Honda Pilot vs Porsche Macan

Porsche introduced the Macan back in 2015, aiming to attract buyers with a smaller and more affordable SUV option beneath the Cayenne. Over the years, the Macan’s design remained largely unchanged, offering subtle updates in the model lineup, styling, wheel designs, and paint colors. The 2022 Macan received a notable refresh, boasting larger standard wheels and seven new designs along with updated interior enhancements like a new center console featuring haptic touch controls and increased storage space. The Macan was available in three trims: base model, S, and GTS, with the Macan Turbo removed from the lineup but its high-output powertrain now part of the GTS.

Priced at $87,670 with the $1,450 destination charge, the Macan S test vehicle included nearly $20,000 in extra equipment such as upgraded paint and wheels, four option packages, and various performance enhancements. Sporting a Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, the Macan S exuded a taut and athletic mission-oriented appearance with its sloping clamshell hood, swollen haunches, and rakish roofline. The interior echoed Porsche's signature sporty luxury with a distinct ignition switch to the left, a centrally placed tachometer, and layered textures of red leather, gloss black, and silver metallic accents.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a comprehensive redesign, emerging with a more rugged and substantial look. Its upright grille and boxy contour didn't just make it look bigger but were also a testament to the increased dimensions - 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes were particularly fitting for the Pilot’s all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, featuring a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates.

Inside, the 2023 Pilot adopted a more conventional yet functional aesthetic, which enthusiasts preferred over the previous generation. The interior styling improved in terms of materials quality, providing a more versatile and functional space to match contemporary rivals. Overall, the Honda Pilot presented itself as a tidy, utilitarian SUV with an emphasis on functionality without forsaking attraction.

The 2022 Porsche Macan lineup started with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, improving upon the 2021 model by 13 hp and 22 lb-ft. The Macan GTS was powered by the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the old Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our Macan S test vehicle featured a new (to it) twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine from the previous year's GTS, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, propelling it to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package and launch control engaged.

Porsche's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and variable all-wheel-drive (AWD) system were standard across all Macan models, designed to send more power to the rear wheels. The 2022 Macan also received re-tuned steering and suspension for improved ride and handling. The Macan S rode on 20-inch wheels and included Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), with our test car further upgraded with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB).

The driving experience was thrilling, with the twin-turbo V6 delivering continuous power and the dual-clutch transmission providing rapid shifts. On twisty roads, it demonstrated precision and confidence, thanks to responsive steering, adaptive damping, and performance tires. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan S offered comfortable and relaxed rides after a hectic day. Our test model averaged 18.1 mpg, nearing the EPA's 19 mpg rating.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Pilot introduced a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It came paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) standard on most models and all-wheel drive (AWD) available across all trims. AWD was standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims.

The Pilot’s acceleration was quick with minimal delay, providing sufficient yet unremarkable power. The brake pedal felt soft, allowing smooth stops suitable for a family SUV. The Pilot handled well for a three-row SUV, exhibiting minor body roll during turns but maintaining comfort for conservative driving. Its steering was light, perfect for tight maneuvers, but somewhat vague on the highway.

The off-road-capable Pilot TrailSport offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, adding a subtle vibration on pavement but delivering off-road proficiency. Despite its moderate off-road abilities, the Pilot retained commendable on-road comfort and composure, making it a versatile choice for family duties and outdoor adventures.

The Porsche Macan, despite its sporty disposition, offered considerable comfort for the driver and front passenger. Our test Macan S featured the Premium Package with 14-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats. For those seeking spirited driving, the optional Adaptive Sports Seats Plus provided even better support. However, the rear seats were cramped, particularly for taller passengers behind a tall driver, though ingress and egress were straightforward, and the seats themselves were supportive.

For 2022, the Macan introduced steering wheels modeled after the 911 sports car, though the design felt a bit thin and uncomfortable over extended drives. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls looked advanced but was less practical due to the need to look away while operating it, besides causing glare issues. Storage space in the Macan was limited, but enough for essentials. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seats, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded.

On the other hand, the 2023 Honda Pilot featured a more traditional interior, diverging from Honda's recent mesh-trim designs. The cabin design was practical and featured a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The basic LX and Sport trims came with a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims offered a nine-inch display. The Elite trim’s touchscreen felt small, but it was adequate for its purpose.

The front row benefited from logically placed primary controls and ample storage, including a large shelf for two phones and a center console bin capable of holding a full-sized tablet. Clever storage solutions extended to the front doors and the all-important stowable second-row center seat. This feature allowed easy access to the third row, a boon for families, and could be stored under the cargo floor when not needed.

The second row provided ample space for adults over six feet tall, while the third row was less spacious but manageable for shorter trips. The Pilot’s cargo space was impressive, offering 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row folded, and maxed out at 114.3 cubic feet—surpassing the Kia Telluride by roughly 30 percent.

Porsche’s 2022 Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, called Porsche Communication Management (PCM). This included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services like WiFi hotspot access. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with options to upgrade to Bose or Burmester audio systems.

The PCM featured intuitive controls with proximity sensing, though some icons could be confusing. The voice recognition system was less reliable compared to rivals like BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, making it more functional to use Apple CarPlay. Standard volume and tuning controls below the screen and a separate climate control system minimized the need to interact frequently with the touchscreen.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, particularly in the EX-L trim and above, boasted a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and USB ports across all rows. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, while the top Elite trim added a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel.

The infotainment system was responsive with a logical layout, though the graphics were dated. Features like Honda's CabinTalk worked as an internal PA system, and the Touring and Elite trims offered navigation, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring via a smartphone app, and Wi-Fi hotspot. The TrailSport and Elite trims also included the TrailWatch camera system for enhanced off-road awareness.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring (present in our test vehicle's Premium Package) and lane-keeping assist. Parking aids included standard front and rear sensors, with optional upgrades like a surround-view camera and Park Assist.

While the Macan's safety technologies performed reliably, it lacked more advanced features found in some competitors. For a more technology-forward option, Porsche suggested the Cayenne with Porsche InnoDrive. Notably, neither NHTSA nor IIHS provided safety ratings for the Macan.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had yet to be rated by NHTSA, but Honda expected top scores, and it received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor.

Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and front and rear parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features were effective, with no false alarms and smooth operation of adaptive cruise control. For off-roading, some proximity warnings and low-speed braking features could be disabled to prevent unnecessary alerts.