2022 Porsche Macan vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite the lack of significant updates for the 2021 model, the GX continued to feature the prominent spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights introduced in previous years. The SUV's design was coherent, with a tough look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior feel was somewhat dated.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan showcased a more refined and sporty appearance, with a styling refresh that included larger standard wheels and a new center console with haptic touch controls. The Macan S test vehicle, adorned in Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuded a taut, athletic look. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a flat and wide dashboard, a large tachometer, and a center console housing most secondary controls. The red leather, gloss black interior trim, and silver metallic accents contributed to an upscale, sporty, and purposeful cabin ambiance.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids for off-road conditions. It also boasted a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a more dynamic driving experience, with the Macan S model featuring a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, allowed the Macan S to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Macan's steering and suspension were re-tuned for improved ride and handling, and the test vehicle included optional performance upgrades such as Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes. The Macan S provided a thrilling driving experience, with precise handling and impressive stability on winding roads.

The interior of the 2021 Lexus GX reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While the dashboard shape and boxy profile offered excellent outward visibility, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX featured three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, despite its sporty nature, provided comfort for the driver and front-seat passenger, especially with the optional 14-way power-adjustable front seats. However, rear-seat space was cramped, particularly for taller passengers. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls offered a modern look but required the driver to look 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 seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, though analog controls were available for most functions. The GX did offer Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, along with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system as an option.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). This system included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services. While the user experience was generally intuitive, the voice recognition system was less reliable compared to competitors. Fortunately, Porsche provided physical controls for frequently adjusted features, reducing the need to interact with the touchscreen while driving.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published crash-test ratings for the GX.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning as standard. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Macan also offered advanced parking assistance features, such as a surround-view camera and Park Assist system. Like the GX, the Macan had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.