After spending a day navigating the diverse roads of Oahu in a 2020 Porsche Macan, the popularity of this SUV finally clicked. For years, I’ve observed its success, but now, having experienced it firsthand, I understand the appeal.
While its aesthetics might not scream “stunning” to everyone, I can honestly say the 2020 Macan delivers a driving experience that’s remarkably akin to a sports car. The low seating position immediately sets a sporty tone. Its cornering capabilities defy SUV norms, and it’s surprisingly quick.
If you’re looking for a concise takeaway, here it is: My only real gripe is that the 2020 Macan’s styling doesn’t quite match the exhilarating drive it offers.
White 2020 Porsche Macan driving on a scenic road
Image alt text: White 2020 Porsche Macan driving smoothly on a coastal highway, showcasing its dynamic performance.
Looks can indeed be deceiving. The 2020 Macan’s unassuming exterior belies the thrilling driving dynamics hidden within.
Enthusiastic car reviewer giving thumbs up to the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Car expert enthusiastically endorsing the 2020 Porsche Macan, highlighting its impressive driving experience despite understated design.
The fact that I’m enthusiastically giving a thumbs up, despite my reservations about its looks, speaks volumes about how much I enjoyed driving the 2020 Macan. It’s genuinely fun, even if the styling is, shall we say, understated.
An Unbiased Take on the 2020 Porsche Macan
I’m aware I’m entering the conversation a bit late. Numerous reviews of the 2020 Macan already exist, but bear with me. This review aims to offer a perspective free from corporate influence, allowing for complete honesty. Some of what follows might be bluntly critical.
Front three-quarter view of a 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Angular front view of the 2020 Porsche Macan, emphasizing its overall shape and design elements discussed in the styling critique.
Have I mentioned the Macan’s polarizing aesthetics? Let’s just get that out of the way upfront.
Exterior Styling Critique
Personally, I find Porsche’s design language, so iconic on the 911, doesn’t translate seamlessly to an SUV form. The Macan’s overall silhouette leans towards rounded and bulbous, which, in my opinion, gives it a generic, almost Volkswagen-esque appearance.
Had I been consulted, I would have advocated for a more angular and assertive design, perhaps drawing inspiration from vehicles like the 2023 Cadillac XT5.
Rear three-quarter view of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Rear perspective of the 2020 Porsche Macan highlighting its rounded rear design and comparing it unfavorably to Volkswagen Beetle aesthetics.
Among the vast pool of design inspirations, it’s puzzling why the Macan’s rear profile evokes a resemblance to a Volkswagen Beetle.
Close-up of 2020 Porsche Macan headlights
Image alt text: Detailed view of the 2020 Porsche Macan’s headlights, pointing out Porsche-specific design elements in the otherwise criticized styling.
However, there are glimpses of Porsche DNA, particularly in elements like the headlights. Upon closer inspection, the detailing becomes more intriguing.
Front grill detail of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Front grille of the 2020 Porsche Macan, identified as the most visually appealing aspect of its exterior design.
The front grille arguably stands out as the most aesthetically pleasing part of the 2020 Macan’s exterior.
Porsche crest on the hood of the 2020 Macan
Image alt text: Porsche badge on the 2020 Macan hood, playfully suggesting a possible misspelling of “Volkswagen” given styling similarities.
One might jokingly wonder if the badge is a subtle nod to a “Volkswagen” influence.
Performance Prowess
Fortunately, the 2020 Macan’s performance capabilities are robust enough to almost overshadow its styling shortcomings. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, delivers surprising power. It’s not just adequate; it’s genuinely quick, dare I say, remarkably fast for an SUV of this class.
2.0 Liter engine of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: 2.0L turbocharged engine of the 2020 Porsche Macan, highlighting its surprising power output for the vehicle’s size and weight.
Despite being a substantial 5,550 lbs SUV, powered by a relatively small 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, the engine is perfectly matched to the Macan’s character. Turbo lag is virtually nonexistent, and power delivery is smooth and strong across the RPM range. It genuinely pushes you back into your seat.
Open hood of the 2020 Porsche Macan revealing engine bay
Image alt text: Engine bay of the 2020 Porsche Macan with the hood open, emphasizing accessibility for maintenance and repairs, typical of Porsche engineering.
For those concerned about maintenance, the hood opens wide, providing ample access for mechanics to perform even major engine work. It’s a Porsche, after all, so robust engineering is expected.
Paired with the engine is a responsive 7-speed “automated manual” transmission. Gear changes are lightning-fast, and the exhaust note on upshifts is surprisingly engaging for a four-cylinder.
Exhaust tips of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Dual exhaust tips of the 2020 Porsche Macan, noting the surprisingly good exhaust sound for a four-cylinder engine, despite styling criticisms.
The 2020 Macan with the 2.0L engine boasts one of the best-sounding four-cylinder exhausts I’ve encountered. Yet, the styling debate continues.
Corner-Carving Handling
This aspect of the 2020 Macan review is particularly striking. Porsche’s reputation for producing exceptional handling vehicles is well-established, but experiencing it in an SUV platform is eye-opening. The 2020 Macan tackles corners with a confidence that surpasses even my 2012 Ford Mustang GT, which is frankly a bit unsettling!
2020 Porsche Macan driving dynamically on a winding road
Image alt text: 2020 Porsche Macan expertly navigating a curve, demonstrating its sports car-like handling and cornering ability despite being an SUV.
Yes, it’s a 5,500 lbs “pig” as some might say, but it’s by far the most agile and responsive 5,500 lbs vehicle I’ve ever driven. The Macan corners flat, composed, and encourages you to push harder. How Porsche managed to instill such nimbleness into a 5,500-pound SUV is genuinely impressive engineering.
Base 18 inch wheels and tires on the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: 18-inch base wheels and tires of the 2020 Porsche Macan, emphasizing the surprising handling performance achieved even with standard wheel size.
What’s even more surprising is that this impressive handling is achieved on relatively modest 18-inch wheels. The base Macan might visually resemble a less exciting Volkswagen, but its road-holding capabilities are undeniably Porsche-caliber.
Brakes of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Close-up of the 2020 Porsche Macan’s brake system, highlighting its responsiveness and stopping power, comparable to its sensitive styling.
And stopping power is equally commendable. The brakes are exceptionally responsive, mirroring my own sensitivity to the vehicle’s exterior design.
Car reviewer smiling while driving the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Car reviewer enjoying the driving experience of the 2020 Porsche Macan, contrasting it with less enthusiastic reviews of other SUVs.
For context, this level of driving enjoyment was absent in my 2018 Ford Escape review.
Interior: A Tale of Two Sections
While I’ve been critical of the Macan’s exterior, the interior is a different story. It’s undeniably well-crafted and exudes a premium feel. The steering wheel and dashboard are unmistakably Porsche in design. The seats are luxurious yet supportive, ideal for spirited driving, and the overall build quality appears excellent.
Interior view of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Overview of the 2020 Porsche Macan interior, showcasing the high-quality materials, Porsche design elements, and overall luxurious ambiance.
It’s somewhat frustrating that more design effort seems to have gone into the interior than the exterior. Why couldn’t the entire package be this cohesive?
Front seats of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Front seats of the 2020 Porsche Macan, critiquing their basic design and comparing them unfavorably to budget car seats from the early 2000s.
Except for the front seats, which, disappointingly, look like they could belong in an economy car from the early 2000s.
Detailed interior shot of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Closer view of the 2020 Porsche Macan’s interior, emphasizing the generally high-quality and “Porsche” feel, aside from the front seats.
Ignoring the underwhelming front seats, the rest of the interior is undeniably impressive and feels distinctly “Porsche.”
Center console of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Center console and gear lever of the 2020 Porsche Macan, praising the high-end look and feel, while noting a design similarity to older Cadillac models.
Regardless of the gear lever’s shape, the center console is undeniably high-quality in both appearance and feel. However, it does bear a slight resemblance to the interior design language seen in my 2016 Cadillac SRX review. It’s a familiar design approach.
Rear seats of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Rear seating area of the 2020 Porsche Macan, highlighting comfortable and spacious design, but noting discomfort for middle seat passengers on longer trips.
The rear seating area is also well-appointed, though the middle seat appears less than ideal for extended journeys.
Overall, the Macan’s interior is well-suited for road trips. It’s spacious, comfortable, and relatively quiet, contributing to a pleasant driving environment.
Plastic trim detail inside the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Close-up of cheaper plastic materials within the 2020 Porsche Macan’s interior, acknowledging that even luxury vehicles are not immune to budget materials.
It’s worth noting that even in the premium-priced Macan, some cheaper plastic elements are present, a common reality even in luxury vehicles.
The Driving Dynamics
Driving any Porsche is usually a memorable experience, and the 2020 Macan is no exception. The low driving position and compact steering wheel create an unexpectedly sporty feel, easily making you forget you’re piloting a sizable SUV.
Car reviewer casually cruising in the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Car reviewer relaxed while driving the 2020 Porsche Macan, emphasizing the comfortable and engaging driving experience despite SUV classification.
It’s a stylish and confident ride. However, the sporty styling does come with a trade-off, particularly noticeable in heavy traffic. The thick A, B, and C pillars create significant blind spots, a surprising oversight for a Porsche SUV.
Thick A-pillar of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: A-pillar thickness of the 2020 Porsche Macan, pointing out the limited visibility and significant blind spots created by the design.
The A-pillar’s thickness is manageable, but over-the-shoulder visibility for merging lanes is severely compromised.
Steering wheel controls of the 2020 Porsche Macan
Image alt text: Steering wheel controls of the 2020 Porsche Macan, noting the abundance of buttons and controls that can be distracting while driving.
Adding to potential distractions, the Macan features a multitude of buttons and controls, tempting drivers to interact with them while driving.
On a positive note, ingress and egress are surprisingly easy for an SUV of this size. It feels more akin to sliding into a sports car seat than climbing into an SUV, a unique and welcome characteristic.
Fuel Efficiency Observations
During my approximately 110 miles of driving the 2020 Macan across Oahu, Hawaii, under various conditions from highway speeds to stop-and-go traffic, I averaged 22.5 miles per gallon. This is quite respectable considering the Macan’s weight and my spirited driving style. It further reinforces why the Macan has become such a successful model for Porsche.
Refueling the 2020 Porsche Macan at a gas station
Image alt text: 2020 Porsche Macan being refueled, emphasizing the surprisingly good fuel economy achieved during the test drive, despite spirited driving.
Ignoring my less-than-perfect parking at the gas pump, the Macan’s fuel economy is genuinely impressive, exceeding my initial expectations.
Verdict: Is the 2020 Porsche Macan Worth Buying?
Before making a final decision, I highly recommend checking out my detailed list of Porsche Macan pros and cons. It provides a deeper dive into the ownership experience and daily usability of the Macan, essential reading if you’re seriously considering purchasing one.
2020 Porsche Macan base model parked outdoors
Image alt text: Base model 2020 Porsche Macan parked, speculating on future depreciation and potential affordability as a used luxury SUV option.
Considering Porsche’s depreciation trends, it’s intriguing to consider when the Macan might become a compelling option in the used SUV market, perhaps even among the best SUVs under $20,000 in the future.
My experience with the 2020 Macan fundamentally shifted my perception of Porsche SUVs. I was genuinely surprised by how exceptional it is.
The Macan has transformed my viewpoint. Previously, Porsche SUVs didn’t capture my attention. But now, having experienced its capabilities across various driving scenarios, I find myself admiring every Macan I see, a level of appreciation I typically reserve for the iconic 911. It truly is a remarkable feat of automotive engineering, blending sports car dynamics with SUV practicality.
