2020 Porsche Macan Base

The 2020 Porsche Macan sits on the small side of the compact-luxury SUV segment, but it is a definitive counterpoint to the thinking that all utility vehicles are boring to drive. Excellent performance and unflappable poise, without compromising its day-to-day livability, have helped earn the Porsche several comparison-test victories in our testing over the years, as well as a spot on our 2020 10Best list. The Macan features two available engines—a standard 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in the base model and an optional 348-hp turbocharged V-6 in the Macan S—as well as a standard seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While some of its competitors are more affordable and practical, the 2020 Macan stands out as a proper driver's machine the way in which Porsche excels. The GTS returns to the lineup for 2020. Its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 makes 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Apple CarPlay, available as part of the Premium package or as a standalone option, gains wireless connectivity, while wireless device charging has been added to the designated Smartphone Compartment option. We have yet to test the turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the base Macan, but we have strapped our test gear to the 2019 Macan S with its updated 348-hp twin-turbo V-6. The result is an impressive zero-to-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds, which is not only slightly quicker than before but also speedier than the times posted by both the Audi SQ5 and the Jaguar F-Pace S. It's objectively unnecessary for an SUV to launch off the line as quickly as the Macan does, but that doesn't stop us from enjoying the ride. The GTS is back, with 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. We haven't tested it, but Porsche estimates it will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 162 mph. Quickness is important in a crossover with sporting intentions, but we wouldn't be nearly as impressed with the Macan if it weren't for its all-around competence on the road that makes it feel more like a sports sedan. The ride is wonderfully smooth and carefully controlled, and it's rare for a jolt from the road to make its way into the cabin. The Macan's tenacious attitude in corners makes it feel stable and planted. The steering is a tad lighter than in Porsche's sports cars, but it's still super accurate and pleasantly tactile. The Macan's standard interior fittings are a disappointment in a crossover of this price and provenance, and it's expensive to outfit one in a manner that befits the Porsche crest. There's also less space for back-seat passengers in the Macan than in most competitors. The Macan's power-adjustable seats for the driver and front-seat passenger, while comfortable, are the only pieces of standard interior equipment that feel luxurious. It's possible to have the whole interior draped in leather, which would partly address the issue, but the $2330 that Porsche asks for just covering the center console in cowhide feels like price gouging, even for Porsche. A puny cargo hold and small interior cubbies make the Macan one of the least practical vehicles in this segment. But when has buying a Porsche ever been a rational choice? We fit six carry-on bags in the cargo bay and 16 with the rear seats folded, which should be enough for most people.