2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The updated front grille, which housed sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, contributed to a sleeker look. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the interior was generally subdued, the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, despite being nearly indistinguishable from its original 2015 model, received a styling refresh with larger standard wheels and a new center console featuring haptic touch controls. The Macan lineup included the base model, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the Macan Turbo's high-output powertrain now in the GTS. Our Macan S test vehicle, priced at $87,670, included nearly $20,000 in extras, such as performance upgrades and option packages. The Macan's design, with its sloping clamshell hood and rakish roofline, conveyed an athletic look. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsches, featuring a left-side ignition switch, a large tachometer, and a center console housing secondary controls. The cabin, with red leather and metallic accents, exuded an upscale, sporty feel.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 variant also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features included a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 4.9-second 0-60 mph time.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a base model with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Macan S, with a new twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, delivered 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, 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 AWD. The Macan S included larger 20-inch wheels and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for improved handling. The Macan S excelled in performance, offering a thrilling driving experience with precise steering and powerful brakes. Its fuel economy was 18.1 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered comfort for the driver and front passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats. 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 featured haptic touch controls, which required looking away from the road. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet, expandable to 53 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Android-specific features included Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play Store access. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones. The digital cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, navigation, and connected services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with optional Bose or Burmester upgrades. The user experience was intuitive, though voice recognition was less effective than competitors. The Macan provided easy access to frequently used features, reducing the need for screen interaction.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist was available as an option.

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. Parking features included front and rear sensors, a surround-view camera, and Park Assist. The Macan lacked advanced driving assistance tech compared to competitors.