2021 Porsche Macan GTS: An Important Benchmark

For as long as I can remember, I've always said that I would probably never purchase an SUV. There are objective reasons behind this stance, namely that I’m single and without children. But, subjectively, I don't particularly like the look of SUVs and being higher off the ground than I would be in a normal car doesn't have any appeal for me whatsoever.

However, in my line of work, I learned to appreciate the SUV for what it can offer and have learned to see these vehicles without being biased by my personal preferences, which lean more towards German-style sedans (specifically for the driving dynamics they bring to the table).

As these precious sedans are rapidly giving way to SUVs, which will replace them forever, it is clear that some automakers are leaving driving dynamics behind.

Alas, a week behind the wheel of the Porsche Macan made me question my take on SUVs (but not my life choices!) It is officially one of the rare models that tempted me to jump into the world of sport utility vehicles.

The Macan lineup is changing for 2022 with a new design, rearranged trims, and new technologies. But take a look at the 2021 model first. Maybe it fits your bill.

Entry-Level Extraordinaire

The 2021 Porsche Macan is offered with several options for trims from a base four-cylinder turbocharged unit all the way to the Porsche Macan turbo. It is the gateway to Porsche’s SUV lineup and this year’s best-selling vehicle for the brand.

The variant that we were entrusted with for this particular test drive was the track-inspired GTS model, a moniker that is now completely spread throughout the Porsche lineup. If you're familiar with the Porsche catalogue, you know that the German automaker is notorious for putting incredibly high price tags on options and equipment. And the GTS badge tries to bundle some of these options to make them more accessible.

If you look at it on paper, the GTS package includes some useful options in the catalogue – along with strategic weight reduction and model-specific components in key areas to make the Macan even more nimble.

Looks Like An SUV, Feels Like A Sports Car

Inside the 2021 Porsche Macan, you pretty much feel like you are sitting in one of the manufacturer's sports cars, except for the fact that you're a little bit higher off the ground and you can indulge in more comfort and ergonomics.

We particularly appreciate the complicated setup of the buttons on the center console. This is both due to the console’s simplicity and the fact that many models in the lineup, such as the Panamera or the Cayenne, have already switched to capacitive touch controls. While these newer controls clean up the look of the dashboard and make things appear more modern, they don't provide that genuine analog feedback that we particularly enjoy even in high-end luxury sports SUVs like the Porsche Macan.

With this particular detail aside, the center console is probably going to change in 2022. So, if you want analog buttons like this one, you might as well get the 2021.

Driving Dynamics and Performance

The 2021 Porsche Macan GTS uses the agile and capable six-cylinder, 2.9-litre turbocharged engine, which outputs a healthy 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to all four wheels thanks to Porsche’s 7-Speed PDK automatic transmission, which executes lightning-fast shifting methods to plow through the gears.

This is where Porsche’s driving mode selector comes in handy. In comfort mode, much like any normal luxury SUV, the Porsche Macan can play nice and be the family hauler that your spouse wanted. But, you can twist the tiny knob on the steering wheel to engage Sport mode on the GTS Sport+ model. Unlike some other rivals and vehicles in the segment, Porsche is dedicated to making these drive modes distinct from each other in order to allow the driver to take advantage of the full versatility of Porsche's definition of a compact SUV.

In Sport mode, almost everything mechanical on your GTS will get kicked up a notch, so not only does the transmission shift faster, the chassis and suspension also become firmer to allow you to move around corners with minimal roll.

The Sport+ basically wreaks havoc and unleashes everything: lightning fast gear shifts, extremely reactive throttle response, and a chassis that gives everything it has in order to turn this compact SUV into a rocket. That last facet of the Macan helped me change my mind about SUVs in general. Let’s hope that other luxury brands learn from that.

Conclusion

The SUV world is changing and new manufacturers (like Genesis) are hopping in and sharing their own iterations of what a sport utility vehicle should be in the luxury market, which is a vehicle that encompasses everything a family needs, but can emulate sports sedan-like dynamics at the push of a button.

Although expensive (especially when you pile on the options), the Macan GTS is undoubtedly the benchmark on which these new manufacturers should base themselves if they want to conquer drivers at heart that need to adopt the SUV lifestyle.

The Macan GTS is changing in 2022 and getting the same engine as the Macan Turbo, which should make it even more interesting for thrill-seekers looking for a track-ready compact SUV.