2022 Porsche Macan (95B.3)

Engine specs, performance, and fuel economy

Porsche boosted the Macan’s base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four for 2022. Codenamed EA888, the updated engine produced 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 13 horsepower and 22 pound-feet over the previous model. While shared with the Audi Q5, Porsche engineers optimized it for a distinctive character and extra low-end grunt.

The turbo-four impressed with its broad torque curve and minimal lag. It pulled strongly from the lower revs and delivered a satisfying midrange acceleration. The Macan hit 60 mph in 6.0 seconds with standard equipment and 5.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. Top speed was respectable at 144 mph. This shows how fast even base trims of luxury SUVs have become. In comparison, the BMW X3 xDrive30i’s 245-horsepower engine needed 6.3 seconds, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic’s 255-horsepower engine met the task in 6.1 seconds.

While BMW and Mercedes-Benz sold their respective SUVs with a rear-wheel-drive trim, the Macan only appeared with all-wheel drive. A seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission mediated power on four wheels, providing smooth and swift shifts. However, a manual transmission still wasn’t available—a common norm among mass-market cars.

With 19 mpg (city) and 25 mpg (highway), fuel economy was a strong suit for Macan. A 19.8-gallon tank was good for 495 miles on the highway. However, rivals like the X3 were more efficient at 23 mpg (city) and 29 mpg (highway). The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic was also more economical, with a rating of 22 and 27 mpg in the city and on the highway, respectively.

Exterior design, changes, and features

As Porsche’s smallest SUV, the 2022 Macan sat below the Cayenne in size and weight but still retained the brand’s unmistakable design. Its sculpted hood, sloping roofline, and muscular haunches created an athletic silhouette that left no doubt about it being a Porsche.

For 2022, the Macan received a facelift that sharpened its sporty appearance. A restyled fascia featured a bolder grille and more vertical side vents, improving its aerodynamics. The hood gained lateral design inspired by the 918 Spyder. An active grille shutter and intake flaps optimized cooling and aerodynamics. In profile, the Macan’s sloping roofline gave it more flavor. Redesigned side blades added visual interest while concealing the rear doors. Seven new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 21 inches filled the muscular fenders.

At the rear, a revised bumper and diffuser showcased the Macan’s width. The taillights retained their sleek LED strips but gained a new 3D effect. Buyers seeking a different flavor could outfit the rear with clear LED taillamps, which, in my opinion, adds a generous amount of spice to the overall sportiness. Quad exhaust tips and a decklid rear spoiler completed the performance-focused look.

While the Macan was undoubtedly sporty, its design had pros and cons. Surely, its 63.8-inch tall body achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.36, earning a sleeker demeanor; the lower roofline compromised headroom compared to taller rivals like the X3 and GLC. With an 186.1-inch long body and a 76.1-inch wide body, the Macan was larger than its rivals. This means drivers had to be more careful while parking. On the bright side, like any Porsche, it offered a bevy of customization aspects, ranging from unique badging to Paint-to-Sample one-off colors, albeit the latter demands $11,430.

Exterior feature highlights

• Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights

• Active radiator grille shutter

• Air intake flaps with front apron spoiler

• LED headlights with PDLS Plus - $520

• Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur LED Headlights in black with PDLS+ - $1,040

• Clear LED taillamps - $910

• Front Fascia in Exterior Color - $420

• Side Blades in Carbon Fiber - $1,390

• Sport Design Side Skirts - $1,000

• Exterior Package in Exterior Color - $1,840

• Paint-to-sample metallic/non-metallic paint - $11,430

• 19-inch wheels - starting at $600

• 20-inch wheels – starting at $2,320

• 21-inch wheels- starting at $3,910

Interior design, changes, comfort, and features

Porsche gave the Macan’s interior a comprehensive update for 2022, bringing a cleaner, more modern aesthetic inspired by the Cayenne and 911. While the larger Cayenne’s cabin had a more expansive, horizontal layout, the compact Macan’s cockpit felt driver-focused and intimate. The dashboard was dominated by a new center console with a shorter gear selector and touch-sensitive controls, replacing the button controls from the outgoing generation with a sleek black panel, which was angled toward the driver for easier access to key functions. The Sport Chrono package graced the upper dashboard with an analog clock, which provided a classic counterpoint to the high-tech interface.

Material quality was excellent throughout, with standard leather upholstery, aluminum trim, and soft-touch surfaces. Buyers could choose from several color options, including black, beige, and red. Optional carbon fiber interior sprinkled more sportiness to the cabin. Contrast stitching and extended leather packages further elevated the ambiance. At night, configurable ambient lighting added more appeal to the cabin.

Both front occupants enjoyed eight-way power seats with heating, ensuring all-day comfort. Buyers seeking more comfort could opt for 14-way power seats, heated-ventilated front seats, plus heated rear seats. Of course, it’s a Porsche, and the Macan Pampers enthusiasts with optional 18-way adaptive sports seats. While the front rows offered enough space for taller drivers, the sloping roofline and tighter rear space made the rear seats ideal for all except taller folks.

For an SUV of its size, the Macan was remarkably practical. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a heated steering wheel enhanced comfort in all seasons. With 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear row and 53 cubic feet of maximum cargo space behind the front row, the Macan was respectable in practicality. However, it couldn’t beat the X3’s 28.7 cubic feet standard cargo space and 62.7 cubic feet maximum room. Many reviewers also found the touch controls less ergonomic than the buttons in the outgoing model, and the black surfaces often attracted dust and fingerprints.

Interior features highlights

• Leather upholstery with optional contrast stitching

• Alcantara headliner (optional)

• Ambient LED lighting

• 8-way power-adjustable front seats with heating

• Dual-zone automatic climate control

• Ventilated front seats - $650

• Heated Seats (Front and Rear) -$570

• Optional 14-way power-adjustable front seats with memory - $1,710

• Optional 18-way adaptive power sports seats - $2,090

• Heated steering wheel – starts at $280

• Panoramic sunroof - $1,670

• Sport Chrono Stopwatch or Compass Dial – starts at $420

How did the 2022 Porsche Macan drive?

The 2022 Porsche Macan disguised its size with exceptional agility and poise, feeling more like a hot hatch than a compact SUV from behind the wheel. Its precise steering, firm suspension, and rear-biased all-wheel drive system delivered a driving experience worthy of the Porsche crest.

Porsche Traction Management (PTM) optimized grip by actively distributing power between the axles, while the optional torque-vectoring rear differential further enhanced cornering. PASM adaptive dampers provided a range of modes, from compliant for daily driving to firm for spirited runs. Buyers looking for a smoother ride and softer settings could outfit the Macan with available air suspension.

On winding roads, the Macan remained flat and planted. Its compact body and wide tracks provided impressive balance. The wide staggered rear tires boosted traction, giving drivers more confidence on wetter surfaces. Feedback through the thick-rimmed steering wheel was excellent but slightly less than Porsche’s sports cars.

Porsche fitted the Macan with a capable braking system for enhanced handling and safety. Its 13.8-inch front rotors with four-piston calipers and 13-inch rear rotors provided enough stopping power for most driving scenarios, including occasional spirited driving. The pedal feel was firm and progressive. For maximum stopping power, Porsche offered its Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) with tungsten carbide-coated rotors, but the base trim didn’t offer ceramic composite brakes, which was optional in the higher trims.

Despite its impressive handling, the Macan remained a practical daily driver. Its compact dimensions and 39.2-foot turning circle made it maneuverable in the city. Road and wind noise were well-suppressed, allowing for relaxed highway cruising. But the sporty setup had drawbacks. The ride could feel jittery over broken surfaces, especially with the larger 20- and 21-inch wheels. Its 4,151-pound curb weight, while light for an SUV, dulled responsiveness compared to Porsche’s coupes. And while the rear-biased AWD provided excellent traction, it lacked the playfulness of Porsche’s rear-drive sports cars.

Infotainment and safety features

Porsche packs the 2022 Macan with a cutting-edge infotainment system to entertain passengers. Its standard infotainment arsenal comprises the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) interface displayed on a vibrant 10.9-inch HD touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay comes standard for seamless iPhone integration, while built-in navigation with voice control keeps you on track. The 10-speaker audio system fills the cabin with rich sound. Unfortunately, there’s no Android Auto. Music lovers can opt for a Bose Surround Sound System or a Burmester High-End Surround Sound System for an ultimate audio experience.

For safety, the Macan comes well-equipped with park assist sensors at both ends, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. Adaptive cruise control is available to relieve highway drives’ stress. For added peace of mind, options like Lane Change Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and a 360-degree Surround View camera** system actively monitor your surroundings.

Infotainment and safety feature highlights

• PCM infotainment system with 10.9-inch HD touchscreen

• Navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay

• Voice control

• 10-speaker audio system

• SiriusXM satellite radio

• HD Radio

• Park Assist with front and rear sensors

• Lane departure warning

• Cruise control

• Rearview camera

• Bose Surround Sound System - $990

• Burmester High-End Surround Sound System - $5,700

• Lane Change Assist (LCA) - $700

• Lane Keep Assist (LKA) - $700

• Surround View - $1,200

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - $990

Problems and reliability

As a compact luxury SUV, the 2022 Porsche Macan boasted a reputation for solid build quality and dependability. The 95B.3 generation, introduced for the 2022 model year, benefited from incremental improvements that addressed some issues from earlier Macan. However, potential buyers should be aware of a few common problems that could lead to costly repairs.

One area of concern was the base model’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is shared with various Audi and Volkswagen products. While generally reliable, some owners reported excessive oil consumption and leaks from the timing cover. In extreme cases, the latter issue could require engine removal for repair, leading to hefty bills. Some seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission units suffered from rough shifting and premature wear, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The complex AWD system, with its active transfer case, also proved problematic for some owners, with leaks and failures requiring expensive repairs.

Electrical concerns affected certain units, with owners reporting issues with the infotainment system, power windows, and even the air suspension on equipped models. While not as common as mechanical problems, these glitches could be frustrating and time-consuming to diagnose and fix.

Pre-purchase and maintenance tips for a used Macan

• Avoid deals that are too good to be true

• Get a thorough pre-purchase inspection from a Porsche specialist to identify any potential issues

• Check for clean service history and single ownership, as many used examples may have had accidents or multiple owners

• Budget for higher maintenance and repair costs compared to non-luxury SUVs

• Watch for common problems like excessive oil consumption, transmission issues, and electrical gremlins

• Consider opting for a certified pre-owned Macan or purchasing an extended warranty for added peace of mind

• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule closely, using only genuine Porsche parts and fluids

• Address any issues promptly to prevent them from escalating into more serious and expensive problems

Should you buy a used 2022 Porsche Macan?

The 2022 Porsche Macan delivered the brand’s signature driving experience in a practical SUV package. Its agile handling, potent turbocharged engines, and luxurious interior made it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking daily usability. However, the compact size, high price tag, and reliability issues meant it wasn’t the perfect fit for everyone.

Compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Macan was expensive. But its brawnier engine, sharper dynamics, and distinctive styling compensated dearly. While its interior was snug for taller passengers, it offered several luxury-grade features and premium materials. However, many essential features were optional, which skyrocketed the price.

For budget-conscious buyers, a first-generation Macan served as an attractive alternative. These earlier models delivered similar performance and style at a lower cost. However, potential owners should be aware of common issues like oil leaks, air suspension failures, and electrical malfunctions that could lead to costly repairs. Thorough research and a pre-purchase inspection were essential.

FAQs

What is the starting price of the 2022 Porsche Macan base?

The 2022 Macan base carried a starting MSRP of $54,900, excluding destination charges and options. Used examples usually cost $39,000.

What’s new for the 2022 Porsche Macan base model?

For 2022, the Porsche Macan base receives updated exterior styling, a redesigned interior with a new center console a shorter gear selector, and a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay is now standard, and several new wheel designs are available. It also received an updated engine, which produces 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, 13 horsepower and 22 pound-feet more than before.

What engine powered the 2022 Porsche Macan base model?

The 2022 Macan base was motivated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Power was transferred to four wheels through a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission.

How quick is the 2022 Porsche Macan Base?

The 2022 Porsche Macan base accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds, or 5.8 seconds, with the optional Sport Chrono package. Its top speed remains impressive for a compact luxury SUV at 143 mph.

What are some common issues reported with the 2022 Porsche Macan?

Some 2022 Porsche Macan owners have reported excessive oil consumption, coolant leaks, and rattling interior trim pieces. Electrical problems were also noted, such as malfunctioning air conditioning and check engine lights triggered by emission control faults. While these issues are not widespread, potential buyers should be aware of them and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection performed by a Porsche specialist.