2022 Porsche Macan vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Porsche Macan originated as a smaller, more affordable SUV slotting beneath the larger Cayenne. It retained a near-identical look to its inception model, despite periodic updates to its lineup and styling nuances. For 2022, Porsche enhanced the Macan with a freshened design, larger standard wheels, seven new wheel styles, and a reworked center console featuring haptic touch controls. The Macan S, equipped with Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exhibited a sleek and athletic appearance, reflecting Porsche’s intention of delivering optimal on-road performance. The interior also maintained a sporty and upscale feel with red leather, gloss black, and silver accents, drawing design cues from other iconic Porsche models.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler stuck to its roots, emanating rugged charm with its brick-like design. Offered in both two-door and four-door (Unlimited) variants, the Wrangler allowed for customizable exterior modifications, such as door removal or the addition of half doors. Notable features included the classic seven-slot grille, removable windshield, and a range of top options, emphasizing the vehicle’s off-road-ready persona. The tailgate also provided practical access to the cargo space, although the new Reign paint brought a touch of vibrancy to its rough-and-tumble image. Jeep introduced another new color, Earl, a unique gray with a hint of aquamarine, adding to the model's appeal.

The 2022 Porsche Macan presented a trio of powertrains. The base model offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The top-of-the-line Macan GTS adopted a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, generating 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our test vehicle, the Macan S, housed a new-to-it twin-turbo V6 engine producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. With the optional Sport Chrono Package and launch control, the Macan S could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Every Macan featured a seven-speed PDK automatic transmission and Porsche’s adaptive all-wheel-drive system for dynamic handling. Despite the significant power and precise steering, the Macan S offered a comfortable, controlled ride for non-aggressive driving, supplemented by Porsche Active Suspension Management and a Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, geared towards off-road prowess, offered various powertrains. Standard models came with a choice of a V6 engine delivering 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 was also available, presenting 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque. For those craving high performance, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 delivering a mighty 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds. Our test vehicle, the Rubicon 392, boasted full-time 4WD, Off-Road Plus mode, and an optional Xtreme Recon package, enhancing crawl ratios and off-road capabilities. However, its brakes and steering on-road performance were noted to be less than ideal, requiring cautious driving behavior to maintain control.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a sporty yet comfortably designed interior, particularly for the driver and front passenger. The test model featured optional 14-way adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, situated within the Premium Package. Despite the front comfort, rear seating remained cramped, especially for taller passengers behind similarly long-limbed drivers. The newly redesigned center console provided additional storage, albeit limited. With 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 53 cubic feet with seats folded, the Macan was practical within the compact luxury SUV category.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a rough-edged yet functional interior. While front seats were comfortable, rear seating in the four-door models was tight, with small rear doors complicating ingress and egress. The Wrangler’s dash, glove box, and center console lacked substantial small item storage, though front and rear USB ports and 12-volt outlets provided ample charging options. Cargo capacity was more generous, with 72.4 cubic feet of space available when the rear seats were folded down. The variety of removable top options—including an effortless Sky One-Touch power soft top—catered to open-air driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Porsche Macan integrated a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. The 10-speaker standard sound system could be upgraded to a Bose or Burmester premium setup. Despite intuitive smartphone-like operation, the PCM’s voice recognition lagged behind that of competitors, and Android users would find themselves unsupported. Nonetheless, physical controls for volume and climate ensured practical use without reliance on the touch interface.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s infotainment options started with a 7-inch Uconnect system, upgradeable to an 8.4-inch version. While initially appearing complex due to numerous icons, the setup proved user-friendly upon familiarization. Jeep’s off-road pages offered detailed information on various performance metrics, useful for enthusiasts. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. However, tech advances such as a digital key were absent, with over-the-air updates limited to the infotainment system only.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included a suite of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and a Park Assist system capable of semi-automated parking. Though essential safety functions worked effectively, the Macan lacked more advanced driver assistance technologies found in similarly priced vehicles. Notably, the Macan had not been rated by major safety organizations like NHTSA or IIHS.

Safety was not the 2023 Jeep Wrangler's strong suit. Standard features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were only standard on the highest Rubicon 392 model, otherwise available in optional packages, while lane-keeping assist was absent altogether. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from IIHS, with marginal scores in some crash categories and poor headlight ratings. NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover testing, but side crash ratings were unavailable.