What Are The Best Years For The Porsche Macan? (5 Best Revealed!)

The Porsche Macan tops the list of SUVs with luxury and performance. So, if you’re looking something more than a family hauler, our article “What Are The Best Years For The Porsche Macan?”, guides you through the top years of this iconic SUV.

We provide essential insights for enthusiasts and potential buyers seeking the best in Porsche craftsmanship. After all, if you’re reading this, you’re looking for an option that handles superbly, has great looks, and is still practical. 

That’s where the Porsche Macan comes in. This German SUV is Porsche’s answer to the compact luxury market that yearned for something different. 

This luxury SUV has excellent reliability scores across many platforms, such as Consumer Reports, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book and Car Complaints. So, most of the years are reliable.

However, if you want the best years for the Porsche Macan, you can opt for the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2023 model years. These have the highest ratings and the best performance overall.

Read on to find out what makes these years more reliable, and why the Macan is an excellent all-round SUV.

What are the best years for the Porsche Macan?

Overall, the Porsche Macan is extremely reliable. It has topped several lists as the best Premium compact SUV in North America.

One clear example is that JD Power has all the Porsche Macan model years rated above 83, which is commendable. It’s also important to highlight that all these come from one Porsche Macan generation, therefore it’s a product that has performed well from the start.

Even with such a reputation, five model years stand out. The best years for the Porsche Macan are 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2023.

The feeling is unanimous with these years. Many sites rate them with above-average reliability.

What Makes The Porsche MAcan So Reliable?

The Porsche Macan entered the market in 2014 as a 2015 model. It’s a compact luxury SUV that shares its platform with the Audi Q5.

The Porsche Macan shares mechanical components with many Volkswagen products. VW is a brand known for reliable daily drivers and they’ve managed to inject some of that reliability into the Macan.

At the same time, Porsche gave it its personalized touch, by having a sporty performance, and improved handling. From the start, this SUV came with a powerful punch.

The first lineup included the Macan S, Macan Turbo, and, later, the Macan GTS. 

Eventually, Porsche also offered the baseline model, the Macan, in the North American market.

In 2021, the Macan went through a redesign that included aesthetic changes and new interior features. Some consider this a “new generation”, but we don’t see it that way, as the changes weren’t significant in the mechanical department.  

One clear sign that the generation was the same was the reliability. While the company changed some features, the performance was just as good.

Porsche announced that it will release the new generation of the Macan in 2024. We’re eagerly waiting to see if the new ones make the list for the best years for the Porsche Macan.

What Are Some Technical Aspects Of the Porsche Macan?

So, while we’ve rated only one generation of the Porsche Macan, we can safely say that the it did go through lineup changes. First, it dropped the Turbo model from the general lineup and sold it as a different version.

Then, it included the base model so, the current offering consists of the Base, the S, and the GTS. Power ranges from 240 hp in the base version, 335 hp in the Macan S, and 355 hp in the GTS. 

If you want massive output, you can opt for the Macan Turbo, which has 395 hp. This doesn’t only compete with SUVs but with other sports cars.

Towing is a respectable 4,400 pounds, which fulfills most needs, and it tops the list in this department in luxury SUVs. This is hard to achieve, as performance-focused SUVs usually can’t tow heavy loads.

Some of the Porsche Macan’s best features include handling and acceleration. But, these features aren’t exclusive to the top trim levels as the base version has respectable performance in all parameters.

As for the Macan Turbo, many reviews have placed it in a league of its own. Performance-wise, this vehicle is light and agile, powerful, and easy to drive. 

Its sport suspension gives it superb handling and cornering, but don’t be fooled. The Macan can also hold its own in offroad conditions.

It’s not perfect, however. For those looking to drive in the city, the sports suspension might feel stiff and bouncy.

There’s also one common flaw in all the Macan models. Unfortunately, the interior is always lacking in quality. 

In fact, most reviews highlight that it feels underwhelming when you compare it to other aspects. On the other hand, the aesthetics, handling, and performance are top-notch. 

So buyers have complained that the interior lags behind. The complaints not only revolve around the quality of the interior. 

Space is also scarce. The rear seats can feel cramped, especially for adult passengers. So, if you have a big family, the Macan might not be the best option for you. 

This situation boils over to the back, with cramped dimensions that don’t allow for much cargo. So, as you can see, the Porsche Macan is an excellent choice for a small family that wants to have a versatile SUV that can also go fast. 

Which Trim To Choose In The Best Years For The Porsche Macan?

Out of the three current trim levels, the best Porsche Macan to buy is the Macan S, as it offers the entire package. It provides excellent performance.

But it lacks the sport suspension that makes it uncomfortable for city driving. If you don’t mind a stiffer suspension and love speed, then the Porsche Macan Turbo is an excellent choice.

As far as complaints go, there are few reports of issues. This is due to a combination of factors.

First of all, the Macan isn’t as popular as other SUVs in the US, so there aren’t as many of them on the road. Fewer vehicles mean fewer reported issues.

Also, since the Porsche Macan is relatively new, there hasn’t been enough time for problems to arise. So, for example, in Car Complaints, the number of reports is low, with some years not registering yet. 

But that doesn’t mean we can’t take away from the Macan. On the contrary, Reliability is high, so a low number of issues also responds to this factor.

As we have seen, the Porsche Macan is reliable and has the sporting pedigree to make an exciting alternative in the luxury market.

But there are some years that you must avoid, and we’ll show you in the next section.

What are the worst years for the Porsche Macan?

The worst years for the Porsche Macan are the 2015 and 2016 models. 

This is normal for luxury SUVs, as most of the new features still haven’t gone through the grind of daily life.

These two years suffer from exhaust problems, in which the exhaust pipes are too rigid and are prone to breaking. Unfortunately, the repairs are expensive, with some averaging $3,000.

Spares are also pricey.

Most reports come in at low mileage, around 65,000 miles, so if you’re looking for a Macan from these years, be sure to check the service history for any repairs.

Another constant complaint in these years is that the fuel economy is considerably low for a vehicle its size. 

At 19 mpg, it’s a performance that one wouldn’t expect from a compact SUV.  Sure, you might have a heavy foot, but this is full-size SUV performance.

However, we must point out that, though it’s common in the first models, overall, this paltry fuel economy has been constant throughout the years, even the latest models.

So, it’s clear that the Macan isn’t for those that like to save a buck or two. With expensive parts, paltry fuel economy, and costly repairs, it can dent your wallet easily.

Closing thoughts On The Best YEars For THe Porsche Macan

With the luxury SUV market growing in popularity, many people are looking for an SUV that’s both fun to drive and practical.  Plus, if it has great looks, then it offers a complete package.

So, potential buyers turn their heads to European SUVs, like the Macan. This attractive offer from Porsche seems to be the whole package. 

It’s a common question: what are the best years for the Porsche Macan? We wanted to answer this question and provide you with more information. 

The best years for the Porsche Macan are 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2023.

These have shown the fewest amount of problems and highest reliability ratings. Some of the Macan’s strongest points are its handling, performance, and looks.

Plus, all engines have shown superior durability. On the other hand, the Macan’s interior is tiny; there’s no avoiding that. Adult passengers won’t have a good time on long trips, which is important to keep in mind.

The Porsche Macan is extremely reliable, but some years have underperformed. The worst years for the Porsche Macan are the 2014 and 2015 model years.

These are troublesome and have the lowest reliability ratings, which is typical for new cars. Issues revolve around the exhaust, as it tends to break, and repairs can be expensive. 

So if you’re looking to buy one from those years, be sure to perform a thorough check and ask for service records.

While it’s a reliable car in general, the Macan will not win any economy awards. 

It’s expensive to buy and to maintain. Plus, it’s a thirsty vehicle, with most averaging only 19 mpg. 

So, it’s not the best option for those with a frugal mindset.

However, if this isn’t an issue for you, then the Porsche Macan is an excellent option for those looking to take their SUV game to a new level. 

Hopefully, this article provides you with all the answers to your questions about the Porsche Macan.