- How does Consumer Reports rate cars?
- Which SUV has the better powertrain?
- Which SUV is the most reliable?
- So what seems to be the problem?
Of course, SUVs like the 2022 Buick Envision and the 2022 Porsche Macan aren’t overly comparable in the sense that they aren’t meant to perform all the same driving tasks. However, they do share the same segment and, as such open themselves up for comparison. In a surprising turn of events, the 2022 Buick Envision handly beat the 2022 Porsche Macan in the Consumer Reports testing. How could this be?
2022 Buick Envision | Buick
More so than actually comparing the two Luxury Compact SUVs, looking at these two models can provide a little insight into how Consumer Reports prioritizes different aspects of driving and car manufacturing. Let’s dig into it.
How does Consumer Reports rate cars?
Consumer Reports prioritizes reliability, safety, efficiency, and comfort above anything else. This means how cool a car is, how good it looks, or its performance all fall pretty far down the list. This is why you see extremely popular and beloved models like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford F-150 scoring so poorly on CR. These models serve their intended purpose but don’t tick the boxes for safety, efficiency, or comfort.
Once you understand CR’s style better, comparing the Porsche Macan and the Buick Envision can make a little more sense.
Which SUV has the better powertrain?
The 2022 Porsche Macan is offered with three different exciting engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (261 hp), a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 (375 hp), and a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 (434 hp). All models come with the same 7-speed sequential gearbox.
The Buick, on the other hand, only comes with one turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 228 hp.
Which SUV is the most reliable?
The 2022 Buick Envision knocked it out of the park with a perfect 5/5 for reliability. This means CR has determined that the model’s history shows stellar reliability.
The 2022 Porsche Macan still did well with an overall score of four out of five for reliability. This is pretty interesting, considering the sporty nature of the Macan. Traditionally, European sports cars aren’t the most reliable things on the road. However, Porsche seems to have worked something out on the Macan.
So what seems to be the problem?
Looking stat by stat shows two very nice SUVs. Upon first glance, it might be a little confusing to figure out why the Buick scored six points higher than the Porsche. However, don’t forget how much Consumer Reports values comfort.
This isn’t to say that the Porsche isn’t comfortable. In fact, CR loves its interior. However, the suspension will lean toward the stiff side with any decently sporty car. This is what proved to be the Macan’s Achilles’ heel.
Consumer Reports was not a huge fan of how rough the Porsche’s ride was. Meanwhile, the Buick earned top marks across the board for comfort and accessibility.
This is a useful example to remind ourselves that the overall score isn’t always the best way to judge a car’s quality or performance. Ultimately, the customer needs to know what they want from a car and look at those aspects.
Keyword: How Did the 2022 Porsche Macan Lose to the 2022 Buick Envision on Consumer Reports?