2022 Porsche Macan vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Porsche introduced the Macan in 2015 as a smaller, more affordable SUV to boost its sales, positioned below the Cayenne. By 2022, the Macan had undergone several updates, including a styling refresh, larger standard wheels, and a new center console with haptic touch controls. Despite these changes, the Macan retained its original design essence. The 2022 Macan lineup included the base model, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the Macan S adopting the previous GTS model’s twin-turbo V6 engine. Our test vehicle, a Macan S, featured nearly $20,000 in extras, including performance upgrades and a striking Volcano Gray paint job with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels. The Macan’s design, with its sloping clamshell hood and athletic stance, communicated its performance-oriented mission.

Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring an ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel, a large tachometer, and a flat, wide dashboard. The test vehicle’s red leather, gloss black interior trim, and silver metallic accents created an upscale, sporty ambiance. The new center console, while adding haptic touch controls, increased usable storage space. However, the touch-sensing nature of the controls required drivers to look away from the road, and the glossy surface created glare during the day.

Volvo’s design evolution was evident in the 2023 XC90, a far cry from the boxy, utilitarian shapes of its predecessors. The XC90’s front end appeared stout and solid, with an assertive grille and modern “Thor’s Hammer” headlights. The overall design leaned toward rectilinear but was far from the toaster-like shapes of old Volvos. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, adding richness and depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90’s design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays and a clean, uncluttered look, though it lacked ample cubby space for smaller items.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, starting with 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 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Our Macan S test car featured a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, 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 a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The 2022 Macan’s steering and suspension were re-tuned for improved ride and handling, with larger 20-inch standard wheels and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive damping suspension. Our test vehicle also included Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB).

Driving the Macan S was exhilarating, with its twin-turbo V6 providing seemingly limitless power and the dual-clutch transmission delivering perfectly timed shifts. The PTV+ system enhanced cornering performance, while the PASM adaptive damping and upgraded brakes ensured unyielding grip and stability. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan S could also provide a comfortable and relaxing ride. Our test model’s fuel economy of 18.1 mpg was close to the official EPA rating of 19 mpg.

For the 2023 model year, Volvo replaced the older turbocharged 2.0-liter engines in the XC90 with new B5 and B6 engines, featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Our test car had the B6 powertrain, which combined a supercharger, turbo, and mild-hybrid tech to deliver 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The XC90’s eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the vehicle handled corners with less roll than expected for its size. The brakes provided a solid pedal feel, and road and wind noise were well-insulated.

The XC90’s mild-hybrid system powered a 13-volt starter generator, handling functions like climate control and ignition, making the auto stop-start technology almost imperceptible. The XC90’s driving experience was enjoyable but reserved, with limited customizable driving dynamics. During our test, the XC90 performed well in a New Hampshire snowstorm, though dedicated winter tires would have provided more confidence.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger, especially with the optional Premium Package’s 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were cramped, and taller passengers would struggle for legroom. The new steering wheels, modeled after the 911 sports car, felt a bit thin and uncomfortable after extended driving. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls looked advanced but required drivers to look away from the road, and the glossy surface created glare. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, though the minimalist design led to limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, with an option to delete the middle seat for captain’s chairs and six-passenger seating. However, removing the middle seat cost $500 and required upgrading to the B6 engine. The third row was difficult to access and offered limited space. With the third seat in position, the XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Porsche Communication Management (PCM), with wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. The system included touch-sensing virtual buttons and proximity sensing, making it intuitive for smartphone users. However, the voice recognition system was less accurate than those in BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, or Volvo. Fortunately, frequently adjusted features like stereo volume and climate control were separate from the touchscreen.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The natural-language recognition system worked well, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were filed within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons and redundant controls, making it challenging to adjust features like the heated steering wheel and driver’s seat position.

Every 2022 Porsche Macan came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera. Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were optional, with blind-spot monitoring included in our test vehicle’s Premium Package. The Macan’s safety technologies performed as expected, but it lacked advanced driving assistance tech. The Macan offered front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and an optional Park Assist system. However, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had published safety ratings for the Macan.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was well-regarded for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90’s advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which helped maintain distance and lane position. These safety features were standard on the 2023 XC90.