2021 Porsche Macan — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2021 Porsche Macan

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $57,239–$76,980
Fuel Economy 19 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,763/yr

Key Specifications — 2021 Porsche Macan

Engine2.0L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S7)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG19 / 23 MPG
Combined MPG21 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,900
CO₂ Emissions426 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$57,239–$76,980

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Porsche Macan

Our scoring places the 2021 Porsche Macan at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.4/10, while Value at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.7/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.7/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.4/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $57,239–$76,980, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Porsche Macan sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2021 Porsche Macan is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2021 Porsche Macan ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $57,239 starting price is about 59% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Macan Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2018 Porsche Macan scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.7 — and starts roughly $5,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.0/10$64,787 Read review →
2025 8.0/10$64,787 Read review →
2024 8.1/10$62,900 Read review →
2023 7.9/10$61,013 Read review →
2022 7.9/10$59,126 Read review →
2021 (this review) 7.7/10$57,239
2020 7.7/10$55,352 Read review →
2019 7.7/10$53,465 Read review →
2018 7.7/10$51,578 Read review →
2017 7.6/10$49,691 Read review →
2016 7.5/10$47,804 Read review →
2015 7.6/10$45,917 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Porsche Macan

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Porsche Macan (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Suspension / Front / Shock absorber
31/03/2021 · 21V224000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Macan, Macan S, Macan GTS, and Macan Turbo vehicles. The screw connection on the shock absorbers of the front and rear axle might not be tightened properly.

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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