2021 Porsche Macan
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 23 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 426 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $57,239–$76,980 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 → |
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.
Explore the full lineup of Porsche models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.