2022 Porsche Macan GTS

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 sells sedans and SUVs too, including the excellent 2022 Macan GTS, which does its best impression of a sports car even when it’s loaded up with your latest Costco haul. A 434-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 is good for a 3.5-second leap to 60 mph. That type of quickness is supplemented by crisp 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 engaging as the 911 or the smaller 718 Cayman, but it’s damn good. It’s a particularly fine choice for buyers who crave excitement in their commute but who need the space and practicality of an SUV. Its fun-loving attitude and terrific blend of usefulness is why we put the 2022 Macan GTS on our 10Best list and gave it an Editors’ Choice award.

What’s New for 2022?

Since Porsche eliminates 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 light exterior styling enhancements. A reworked center console, steering wheel, and shift lever round out the changes for 2022.

Pricing 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.

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Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Although the base Macan (reviewed separately) can be had with a turbocharged four-cylinder, going with the performance-oriented GTS unlocks a much more powerful twin-turbo V-6. The engine makes 434 horsepower, which helped the Macan GTS deliver an impressive 3.5-second 60-mph time at our test track. That’s a 0.4-second improvement 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. Despite the disadvantage in power, though, the Macan GTS feels like the more accomplished of the two thanks to its crisper handling and more communicative helm

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 haven’t had the chance to test one with the more powerful engine on our 75-mph real-world highway route. For more information about the Macan GTS’s fuel economy, 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 niceties such as leather upholstery, aluminum trim, and heated front seats. Still, those seeking an SUV with a plusher cabin may find the Genesis GV70more appealing. The Macan GTS is set up for maximum fun, with well-placed controls, good outward visibility, and a comfortable driving position. Its cargo hold isn’t as large as some of its rivals, 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.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Porsche’s infotainment system offers all manner of high-tech features, including standard Apple CarPlay and an optional wireless charging pad. Still, as with nearly everything on the Macan’s equipment list, the best features cost extra. Upgrading to the 12-speaker Bose audio system adds $990, and the even more powerful 16-speaker Burmester stereo is a whopping $5700 option. USB ports and 12-volt outlets are sprinkled throughout the cabin, so driver and passengers alike should be able to keep their devices fully charged. With the standard mobile Wi-Fi package onboard, the family data plan might be able to escape a road trip unscathed too.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2022 Macan GTS can be had with a wide array of driver-assistance technology, but almost none of it is standard. For more information about 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 automated emergency braking Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

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, all-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

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ENGINE

twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 177 in3, 2894 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 vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc/14.6-in vented, 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 in

Length: 186.1 in

Width: 75.9 in

Height: 62.8 in

Passenger Volume: 96 ft3

Cargo Volume: 17 ft3

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 omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.

Rolling 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

Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.98 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 16 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)

Combined/City/Highway: 19/17/21 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs