and worst model years of the Macan.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Porsche Macan Are:
The best Porsche Macan model years are 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The worst model years of this model are 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Porsche Macan?
2024 and 2023 Porsche Macan
The 2024 and 2023 Macan models stand out in the luxury SUV segment due to their sleek design and impressive performance. They are part of the first generation introduced in 2015. For 2023 all Macans received adaptive cruise control as standard equipment.
For gas-driven variants, there are 4 trims: Base, T, S, and GTS. Base pricing ranges from approximately $63,000 to $89,000.
All-wheel-drive and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with shift paddles (known as Porsche’s patented PDK system) is standard across the board.
The key difference between trims lies in the engine options. The entry-level version and the T trim is powered by a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (261 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque).
The midrange S trim has a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine (375 horsepower, 383 pound-feet of torque).
The top-of-the-line GTS comes with the same engine but with beefier horsepower (434 horsepower, 405 pound-feet of torque).
Based on owner reviews, these are the top attributes:
- Ride quality
- Handling
- Steering
- Off-road capability
- Fuel efficiency
- Driving experience
- Comfort
- Interior
2024 Porsche Macan:
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
- JD Power: 85 / 100
2024 Porsche Macan:
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
- JD Power: 85 / 100
2023 Porsche Macan, Edmunds Review:
“Yeah, my wife hates my new Porsche Macan S. Too bad for her because I LOVE IT! I have owned many different makes and models but this Porsche Macan S is heads and shoulders above any of them. I love to start it up and hear the exhaust growl! It gets even better to go through the gears…”
2022 Porsche Macan
The 2022 Macan is a great choice. Its base four-cylinder engine was enhanced and delivers more power than its predecessor. The Macan S was upgraded to the previous year’s GTS engine, and the GTS received the former Turbo engine. The Turbo trim was discontinued. Moreover, the interior saw an update, showcasing a newly redesigned center console.
It has a slew of standard features, a high-quality cabin, and sports car-like handling.
There are 3 trim levels available: Base, S, and GTS. The higher you go in trim, the more power you get.
The Base has a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (261 horsepower), the S has a turbocharged 3-liter V6 engine (375 horsepower), and the GTS has a turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine (434 horsepower).
Notable safety features include the following:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Self-Steering Park Assist
- Lane Change Assist
Fuel economy is also respectable. According to the EPA, the Base and S trims can achieve as much as 21 MPG under combined city and highway driving conditions while the top-spec GTS can achieve 19 MPG.
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
2022 Porsche Macan, Edmunds Review:
“I bought my 2022 Macan S after a 6 month wait after ordering. I paid MSRP for $92K and change before tax. I have never owned a car that received so many compliments. Of course being a Porsche will get you that but my main compliment is for its Miami Blue color with 21” Spyder wheels…”
2021 Porsche Macan
The 2021 Macan is relatively unchanged from the previous year although Apple CarPlay was made a standard feature.
This vehicle offers quick acceleration, an engaging driving experience, and extremely athletic handling.
It is also surprisingly comfortable and provides a composed ride, regardless of where you are seated.
Prospective buyers can choose from 4 trim levels: Base, S, Turbo, and GTS.
The best value-for-money pick, based on our research, is the entry-level Base trim.
It has all the features and equipment needed, is supremely comfortable to ride in, and is powered by a sufficiently powered 2-liter 4 cylinder engine (248 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque).
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
- JD Power: 84 / 100
2021 Porsche Macan, Edmunds Review:
“I love my Macan S. It drives so well and I treasure every moment of it. For the features it’s fairly priced. The only thing you should be prepared for is the high cost of servicing. Every time you take it to a Dealer you end up paying $2-3 k minimum.”
Consumer Scores For Best Porsche Macan Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2024 Porsche Macan | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 | 85 / 100 |
| 2023 Porsche Macan | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 | 85 / 100 |
| 2022 Porsche Macan | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2021 Porsche Macan | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 | 84 / 100 |
Related: 9 Luxury Compact SUVs With The Most Cargo Space (With Pics)
What Are The Worst Years For The Porsche Macan?
2015 Porsche Macan
The 2015 Porsche Macan stands out as the worst model year, plagued by a series of severe issues as reported by owners on the NHTSA website.
A common issue is the coolant venting hose leak, a known flaw in Porsche’s design.
“the engine coolant pipe failed and dumped all of my coolant onto the engine and roadway,” – NHTSA.gov
Moreover, the vehicle has been criticized for oil leaks from the timing chain cover, attributed to the use of defective aluminum bolts. An owner expressed frustration, saying,
“I found oil leaks from timing chain cover and oils are leaking down due to using defective aluminum bolt, which gets brown off and causes the leak.”
This issue, requiring engine removal for repairs, can cost over $12,000.
These issues, combined with the lengthy wait times for recall repairs and the overall lack of responsiveness from Porsche to address these known defects, solidify the 2015 Macan’s reputation as the most problematic.
- The 2015 Porsche Macan had a total of 5 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 17 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
Common problems:
- Oil leaks
- Timimg chain issues
- Coolant leaks
- Airbag issues
2016, 2017, and 2018 Porsche Macan
The Macan models from 2016, 2017, and 2018 have received a higher-than-average number of complaints.
They encountered various issues, including problems with exterior lighting, the brake system, and steering. Yet, the most pressing concern among many owners is the malfunctioning airbag system.
Owners have reported failures in airbag deployment during accidents or collisions.
There were also complaints regarding the system’s inability to detect a passenger in the front seat, which means the airbag wouldn’t deploy in an accident.
Despite the launch of recall campaigns, numerous owners have been frustrated by the extensive time taken to carry out repairs.
“I fear a possible non-detection of the front passenger. The “Airbag warning lamp” or “Passenger Airbag OFF” lamp is activated. I fear the front passenger airbag may not deploy in a type of a crash in which it is designed to deploy…” – CarProblemZoo.com
“Passenger Airbag Fault light is on and has been steadily on for 1 month. Was told my vehicle is not covered by the recall…”
- The 2016 Porsche Macan had a total of 3 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 20 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
- The 2017 Porsche Macan had a total of 5 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 46 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
- The 2018 Porsche Macan had a total of 3 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 19 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
Common problems:
- Car will not shift from rear-wheel-drive to all-wheel-drive
- Design flaws
- Coolant pipes burst
- Oil leakage
- PCM constantly reboots
- Flashing warning indicators
- Inaccurate speedometer
- Headlight issues
- Cylinder defects
- Clogged panoramic sunroof drain
2019 and 2020 Porsche Macan
The 2019 and 2020 Macan also deserve a spot in this discussion because owners experienced severe brake related issues.
Symptoms that were frequently reported include the following:
- Abnormal brake shaking
- Excessive vibration
- Premature brake failure
- Front wheel locking
“The 2020 Macan developed extreme shakes with 14,000 miles. I had to replace rear brakes and rotors at 14,000 and fronts brakes and rotors at 21,000 at a cost of $3,000.00. Porsche has denied payment for these defective parts. They should recall and fix this ridiculous brake and rotor failures before someone is killed.” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2019 Porsche Macan had a total of 1 complaint on CarComplaints.com and 8 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
- The 2020 Porsche Macan had a total of 1 complaint on CarComplaints.com and 10 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
Common problems:
- Brake warning lights flashing
- Damaged belly pan
Related: 10 Most Fun to Drive Hybrid SUVs (With Pictures)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (NHTSA.gov) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Porsche Macan | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Porsche Macan | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 Porsche Macan | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 Porsche Macan | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| 2020 Porsche Macan | 1 | 10 | 2 |
| 2019 Porsche Macan | 1 | 8 | 1 |
| 2018 Porsche Macan | 3 | 19 | 5 |
| 2017 Porsche Macan | 5 | 46 | 6 |
| 2016 Porsche Macan | 3 | 20 | 6 |
| 2015 Porsche Macan | 5 | 17 | 2 |
What Problems Do Porsche Macan Have?
- Car will not shift from rear-wheel-drive to all-wheel-drive
- Design flaws
- Coolant pipes burst
- Oil leakage
- PCM constantly reboots
- Flashing warning indicators
- Inaccurate speedometer
- Headlight issues
- Cylinder defects
- Clogged panoramic sunroof drain
- Brake warning lights flashing
- Damaged belly pan
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Porsche Macan?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Lexus NX | 8.0 | $39,455 – $49,355 | City: 21 – 26 /Highway: 28 – 33 |
| Maserati Grecale | 8.0 | $63,500 – $102,500 | City: 18 – 22 /Highway: 25 – 29 |
| BMW X4 | 7.8 | $55,000 – $66,400 | City: 21 /Highway: 26 – 28 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | 7.8 | $47,450 – $57,000 | City: 24 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 33 |
| Buick Envision | 7.8 | $33,400 – $47,460 | City: 22 – 23 /Highway: 29 – 31 |
| Audi Q5 | 7.8 | $45,300 – $67,700 | City: NA /Highway: NA |
| Jaguar F-Pace | 7.7 | $52,400 – $89,500 | City: 15 – 22 /Highway: 21 – 27 |
| Porsche Macan | 7.5 | $60,900 – $86,800 | City: 17 – 19 /Highway: 22 – 25 |
| Alfa Romeo Stelvio | 7.4 | $45,950 – $51,050 | City: 22 /Highway: 28 – 29 |
| Infiniti QX50 | 7.4 | $40,300 – $57,350 | City: 22 – 23 /Highway: 28 – 29 |
| Infiniti QX55 | 6.8 | $49,150 – $57,800 | City: 22 /Highway: 28 |
| Land Rover Discovery Sport | 6.2 | $43,300 – $48,500 | City: 19 /Highway: 23 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
References
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/porsche/macan
- https://www.edmunds.com/porsche/macan/
- https://www.kbb.com/porsche/macan/
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2024/porsche/macan
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Porsche/Macan/
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/
