2022 Porsche Macan vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights flanking the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. Controls were smartly grouped by function, and the design unity was pleasing. High-quality materials, including real wood and metal, were used throughout, with crisp lines where different materials met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was positioned at the top of the center stack for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, introduced as a smaller, more affordable SUV beneath the Cayenne, retained much of its original design despite updates. The 2022 model received a styling refresh, larger standard wheels, and a new center console with haptic touch controls, enhancing storage space. The Macan lineup included the base model, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the Macan Turbo's high-output powertrain now in the GTS. The Macan S adopted the previous GTS model’s twin-turbo V6.

Our test vehicle, a Macan S, featured Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, showcasing Porsche's tradition of graceful aging. Its sloping clamshell hood, swollen haunches, and rakish roofline conveyed a taut, athletic look. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsches, with an ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel, a large tachometer centered within the gauge cluster, and a flat, wide dashboard. The cabin, with red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents, exuded an upscale, sporty, and purposeful appearance.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 4,665-lb curb weight, delivered convincing acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined, with a gasoline-only mode rating of 27 mpg combined. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, offering various driving modes for battery power management. Handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful, predictable braking.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of engines, with the base model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the old Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S received a new engine, the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans had a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The 2022 Macan featured re-tuned steering and suspension, larger standard wheels, and Porsche Active Suspension Management. The Macan S offered a fun driving experience, with responsive steering, unyielding grip, and fade-free braking performance. The as-tested fuel economy was 18.1 mpg, close to the official EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a balanced size, with smart packaging allowing the battery pack to be placed under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom (37.8 inches), headroom (37.7 inches), and shoulder room (56.5 inches), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured smartly laid-out controls and storage options.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, despite its sporty nature, offered comfort for the driver and front-seat passenger. Our test vehicle had the optional Premium Package with 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers, but entry and exit were easy, and the seats were comfortable. The Macan featured new steering wheels modeled after the 911 sports car, though the wheel felt thin and uncomfortable after extended driving. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls offered a clean look but required looking away from the road to use. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering an impressive user experience. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster provided three customizable views. The Prestige Package included a Navigation Package, optimizing fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Porsche Communication Management (PCM), featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with optional Bose or Burmester audio systems. The user experience was intuitive, though voice recognition was less effective than competitors. The Macan offered stereo volume and tuning controls separate from the touchscreen, reducing the need for screen interaction while driving.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense, and various driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was optional, included in the Premium Package. Parking assistance features were available, including a surround-view camera and Park Assist. The Macan lacked advanced driving assistance tech compared to competitors, and no safety ratings were available from the NHTSA or IIHS.