The Macan is the smaller of two Porsche SUV models, the little brother to the popular Porsche Cayenne, and the entry point to the Porsche brand with its sub-$60,000 (CAD) starting price.
As the most affordable Porsche, the Macan has been responsible for attracting a lot of new shoppers to the brand. Porsche says that 60 per cent are conquests — that is, shoppers who left other brands to come to Porsche. The Macan’s design and performance are often listed as key purchase considerations.
Model-year 2022 brings a major overhaul to the Porsche Macan’s design, as well as new powertrains, tech, and hardware. Below, we’ll answer ten of the most common Porsche Macan web search questions.
Is the Porsche Macan AWD?
Yes.
All Porsche Macan models sold in Canada include All-Wheel Drive as standard. Porsche calls their AWD system Porsche Traction Management (PTM). This is a sensor-managed AWD system that’s rear-biased, but able to immediately transfer power to the Macan’s front axle when needed. In certain situations, the Macan’s PTM system can pre-emptively power all four wheels from a stop for enhanced bite on snow and ice, or vector drive torque across the axles to help use the AWD system to steer the vehicle.
In Porsche’s Macan and Cayenne SUVs, the system has specially-programmed modes for off-road use, too. The result is an exceptional driving machine for the winter driving enthusiast, and one that’s ready for off-road work at the press of a button, too.
Porsche Macan Photo by Justin Pritchard
Is the Porsche Macan reliable?
The current 2022 model Macan utilizes plenty of tech, hardware and electronics that have been in use in this (and other) Porsche models for several years.
When it comes to buying a used model that’s a few years old, some owners have reported issues with oil leaks, adaptive suspension failure and unwanted vibrations, though most have not. Porsche has consistently ranked near the top of the annual J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) for some years, meaning that owners of few-year-old Porsche’s tend to report the lowest number of problems with their vehicles after 3 years of ownership, relative to the industry average per hundred vehicles sold.
Actual dependability of any used used Porsche Macan you’re considering can best be assessed by having the vehicle you’re considering inspected by a professional technician before you buy, and many owners prefer to opt for a model sold through a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program at a Porsche dealership for maximum peace of mind.
Is the Porsche Macan good in snow?
The Porsche Macan’s snow performance is excellent.
With a proper set of winter tires, drivers can expect confidence-inspiring traction, even in deep powder, as well as the fast-acting bite and stability of an expertly-tuned AWD system and traction management systems.
Though capable of highly entertaining winter driving dynamics, the Macan also provides peace of mind when drivers are driving carefully in inclement weather conditions. Its reflexes, feedback, and fine-tuning all help it feel securely planted to the road, and keen to go exactly where the driver wants, with no fuss.
With careful and attentive winter driving on a proper set of winter tires, a Porsche Macan offers a fantastic winter driving experience.
2022 Porsche Macan Photo by Justin Pritchard
Can the Porsche Macan tow?
Yes. Though most owners will not use their Macan for towing, the 2022 Porsche Macan can tow up to 4,400 lbs. when properly equipped.
How do you pronounce Porsche Macan?
Muh-CON.
By the way, Porsches with conventional names intend to draw a concrete connection between the corresponding model and its characteristics. For instance, the word Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for ‘Tiger’ and was chosen to convey a sense of suppleness, power, fascination, and dynamism.
How much is a Porsche Macan?
In Canada, the Porsche Macan starts at $58,800 with 2-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, 261 horsepower, and 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. This entry trim is simply called ‘Macan’.
The high-performing Macan S opens at $70,600 with a twin-turbo V6 engine, 375 horsepower, and 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
The top-tier Macan GTS starts at $85,500 with twin-turbo V6 engine, 434 horsepower, and 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Additional models and performance levels like the upcoming Macan T are on the way, and each of these core models leaves shoppers plenty of optional equipment packages and add-ons to further customize the machine to their specific tastes. The 2022 Porsche Macan is highly customizable, as shoppers at this price point are keen to build and order vehicles that allow them to express themselves with features and styling tailored exactly to their preferences.
2022 Porsche Macan Photo by Justin Pritchard
What is Porsche PASM?
Porsche Active Suspension Management.
This available technology allows Macan drivers to experience an enhanced ride and handling balance by equipping shock absorbers that continuously self-regulate to adjust the damping force acting on each wheel, in real time.
Using specialized hardware and sensors, PASM is an intelligent suspension system that gives the Macan’s ride its own brain and nervous system. By actively controlling the suspension in real time, drivers get a more comfortable ride more of the time, better handling characteristics, and less compromise between sporty driving characteristics and a comfortable drive.
What is Porsche PDK?
The PDK abbreviation refers to the Macan’s transmission, whose actual name is highly suitable for abbreviation. All models run an advanced double-clutch transmission dubbed PDK — short for Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe.
From the driver’s seat, the PDK transmission works like a regular automatic. There’s no clutch pedal, and drivers just shift into gear and drive as normal.
Because of its specialized internal hardware and control system, the PDK transmission is a major performance enhancement, enabling easier access to engine power without any interruption in its delivery while changing gears. Other benefits include lighting-fast gearshifts, a smoother drive, and improved fuel economy.
The PDK is widely considered to be one of the very best performance transmissions on the road today.
2022 Porsche Macan Photo by Justin Pritchard
Is the Porsche Macan a real Porsche?
Yes. By heavily utilizing proven Porsche performance technologies like the PDK transmission, PASM AWD and other motorsport-derived engineering and hardware, the Macan is built and tuned to give drivers an authentic taste of the Porsche driving experience, in a package that’s well suited for family use in any weather.
Expect an engaging drive, confident handling, and both ease of use and ride comfort that are surprisingly welcoming for such an athletic machine. These attributes form the basis of the Porsche sports car DNA, and you’ll find them alive and well in the Macan.
2022 Porsche Macan Photo by Justin Pritchard
Is the Porsche Macan comfortable?
Generally yes, but be sure to carefully consider interior space in both seating rows, as well as the ride quality of the specific model you’re considering on rough road surfaces.
On the roughest backroad surfaces available during my test-drive, I found the base-model Macan to deliver better suspension noise and ride comfort levels than I usually expect from a machine this athletic. Refined suspension tuning and a highly rigid body structure work in sync to deliver a dense, solid and durable-feeling ride, even over potholes and washboards.
On the highway, things are mostly smooth and quiet, and an athletic sharpness shines through the controls.
Though you’ve got larger and more comfortable-riding options for the money, I think most Macan shoppers will find that it rides more comfortably than they might expect, given the handling and performance capabilities.
Still, test-driving shoppers are advised to visit the roughest road possible on their test-drive with the specific machine they’re considering, to confirm that ride comfort levels meet their needs.
Keyword: Your Questions Answered: 2022 Porsche Macan