Is This The BEST Sports SUV Ever? (Porsche Macan GTS 2023 Review)

Should you buy a Porsche Macan GTS? The top-of-the-line Macan uses a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and has a price of $137K before options and on-road costs.
The Porsche Macan range has a four-cylinder base model and T variant plus a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol in the Macan S and Macan GTS. But is the most expensive version, the GTS, the right 2023 Macan spec to buy?
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Porsche Macan.
Time codes:
0:00 - What is the Macan GTS?
2:29 - Interior & Tech
Back Seats
6:15 - Boot & Cargo Space
7:13 - Fuel Consumption
8:04 - Insurance
8:10 - Servicing
8:32 - Driving Dynamics
14:36 - Should You Buy It?
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[@sumersingh-hr5tp]

Wonderful car and car review guys. Keep it up

[@thegent9791]

Picked up my GTS last week. What a car. Unreal.

[@hpecora]

Great review with detailed information as always, looking forward to the Macan S and GTS comparison timings both running in Sport Plus mode! (where engine tune is most present)

[@stevenrobson765]

What a great review, nice job.

[@sherrin130]

Having done over 26,000kms in a current spec GTS including Tassie, Melbourne to Port Douglas (inland hike) and having owned many quality cars .The GTS is my pick everytime ,that 2.9 litre V6 is a ripper ..

[@chasingcars]

Glad to hear it is going strong. Agree the 2.9 V6 from the GTS - which you now also get in the S spec - is a pearler of an engine.

[@bogdanobogeanu5758]

great review as always

[@timmatthews6420]

Nice review...getting my gts in the next couple days!

[@ghowells5433]

I have just got my second GTS, fantastic all rounder

[@cfstultz1]

Great video. Thanks.

[@stefanlakomy6195]

Brilliant video as always guys!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks again!

[@justintrainer936]

Enjoyed the balanced review. Re: availability- I ordered my S in Jan 2022 and it's due to be built in 10 days. Things might be improving on supply side but back in Jan they told me q4 delivery. Having hooned an S around Porsche's own tracks at Silverstone over the summer, I could not believe it's handling for an SUV - like nothing else I've ever tried. The 911s on the day were faster on the performance tracks but I was able almost keep up the advantage of the 4 wheel drive and the fact that the circuits have little in the way of long straights.

[@PeterSdrolias]

Love my S!

[@oxxxeee]

my s order was three weeks ago. delivery in mid january.

[@davidliddy2739]

Ordered my second GTS yesterday. Can’t wait to get it

[@davidarter9670]

I wasn’t very familiar with these cars before this….they are excellent! Good review, thankyou Tom.

[@Yiannis172]

great sound , you have the microphone inside ?

[@oxxxeee]

agree. ordered my s last month for mid jan delivery. only about 10 hp difference to gts. spent money on air adpt susp and full leather. no chrono or sun roof.

[@kevhaley65]

Just bought a 2020 GTS. Love it❤ sport chrono, premium package 1/2 the cost of new 90k on the click and it looks brand new.

[@ronn68]

Like this review- thorough with insights not given in other reviews. A few comments: 1. I need an Aussie/American dictionary to understand some comments! “Flame”, “corker”? 2. Has anyone put smaller wheels on for better road absorption? 3. I have been looking at vehicles 3-4 years-old. Not much price difference or mpg between theMacan and the Cayenne - so why get a Macan?

[@pt99810]

Excellent, well balanced review. I reached same conclusion re. S - vs - GTS and have ordered the S. Many thanks.

[@jakobvipa767]

@chasingcars how this 2.9L engine compare to in-line 3.0Lin BMW X340i and ride quality?

[@hainsmetalrecycling]

Thank you, Great review

[@chasingcars]

My pleasure!

[@skippysdead]

Once you start ticking option boxes what happens to the availability?

[@9fiveb180]

The rear bench is a 60/40 split with a passthrough for longer items, and the factory warranty is 4 years 50k miles.

[@jonathantruong9767]

Great review, love the Aussie pricing guide! Can you add the pricing of the other models for future car reviews? (E.g. GTS, S standard)

[@johnmanciameli9752]

I am in a minority here. Please don’t flame me. If you want a great all rounder, buy the Macan S. Sensational car that will fill you with pride and impress the neighbours. However if you have petrol running through your veins, in my experience the Alfa Stelvio Quattroformagio is the more visceral driving experience. The Stelvio QV has been deliberately engineered to deliver in a more narrow and driver focused satisfaction bandwidth. Provenance doesn’t come much better than the Ferrari engineers who created the exquisite and bespoke Giorgio platform; the steering rack is off a 458 Italia, the engine out of the 6 time international performance engine of the year, the prop shaft made of carbon fibre an example of the obsession with performance and agility. You can buy the Stelvio with your head as much as your heart; superior bhp to weight ratio, less than the price of a Macan S, 5 year warranty, great resale and over 5 years of owners reporting excellent reliability. Arguably the Stelvio is the better looking. The ubiquity of the Macan will always mean you will be driving something special in the Stelvio QV. I recognise I am in a minority here and Porsche will outsell the Stelvio 100 to one. But as owner of a cayman GT4 and Guilia QV, it’s time true driving enthusiasts give credit where it due. Alfa Romeo created absolute corkers in the Stelvio QV and Guilia QV. Please be kind….

[@davidliddy2739]

I only dated beefy girls when I owned an Alfa because I often needed push starts

[@rommeltoes]

I had a Macan S for three years. I now have a Macan GTS. Both are amazing cars, but there is absolutely NO comparison. The GTS is at another level altogether, both in the engine and handling department. Another crucial thing this review misses to mention is that (at least here in the US) once you load a Macan S with all the options you want and need, and that a GTS has as standard, you're already in the GTS price bracket, so why buy an S?

[@kneecute6317]

So what options do you suggest to get on the GTS that really are worth it ?

[@babenkoff]

You miss the point of the review. Now both S and GTS share the same engine! Befor 2022 it was different engines.

[@lesgrossman9492]

The S has the same engine as the GTS so why buy the GTS?

[@boom2055]

@@lesgrossman9492 a lot of things comes as standard on the gts. if you option the s with those options then you end up paying the same money for an s compared to a base gts. Why is that bad? options depreciate more, you'll loose more money on a fully loaded s vs a base gts. Also if you get the s you'll always know you got the lesser version.

[@lesgrossman9492]

@@boom2055 Since 2022 the S and GTS are basically the same car. The only option the GTS comes with that (kind of) matters is the air suspension. The new S comes with Porsche entry/drive, PASM, PDLS and adaptive cruise. The only option that is a must for resale is the panoramic roof which is an option on both models. Also look at the real world test between the two, the GTS beats the S in a 1/4 mile by less than 1 car length. Most people are finding a 15-20 hp difference. 0-60 is almost identical. The engines are identical, only difference is a few lbs of turbo boost. “Lesser version”??……OK lol. I got an S with panoramic roof and upgraded leather seats for 15k less than a GTS and they perform almost exactly the same.

[@NickRivers231]

Great review thanks. Will the next Macan also offer combustion engine in the new model ? Ie new interior exterior style, but with choice of ev or combustion

[@chasingcars]

Basically, the current generation is likely to continue with combustion (and a facelift) while the new gen will be electric only

[@NickRivers231]

@@chasingcars ok thanks. I guess that would be facelift number 3! 🙂

[@janakmelvani9991]

For those that option the S with PASM, sport exhaust, and a few other standard items on the GTS, you may as well just get the latter?

[@gerrodboykin9400]

I agree 100% the same can be said for specing a 911S vs GTS. Once you check the performance boxes go for the GTS

[@nafizhasan4349]

5K over 5 years is better than the 15k overnight loss on the tesla Model Y. I'm looking forward to the upgrade next year :)

[@WhatTheFlipOfficial]

GTS and Turbos will hold their values significantly better. Air suspension is a must on these cars. Test drove a few and those without air suspension felt similar to a base model X3.

[@chasingcars]

The ride is fine on adaptive dampers. It’s slightly better on air suspension but it is not a night and day difference on Macan. The standard passive suspension is too firm for most people.

[@WhatTheFlipOfficial]

@@chasingcars Going back and forth from a Macan Turbo into a Cayenne Turbo with standard air suspension, the ride quality difference is huge. Not just the comfort but the noise and the vibration dampening is night and day.

[@chasingcars]

Having driven every 2023 Macan spec back to back, I can’t say I agree.

[@JohnDoe-jd3hd]

go for Macan T, quick enough and holding its value pretty well in the future

[@baysidelad1]

But you're stuck with a crappy VW engine, and bugger all equipment..........no thanks

[@billnorblat4047]

2 couples fit perfectly

[@narongroad7916]

If you can afford it get the GTS over the S. If you can't afford it get an older GTS Just the sound alone really makes it a different driving experience. And people might notice the S but the pay attention to the GTS Absolutely love mine. Best car I have ever owned

[@endgame3904]

Test drove one today in London UK... Waiting list on the GTS is about 7 months and the sad news is that no more petrol versions are being made after Feb 2024 - car performs well and is fun to drive - sounds even better than my current car an SLK55 AMG.

[@speighthulme]

Where did you get that info.

[@MrGaryGG48]

@@speighthulme There's a big difference between "petrol versions being made" and those allowed to be sold in the UK. I haven't heard of production being ceased for the rest of the world markets. Hmmm? Also, are the prices quoted in this review in Australia or somewhere else? These look pretty steep compared to the other reviews I've read/watched in the US in the past few months. Comparing exchange rates can be pretty harsh in some parts of the world.

[@BounceHeaven]

@@MrGaryGG48it’s true, Porsche Cambridge told me today when I enquired to order

[@johnbennett5929]

I've got a GTS on order delivery in a month.

[@tw2374]

Tom your new watch goes very nicely together with the interior!

[@jd32k]

It's a peice of crap...

[@Metal05]

Same lump as in the Audi RS4. It has its problems at about 40’000 miles. You tube video of rebuilding it if you search.

[@cliffordzellner5917]

I would hate to drive a right-handed car because I'm right-handed it would be awkward for me to use my left hand to turn things on the dashboard?

[@LucianoDevoto]

great review mate. model S is the way!

[@newusername2247]

What happened to the "H" at 5:47? lol

[@joeyoung3319]

Sorry... as a 911/Cayman/Boxster GTS-phile, I'm still left wondering what this vehicle has to do with GTS performance- how about a head-to-head track comparison against a Cayman GTS?

[@travishackney7771]

Is a gas allwheel drive?

[@gbalmain]

Ah, there we go, I have optioned one in the configurator almost identical to that, nice.

[@Patrick-bu5vy]

Can’t wait for the E-Macan

[@s.a.l.te.p.c8187]

So beautiful

[@vignesh69841]

Pretty certain the Macan still doesn't have Android auto, only the Cayenne does

[@JBOsurf]

What's happened to the H in PORSCHE? Pause at the 20 second mark...???

[@chasingcars]

Another channel before us happened…

[@JBOsurf]

@@chasingcars I knew you guys wouldn't be so reckless and irresponsible...🤣

[@reecet7679]

the poor H hahaha

[@roshlack]

I think you got the options incorrect and the pricing. Car colour, Dial colour and interior stitching are optional selections that cost $ on the GTS. Also, if you add up the sports exhaust, interior leather, the suspension and other GTS spec options, the S price is very GTS like, or even more, because the the same options are more expensive on the S. So, like for like, the GTS is the better buy IMO.

[@davidliddy2739]

Correct

[@adrianrubi5012]

Same size as a Stelvio?

[@NZsarge1]

Engorged? 🤨😂. I always thought that the Macan was based on the first gen Q5 chassis (hence the need for expensive modifications) and was never bought over to the MLB…. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I may well have had my wires crossed this whole time but..

[@victordo9408]

Stelvio Q or Macan GTS Tom?

[@Alex.AL_26]

Macan S is definitely the way to go! Performance is nearly identical with both having the same engine. The only thing you are getting on the GTS is a few more standard cosmetic options.

[@plyphon3894]

That's quite untrue. GTS gets the GTS specific air ride suspension tune that is only available on GTS - you can't spec it on S. It also comes with a more aggressive engine tune that produces more horse power, which again isn't available to the S.

[@Alex.AL_26]

@@plyphon3894 Drive them back to back and you really can't tell any differences. The air suspension system is identical except it is just lowered by 10mm. and while Porsche claims it has a different engine tune many would argue there is very little if any horsepower difference. Ran a 0-60 test with them and S is 3.8 seconds and GTS is 3.7 seconds.

[@plyphon3894]

Maybe those things are true, but also sound like subjective opinions. What is objective, though, is that the GTS is more than cosmetic options.

[@brianhimmelman420]

every brand has their “bargain” mass customers .. Go S

[@brianhimmelman420]

@@Alex.AL_26 sure … lol

[@michaelnefedov2267]

Nice looking with Lots of engine problems: 1) Alusil coated cylinders are not suited for Australian high sulfur petrol. Even 95 or 98 oct petrols have too much Sulfur degrading Alusil coating. 2) Hot-V configuration when two very hot turbo located inside V. No car manufacturer was able to avoid overheating and oil degradation. Both inbuilt problems save costs but lead to long term reliability issues. Exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head is to address the issue but located in V as well. "Sweet" engine will have a very bitter after-taste when starts consuming oil and leaking oil and coolant

[@ziggy149]

That’s just not what’s been reported - especially after 2018. One of the more reliable vehicles out there.

[@MrSnipeit]

is it personal experience or just what you gathered . not taking a dig just curious ?

[@9fiveb180]

I think you might be misinformed.

[@alastairblair]

Someone at Porka was telling you porkies, The Macan runs a modified version of the previous VW platform which is why it has so many unique elements, to modernise an older platform.

[@backinthegame34]

The carmine hides the poorly positioned red reflectors quite well.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, don't mind the carmine red on the GTS at least.

[@SpecialReserve]

The "H" in the back Porsche lightstrip broken already? 5:48. That's poor.

[@assistanttrailerparksuperv6839]

Are you doing something different with the camera work? The interior shots while driving were very difficult to watch.

[@timmalecki9018]

I am considering and compering either Macan GST or Maserati Grecale Trofeo... My config for Macan GTS is coming at around 170k and Trofeo base is 180k... I can't decide what to do..

[@chasingcars]

Haven’t driven a Grecale so I don’t really know, but the Macan wouldn’t disappoint.

[@mheeler]

If you have any resale value concerns, I wouldn’t be picking the Maserati…

[@sinisajakus3602]

grecale

[@coltr7561]

Stelvio Q

[@donaldbanner2185]

Easy get a RELIABLE Lexus and make all your emergencies and appointment W ? O twin Freak'n turbos...Get Naturally aspirated aND GET RELIABILITY INSTEAD Of fAST...AFTER IT IS A freak'N suv dUMMY!

[@anthonys2021-BD]

So...at 0:20, did someone whack the "H" in Porsche on the rear hatch with a hammer? Or Tom did you back into something, by chance? 😆

[@philt9126]

The Macan S is fine if you can’t afford a GTS. The GTS is better in so many ways… If you’re after “value” then why buy a Porsche at all, including the Macan S?

[@chasingcars]

I think there are two comments. Firstly, value is a consideration for many (probably most!) buyers. This isn’t in Rolls-Royce territory - it’s an aspirational, but not exclusive, vehicle. Secondly, the GTS is better in some ways, but some buyers won’t find it $25-30K better. Thirdly, it’s also a taste thing - if you like black packs and GTS headrests, that’s great, but again…many don’t. Hence why it’s great Porsche offers a 2.9T option with what some would consider tasteful brightwork.

[@philt9126]

@@chasingcars Appreciate the response, but I’ll stick by my comment. I said the GTS was better in many ways if you could afford it. Here in Canada, a reasonably well-optioned Macan S and a GTS similarly spec’d are not $25-$30K apart. More like around $10-$15k which is why many end up with the GTS as resale will likely take care of that difference. That’s what happened to me.

[@belindahatch8309]

I agree. I just got told they are ready to build my GTS . An S with most of the same options comes to the same price in Canada. I’m so excited to get it. Thanks for the review

[@chewchy9052]

I got a GTS

[@GeoMarfil]

@0:20 the H in PORSCHE is broken..

[@tyeru4990]

0:20 What happened to the letter H?

[@chasingcars]

Another journalist happened

[@rotoehu9266]

100kph to 0 braking in over 37m is pretty poor these days, and awful for a Porsche regardless of model - a Cayenne GTS did 32m and the BMW/Merc SUVs in the same class as Macan are typically 31-33m. Initially I wondered if it was the surface you used, but looking at ‘other’ testing of Macan GTS 36-37m is typical (as it is for theSQ5). An extra car length (4-5m) is a lot in an emergency stopping event.

[@ziggy149]

Car wow tested this with 3 or 4 other cars; including the Tesla model y performance and I think the BMW X3M. The Macan GTS had the shortest stopping distance.

[@rotoehu9266]

@@ziggy149 using 160kph to 0 as the test… Perhaps relevant in Germany, or on a racetrack - but 100kph far more relevant here

[@jasonfan9563]

Yo... The H on the read Porsche logo...

[@billnorblat4047]

Best Daily Driver Ever

[@badbush2414]

Why the steering wheel on right? No way it normal country

[@c.s2001]

I’d have to put this one in the garage.

[@Thinkofwhat]

According to Chris Harris the best performance SUV would be the Aston Martin DBX 707. Unfortunately it’s well beyond our means mere mortals:)

[@chasingcars]

As you imply, not something that’s within reach of most, whereas the Macan may be a viable stretch buy for some!

[@kyulee2758]

@ 0:20 whats up with that H ?

[@chasingcars]

Someone broke it before us

[@itsus3172]

You should give away one of these to the first person to ask!!! Love it.

[@itsdailygaming6089]

I so wish it was a different colour, the red doesn’t do justice…

[@michaelb4525]

No reverse aeb, no heads up display, terrible warranty, great drive but showing its age. I ordered a Genesis GV70 3.5 litre after driving both.

[@mheeler]

After having a car with HUD, I found that a gimmick anyway. Warranty can be extended to 12 years. Tech is behind newer models but this is a well sorted solid car that is customizable to your taste. After testing a Genesis (questionable resale and styling plus just didn’t drive as well) , I bought a Macan…

[@angelapotter8332]

I found the Genesis a better SUV and also bought a 3.5T. Had a loan Macan which I drove for 3,500km, underwhelmed. Granted was the 2.0 but a no option version asks the same money as the Genesis 3.5. Was an easy decision for me.

[@michaelb4525]

@@angelapotter8332 The only issue is that I am still waiting for my delivery, soon I hope. Are you driving yours, happy with it? .

[@michaelb4525]

@@mheeler enjoy

[@angelapotter8332]

@@michaelb4525 very happy with the GV70, 8,500km in three months.

[@mikemaslanka3786]

My 2022 Macan S comes with a 4 yr/50,000 Mike warranty.

[@donaldbanner2185]

Sadly you WILL NEED it & Re-Sale will plummet BIG! Lease it and get ripped off on a lease for 4000.00 per month....RIPP OFF!

[@chasingcars]

Sadly not in Australia - though 50,000mi seems a bit stingy for four years?

[@henkvrieling9586]

Ever?

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Not great pictures or video of the cargo space dude !!

[@perfectkickyourass]

The H of the porsche at the back of your car is damage 🙂. What have you done to the car? 🤣

[@torrhthc4103]

We want a boxer engine in it, not an audi engine

[@plyphon3894]

The engine was co-developed by both Audi and Porsche together for use in RS and Porsche models. It’s less Audi than you think, and more Porsche when it’s in a Porsche.

[@donaldbanner2185]

*~*~*~ To sum this vehicle up & Too BAD!!!.... " Check Your Engine " Light cost of ownership is 17K per year in upkeep / maintenance and repairs!!!

[@chasingcars]

Doesn't seem to be the experience of some owners who have commented here.

[@gazzajx47x]

Well thats completely false Donald

[@smeagol80]

So much emphasis that macan gts is the best handling SUV. Bro, please drive stelvio. Macan is overall better made car, but handles, drives, sounds no where near stelvio qv

[@enviimii4450]

sounds like a rebadge

[@AhmadAlAjeel]

Android auto?🤨 It doesn't have android auto only carplay

[@petesims]

No android auto yet, apparently they are in dispute with google as they want to know throttle positions, oil temps, fueling etc which porsche don't want to hand over

[@ajimaster287]

That there is is the exact reason why electric cars will never take over.

[@chasingcars]

We'll see, I guess.

[@cheesetractor5201]

Android auto??

[@scottlasater4658]

I had a 2015 Macan S for a year. This car is the biggest POS I've ever owned. I researched it and found it to be the most reliable luxury SUV on the market. HA! What a joke! It can't hold its coolant or its oil. The plastic parts in the engine bay, especially the valley will cook and break. The timing cover will leak because Porsche doesn't know how to properly torque bolts. Also, Aluminum bolts?? Come on Porsche! You used to be a respected manufacturer. Don't get sucked into the lies people!

[@jimmy8693]

They fixed all that from 2019 forward

[@jo0o0oke3e3er]

"H" of porsche is broken. lol

[@joepeluso3864]

Try to say something that it’s not very good at.

[@chasingcars]

Erm… rear legroom, I guess?

[@joepeluso3864]

@@chasingcars wrong

[@lebraa]

Im sorry but That is not an SUV

[@dutchie7302]

Sorry you've lost me as a subscriber. Good, knowledgeable presenter but your filming leaves a lot to be desired. Why does the camera move back and forth inside the car most times? Why do we have to continually have to see the back seat and the passengers shoulder when you drive. Makes me feel car sick. I'll watch elsewhere thanks.

[@chasingcars]

GoPro’s baked in stabilisation. Sorry to see you go!

[@tomorrow41]

douche, talking about picky

[@gazzajx47x]

Bye Dutchie

[@your_alter_ego]

VW engine. Not a true Porsche. Lease only, not for purchasing 😂

[@kimmartin6344]

Even the 911 was developed from a VW Beetle.....

[@user-fn2zq6yd4t]

Hahaha sounds like ur hating because ur poor