DecodedCars2021 Porsche Macan
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, S 4dr SUV AWD, Turbo / Gts 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 248–434 hp
- Transmission
- 7-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 185 in
- Curb weight
- 4,098–4,288 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 12% below the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Porsche Macan is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 2.9L 6-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,098 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 12% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Macan — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Macan →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Leipzig, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2021 Macan configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 185 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 110.6 in | 65.4 / 65 in | 4,098 lb | 57/43 |
| S 4dr SUV AWD | 185 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 110.6 in | 65.4 / 65 in | 4,211 lb | 57/43 |
| Turbo / Gts 4dr SUV AWD | 185 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 110.6 in | 65.4 / 65 in | 4,288 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macan | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 21 | -12% | $3,900 | 426 |
| Macan S | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -16% | $4,100 | 441 |
| Macan GTS | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 459 |
| Macan Turbo | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 471 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Porsche Macan.
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Porsche Macan (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
Recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber · Mar 31, 2021 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 21V224000 · 10 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Macan, Macan S, Macan GTS, and Macan Turbo vehicles. The screw connection on the shock absorbers of the front and rear axle might not be tightened properly.
- Risk
- A failed screw connection may cause damage to the braking system, driving instability, and the potential loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy has been performed. Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will rework and tighten the screw connections, free of charge. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA8.
Not every 2021 Porsche Macan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Porsche Macan buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Porsche Macan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Macan years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2024 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2023 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2022 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2020 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 28 |
| 2019 Macan | 21 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 21 |
| 2018 Macan | 22 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 36 |
| 2017 Macan | 22 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 7 | 71 |
| 2016 Macan | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 31 |
| 2015 Macan | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 7 | 36 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →