The Porsche Macan and Audi Q5 are two of the most popular luxury compact SUVs. on the market. Both offer great performance, luxury features and the cachet of their iconic German brands.
But which one is the better buy? Here’s a detailed comparison of the Porsche Macan and Audi Q5 to help you decide.
| Model | Porsche Macan | Audi Q5 |
| Price | $52,600 – $72,600 | $43,300 – $53,900 |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder or 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 248 – 434 hp | 248 hp |
| Torque | 273 – 406 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-Speed PDK or 7-Speed DCT | 7-Speed S tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | Quattro AWD |
| Towing Capacity | 4,409 lbs | 4,400 lbs |
| Cargo Capacity | 17.7 cu ft – 53 cu ft | 25.1 cu ft – 60.4 cu ft |
The Porsche Macan is the sports car brand’s first compact luxury crossover SUV. Introduced in 2015, the Macan brings Porsche’s legendary performance and handling to the compact SUV segment.
The Macan’s exterior features the unmistakable Porsche design language, with sloping coupe-like roofline and bulging rear haunches. The interior carries over the driver-focused cockpit layout from Porsche’s sports cars, ensconced in fine leather and Alcantara.
Two powertrain options are offered. The base Macan uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 248 horsepower. The Macan S and GTS trims upgrade to a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 pumping out 348 to 434 horsepower depending on tune. All Macans come standard with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.
Pricing starts at $52,600 for the base Macan, ranging up to $72,600 for the high-performance Macan GTS.
Also Read: Choose Between Toyota Camry LE And XSE.
The Audi Q5 pioneered the luxury compact crossover segment when it debuted in 2009. Now in its second generation, the Q5 continues to impress with its refined ride, upscale interior and competitive performance.
The Q5 features Audi’s tightly sculpted design language, with an imposing grille and chiseled lines. The cabin provides premium amenities like leather seating, Audi’s MMI infotainment interface and Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster.
Power comes from a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder with 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. This powertrain delivers brisk acceleration and capable handling.
Base prices start at $43,300 for the Q5 40 TFSI, rising to $53,900 for the sporty SQ5 with a 349 hp V6.
Performance is where the Macan clearly outpaces the Q5. Even the base Macan accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, nearly a full second quicker than the Q5. The Macan S cuts that down to 4.4 seconds, while the GTS rockets to 60 mph in a blistering 4.1 seconds.
The Macan delivers razor sharp steering and handling you’d expect from a Porsche. The shorter wheelbase and stiffer chassis gives it a more agile, sporty feel than the Q5. Audi’s crossover isn’t bad to drive, but prioritizes cruising comfort over all-out performance.
Both SUVs. offer all-wheel drive to maintain grip in slippery conditions. The Q5’s Quattro system is geared more for stability, while Porsche calibrates its AWD to enhance the Macan’s dynamics. Power is balanced rearward in the Macan for a rear-drive feel.
The Macan is the clear winner for driving enthusiasts who relish winding backroads. The Q5 has limits too, but is happier as a long-distance luxury cruiser.
In terms of interior room and everyday utility, the Audi Q5 holds some advantages over the Macan. The Q5 offers slightly more front and rear headroom, along with a roomier backseat. Three adults can fit fairly comfortably in the Q5’s rear bench, while the Macan is tighter.
Cargo space is also more generous in the Q5, with 25.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats versus just 17.7 cubes in the Macan. Both expand to similar volumes around 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Small item storage is comparable between the two SUVs.
Overall, the Audi Q5 is better suited to carrying passengers and gear, thanks to its boxier practical shape. The Porsche Macan prioritizes driving dynamics over interior volume. Families and outdoor adventurers may prefer the Q5’s added practicality.
Also Read: Is Toyota Tundra Platinum Better Than 1794?
These German cousins provide equally premium interiors dotted with leather, aluminum and soft-touch surfaces. The Macan mimics Porsche’s driver-focused cockpit layout, surrounding the pilot in controls and sloping the center console. The Q5 goes for a more elegant, symmetrical dash design befitting an Audi flagship.
Both SUVs. offer power adjustable heated front seats as standard. Porsche and Audi’s range-topping options include nicer leathers, extended leather coverage, heated rear seats, multi-contour seats with massage, and ventilated front seats to take the edge off hot summer days.
Ride quality favors the Q5, with admirably quiet isolation from road and wind noise. It soaks up impacts smoothly for front seat occupants. The Macan transmits more bumps and vibrations through its stiff sports suspension. Porsche does offer an air suspension option to improve ride comfort.
The Audi Q5 is the pick for those who prefer a relaxed, peaceful luxury experience. The Macan prioritizes driver engagement over passenger plushness.
Audi and Porsche load their compact SUVs. with the latest infotainment, connectivity and advanced driver aids. Both come standard with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and well-designed central touchscreens housing navigation, audio controls and vehicle info.
Safety tech like forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert cost extra on the base Macan. The Q5 includes them standard along with lane keeping assist. Upgrading to the Premium Plus trim adds most active safety features to the Porsche.
The Macan has a few high-tech advantages like a surround view camera system, ventilated seats and adaptive cruise control that are optional on the Q5. But the Audi matches or beats the Porsche for included driver assistance.
Also watch the video!
It’s no surprise that the Porsche Macan costs more to own long-term than the Audi Q5. According to Edmunds 5-year cost-to-own data, the Q5 undercuts the Macan by over $18,000 in total expenses.
The Macan’s higher starting price, faster depreciation, pricier insurance coverage and required premium fuel account for much of the difference. Maintenance and repair costs are also higher on average for Porsche vehicles.
Fuel efficiency goes to the Q5 and its four-cylinder engine, earning up to 25 mpg combined per the EPA. The Macan tops out at 21 mpg combined.
Prospective buyers who plan to keep their vehicle more than 5 years can expect this ownership cost gap to widen further in the Audi’s favor.
No, the Porsche Macan and Audi Q5 are similar compact luxury SUVs. but entirely different models. Porsche and Audi are both owned by Volkswagen Group, so they share some components under the skin. But the Macan and Q5 have unique designs, driving dynamics and interior layouts tailored to their brands.
The Porsche Macan is the better performer and more engaging SUV to drive, but the Audi Q5 is more practical and affordable. The Macan out-handles the Q5 thanks to its sports car heritage, while the Q5 offers a smoother ride and more interior space. Your budget and preferences will determine which SUV is ultimately better for you.
Some compact luxury SUVs. like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Jaguar F-Pace and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque are the most similar competitors to the Porsche Macan. The Audi SQ5 is another performance-oriented crossover alternative to the Macan.
No, Porsche is redesigning but not discontinuing the Macan for the 2023 model year. The new 2023 Macan will move to an entirely electric powertrain, while the current gas-powered generation remains in production for 2022. Porsche is keeping the Macan nameplate as it transitions to an EV.
Also Read: Choose Between GMC Sierra Elevation And SLT.
Choose the Porsche Macan if you want:
Go with the Audi Q5 if you prefer:
For shoppers who can afford its premium pricetag, the Macan delivers an unmatched blend of excitement, luxury and all-weather ability. But the well-rounded Q5 makes an excellent alternative with fewer compromises for real world use. Test drive both to determine which balance of priorities fits you best!
In the world of luxury home design, few materials can match the elegance and sophistication… Read More
As car enthusiasts, we understand the importance of maintaining the interior of our beloved rides.… Read More
Greetings, fellow string enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned violinist or a budding virtuoso, the choice… Read More