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.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
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.
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 with our free VIN recall checker.
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.
Own a 2021 Porsche Macan that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Porsche Macan
Is the 2021 Porsche Macan reliable?
We rate the 2021 Porsche Macan's reliability 7.7/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Macan have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Porsche Macan worth buying?
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Porsche Macan cost?
The 2021 Porsche Macan starts at $57,239 and ranges up to $76,980 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Macan years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Macan years we've rated are 2016 (7.5/10), 2017 (7.6/10), 2015 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Porsche Macan have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Porsche Macan are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Suspension (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Porsche Macan
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
More Porsche Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Porsche models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year