2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX, available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, along with a hybrid RX 450h model, maintained its modern and sporty design from the 2020 facelift. The RX 350 and F Sport seated five, while the L trim offered a three-row, 7-passenger configuration. Competing with the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X5, the RX stood out with its aggressive styling, characterized by razor-sharp character lines and angular features. The F Sport trim, in particular, added a performance-oriented aesthetic with 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the RX offered a luxurious cabin with various color combinations, though the F Sport trim added a sporty touch with specific badging and Scored Aluminum accents. Despite its high-quality materials, the center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport were less comfortable than expected.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, introduced as a smaller, more affordable SUV beneath the Cayenne, retained its original charm with regular updates. The 2022 model received a styling refresh, larger standard wheels, and a new center console with haptic touch controls. The Macan lineup included the base model, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the Macan S featuring a twin-turbo V6 engine. Our test vehicle, a Macan S, impressed with its Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuding a taut, athletic look. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsches, with a sporty and upscale cabin featuring red leather and metallic accents. The redesigned center console offered more storage space, though the touch controls required attention away from the road. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan provided a comfortable ride, with supportive front seats and a clean, technologically advanced interior.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined a V6 with electric motors for 308 hp. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an optional F Sport Handling package, but the driving experience remained largely unchanged between drive modes. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and isolated road noise. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of engines, with the base model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our Macan S test car had a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 delivering 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and AWD. The Macan S provided a thrilling driving experience, with precise handling and powerful acceleration. The PASM adaptive damping suspension and optional performance upgrades enhanced its dynamic capabilities. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan offered a comfortable ride, though the brakes required more pressure than expected. Fuel economy for the Macan S was close to the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models had a tighter fit, with limited cargo space behind the third row. The RX provided 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior featured thoughtful design elements, such as a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, though the rear seats did not fold completely flat.

The 2022 Porsche Macan provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats offering heating and ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers, but entry and exit were easy. The Macan's new steering wheel, modeled after the 911, felt thin and uncomfortable over long drives. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls offered a clean look but required attention away from the road. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The touchpad control was frustrating to use, though the system was responsive when the correct menu was selected. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. The user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less effective than competitors. The Macan provided stereo volume and tuning controls separate from the touchscreen, reducing the need for interaction while driving.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights but received four stars overall from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was optional, as was lane-keeping assist. The Macan offered parking assistance features, including a surround-view camera and Park Assist system. However, the Macan lacked more advanced driving assistance technologies, and no safety ratings were available from the NHTSA or IIHS.