2023 Porsche Macan GTS

Overview

Porsche has more than a half-century of sports-car development to draw from. The company’s expertise culminates in the sports-car-esque 2023 Macan GTS, making it one of the most exciting SUVs to drive. With a 434-hp twin-turbo V-6 under its hood, the all-wheel-drive GTS is potent enough to rocket to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds. Should the compact luxury ute encounter coiling roads along the way, it’ll remain planted on each one, rewarding its driver with agile handling that’s not only rare among most SUVs, but also among many cars. For those in the market for a high-riding high-performance machine, there is none better than the Macan GTS. Of course, those seeking maximum utility might find boxier rivals such as the BMW X3 M and Jaguar F-Pace SVR more useful. Still, to us, there’s no greater utility than the 2023 Porsche Macan GTS’s unmatched driver involvement.

What’s New for 2023?

The Macan GTS enters the 2023 model year with no significant changes. However, it remains one of our all-time favorite SUVs, with yet another appearance on our annual 10Best list.

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.

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. 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

More on the Macan GTS SUV

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2023 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 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 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.

The Car and Driver Difference

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.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2023 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

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