2018 Porsche Macan Base

The 2018 Macan is Porsche's compact luxury SUV, slotting below the larger Cayenne and offering sports-car-like dynamics in a practical package. It competes with the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Audi Q5, but the Macan leans harder into driving engagement than any of them. The Macan's steering is quick and precise, and the chassis stays flat through corners, making it feel more like a hot hatch than an SUV. The cabin is beautifully built with high-quality materials, and the rear seats fold to expand cargo space, though the cargo area is modest for the class. The base Macan is the entry to the lineup, with a turbocharged four-cylinder instead of the S's V6, but you still get Porsche's sharp chassis and all-wheel drive. Its 2.0L Turbocharged I4 makes 252 horsepower and pairs with a seven-speed automatic, delivering eager throttle response and a combined 22 mpg combined.