Overview
If you picture a 911 when you close your eyes and think of a Porsche, you’re not alone. But the German luxury performance brand also sells sedans and SUVs, including the excellent 2022 Macan GTS, which does its best impression of a sports car even when it’s loaded with your latest Costco truck. A 434-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 is good for a 3.5-second jump to 60 mph. That kind of speed is complemented by sharp handling that quickly changes your perception of what a great SUV is like to drive. To be clear, the Macan GTS isn’t as purely captivating as the 911 or the smaller 718 Cayman, but it’s damn good. It’s a particularly good choice for buyers who crave excitement in their commute but need the space and practicality of an SUV. Its fun-loving attitude and great mix of practicality are why we put the 2022 Macan GTS on our 10 Best list and gave it an Editors’ Choice award.
What’s new for 2022?
Since Porsche is eliminating the Macan Turbo from its lineup this year, the Macan GTS inherits its more powerful 434-hp twin-turbo V-6. Previously, the GTS had a detuned version of that engine with 375 horses. To help establish the new hierarchy, the Macan GTS also receives some mild exterior styling enhancements. A reworked center console, steering wheel and shifter round out the changes for 2022.
Prices and which one to buy
The Macan GTS comes well-equipped with performance goodies right out of the gate, but we think the SUV’s luxury is a bit lacking. So we’d order the Premium Plus package, which includes a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated 14-way adjustable front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system.
Engine, transmission and performance
Although the base Macan (reviewed separately) can be had with a turbocharged four-cylinder, the performance-oriented GTS unlocks a much more powerful twin-turbo V-6. The engine produces 434 horsepower, which helped the Macan GTS deliver an impressive 3.5-second 60 mph time on our test track. That’s an improvement of 0.4 seconds over its previous engine, which was a detuned version with 375 horsepower. Several rivals offer even more power, including the 505-hp Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and the 503-hp BMW X3 M Competition. However, despite the disadvantage in power, the Macan GTS feels like the more capable of the two thanks to its sharper handling and more communicative steering.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2022 Macan GTS carries EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. However, we didn’t have the chance to test one with the more powerful engine on our 75 mph real-world freeway route. For more information on the Macan GTS’s fuel consumption, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
While entry-level Macans can be a bit too spartan for their price, the GTS model comes with more goodies like leather upholstery, aluminum trim and heated front seats. Still, those looking for an SUV with a softer cabin may find the Genesis GV70 more appealing. The Macan GTS is set up for maximum fun, with well-placed controls, good outward visibility, and a comfortable driving position. Its boot isn’t as big as some of its rivals, but when was buying a Porsche ever a rational choice? We fit six panniers in the boot and 16 with the rear seats folded, which should be plenty for most people.
Infotainment and connectivity
Porsche’s infotainment system offers all kinds of high-tech features, including standard Apple CarPlay and an optional wireless charging pad. Still, as with almost everything on the Macan’s equipment list, the best features cost extra. Upgrading to the 12-speaker Bose sound system adds $990, and the even more powerful 16-speaker Burmester stereo is a whopping $5700 option. USB ports and 12-volt outlets are scattered throughout the cabin, so driver and passengers should be able to keep their devices fully charged. With the standard mobile Wi-Fi package on board, the family data plan might also escape a road trip unscathed.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2022 Macan GTS can with a wide variety of driver assistance technology, but almost none of it is standard. For more information on the Macan’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard lane departure warning
- Available automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control available
Warranty and Maintenance Cover
Porsche’s warranty coverage is good, but not great. The BMW X3 M and the Jaguar F-Pace SVR offer greater coverage in certain areas.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance covers one year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Porsche Macan GTS
Vehicle type: front engine, four-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $81,250/$104,410
Options: GTS Sport package, $12,010; Python Green paint, $2910; Surround View, $1200; adaptive cruise control, $990; BOSE speakers, $990; thermal and noise insulated glass, $920; Lane Keep Assist, $700; Lane Change Assist; $700; heated steering wheel in Race-Tex, $680; wireless charging, $580; heated front and rear seats, $570; LED headlights in black, $520; Self-Steering ParkAssist, $390
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 177 inches32894 cm3
Power: 434 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 405 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.6-in ventilated, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc/14.6-in ventilated, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Corsa PZC4
F: 265/40R-21 101Y NE0
R: 295/35R-21 103Y NE0
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.5 inches
Length: 186.1 inches
Width: 75.9 inches
Height: 62.8 inches
Passenger volume: 96 feet3
Cargo volume: 17 feet3
Curb weight: 4332 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.5 sec
100 mph: 9.4 sec
1/4-mile: 12.1 sec @ 112 mph
130 mph: 17.5 sec
150 mph: 27.7 sec
Results above show 1 foot deployment of 0.2 sec. away.
Roll start, 5–60 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 sec
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 169 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 148 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 301 ft
Road holding capacity, 300-foot skid road: 0.98 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D IS)
Combined/City/Highway: 19/17/21 mpg
C/D TEST EXPLAINED
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