2026 Porsche Macan Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Pairing everyday practicality with sports car performance, the 2026 Macan is Porsche’s compact luxury SUV. Delivering sharp handling, upscale features, and the brand’s signature styling, this crossover is designed for drivers who want both utility and excitement.
Luxury compact SUV competitors include the Genesis GV70, BMW X4, and Lexus NX.
What’s New
With an all-electric Macan EV successor in place, 2026 will be the final model year for internal combustion versions of the Porsche Macan. All features and equipment carry over from last year’s model.
What We Think
The Macan gas variant drives like a hot hatch and even resembles one in certain colors. Its steering is sharp and communicative, and the ride-handling balance is excellent—especially with the optional air suspension, which can lower the rear for easier loading.
The V-6 delivers impressive power, and the four-cylinder is smooth but less exciting. In both cases, acceleration feels quicker than Porsche claims.
Still, rivals are more practical. The Macan’s back seat and cargo space are tight, fuel economy is average, and it lacks Android Auto. Some of our editors also found the touch controls overly complex. And then there's the price—pure Porsche.
Few SUVs match the gas Macan’s agility, but shoppers prioritizing practicality might prefer more grounded alternatives from BMW or Acura. That said, with the gas model retiring after 2026, this may be your last chance to buy one of the best-driving small luxury gas SUVs ever built.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
Macan and Macan T trims are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, the T model hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds thanks to its standard Sport Chrono package.
Upgrading to the Macan S or GTS brings a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6, with the S making 375 hp and 383 lb-ft for a 0–60-mph time of 4.6 seconds. The GTS delivers 434 hp and 405 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
The base 2.0-liter turbo-four engine for the BMW X4 lineup that comes in the competing xDrive30i makes just 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s capable of reaching 60 mph in a manufacturer-estimated 6.0 seconds.
The BMW’s upgraded powertrain features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. In the M40i, it makes 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, good for 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. In the X4 M, output climbs to 473 hp and 457 lb-ft and the 0–6- mph time falls to an estimated 3.9 seconds.
MPGs and Range
Last year’s Macan models with the 2.0-liter turbo-four return fuel economy of 19/25 mpg city/highway. Range is an estimated 416 miles.
Models with the 3.0-liter turbo inline-six get 17 mpg in the city for 2025, but the S returns 23 mpg on the highway, compared to 22 mpg for the GTS. Both higher trims can see up to 376 miles of total range. This year’s numbers should be similar.
With its 2.0-liter turbo-four, the 2025 X4 xDrive30i gets a better 21/27 mpg, but range is limited to 413 miles because the BMW comes with a smaller 17.2-gallon fuel tank (the Macan’s tank is 19.8 gallons).
Of the X4 models with the 3.0-liter engine, the M40i gets better fuel economy and range—22/26 mpg and 396 miles. X4 M models return 15/20 mpg and can only travel as far as 292 miles.
Safety Features
Macan standard safety assistance systems include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping
- Semi-autonomous parking
- Rain-sensing wipers
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Maximum cargo capacity is competitive with others in the class, but with the second row folded there’s less space than in the BMW X4 and Lexus NX. The Macan Electric base model comes with more standard cargo space than the gas variant, less maximum space, plus a 3.0-cubic-foot frunk.
Cargo Space (seats up/down)
- 2026 Porsche Macan: 17.2/53.1 cubic feet
- 2026 Porsche Macan Electric: 19.1/47.6 cubic feet
- 2025 BMW X4: 18.5/50.5 cubic feet
- 2025 Lexus NX: 22.7/46.9 cubic feet
Technology
Infotainment
All 2026 Macan gas models feature a 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. A wireless phone charger and four USB ports are also standard.
Sound System
The Macan base model includes a standard eight-speaker system. Audio upgrades consist of 14-speaker Bose and 16-speaker Burmester setups.
Available Upgrades
Performance upgrades include Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and bigger wheels with summer tires. Available cornering lights and speed-dependent headlight range control improve nighttime visibility. Cabin add-ons include heated rear seats, memory and ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, Race-Tex faux suede wrapped steering wheel and headliner, and carbon-fiber accents.
Value
Standard Features
Every gas Macan delivers excellent driving dynamics, like a proper Porsche. A solid suite of standard driver assists and unexpectedly decent maximum cargo capacity add value, but this is really a small SUV for driving enthusiasts.
Recommended Trim
We love driving the Macan and think the V-6 is the best choice, but the GTS’ high starting price makes it a tough sell. That’s why we recommend saving nearly $15,000 and opting for the S model instead.
