2018 Porsche Macan GTS

Overview

Compact SUVs are big sellers in the U.S. so it comes as no surprise that sports-car icon Porsche’s bestseller is the Macan rather than one of its two-seaters. Among the Macan’s many variants is the GTS, a performance-oriented version of a performance-oriented SUV with 360 horsepower and a taut suspension that doesn’t disappoint on a twisty road. The GTS borrows performance-enhancing equipment from the top-of-the-line Macan Turbo, including an available torque-vectoring system; all-wheel drive is standard. While all Macan models are fun to drive, the GTS is especially athletic. In our testing, it pulled off nearly heroic acceleration that puts it in the same league as some of Porsche’s sports cars. The Macan GTS’s blend of performance and daily usability is what landed it on our 10Best list again for 2018.

What’s New for 2018?

Porsche notes no significant changes or updates over the 2017 Macan GTS.

Pricing

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Motivating the Macan GTS is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 rated for 360 horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends the power to all four wheels. Though not the most powerful Macan, the GTS may be the most balanced, with dynamic charms that go beyond outright speed. In other words, the Macan GTS exhibits the sort of ride-and-handling dynamics befitting the Porsche badge, despite being an SUV with its engine in front of the driver rather than behind the seats. The Macan GTS comes with adaptive dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars, and larger front disc brakes from the Macan Turbo. Optional torque vectoring adds to the composure of its unflappable chassis. While it eats twisty roads in big gulps, it’s also refined enough to be a comfortable daily driver.

More on the Macan GTS SUV

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A standard leather package and sport seats with Alcantara inserts and GTS logos on the headrests help set this Macan apart from its sibs. An optional interior package features a red tachometer gauge face, special upholstery stitching, and red seatbelts. The rear seat is a bit tight for two adult passengers, though you can flip it down for a respectable 53 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

All Macan GTS models come with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment interface and the Sound Package Plus bundle which includes a stereo with eight speakers, USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. An optional in-dash navigation system adds a hard-drive-based system, satellite-image overlays, and dynamic route calculation. Apple CarPlay is standard but a 4G LTE Wi-Fi system is optional.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

For more information about the Macan GTS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer’s CPO program.

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Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

2017 Porsche Macan GTS
Vehicle type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED
$77,255 (base price: $68,250)

ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 183 in3, 2997 cm3
Power: 360 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm

TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.5 in
Length: 184.7 in
Width: 76.1 in
Height: 63.6 in
Passenger volume: 96 ft3
Cargo volume: 18 ft3
Curb weight: 4492 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

Zero to 60 mph: 4.4 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 11.7 sec

Zero to 130 mph: 22.7 sec

Zero to 140 mph: 29.3 sec

Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.4 sec

Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.1 sec

Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.9 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 13.0 sec @ 105 mph

Top speed (mfr’s claim): 159 mph

Braking, 70-0 mph: 157 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g

FUEL ECONOMY

EPA city/highway driving: 17/23 mpg
C/D observed: 15 mpg

c/d testing explained

More Features and Specs