Lexus GX vs Porsche Macan

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, yet it remained nearly identical to the original model. The 2022 version featured a refreshed design, larger standard wheels, and a new center console with haptic touch controls, enhancing both its aesthetic and functional appeal. The Macan S test vehicle, priced at $87,670, showcased Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, maintaining Porsche's tradition of aging gracefully with a sporty and upscale interior.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, had a commanding presence. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with only 3,000 units available in three paint colors, including the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs. The interior, however, was marred by an abundance of plastic, reflecting its low sales and the need for cost-effective manufacturing. Yet, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of engines, starting with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS featured a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S, our test vehicle, inherited the previous GTS model's twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, delivering 375 hp and 383 lb-ft. It accelerated 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 AWD system. The Macan S also featured larger 20-inch wheels, PASM adaptive damping suspension, and optional PTV+ and PSCB for enhanced performance. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan S offered a comfortable ride and managed an as-tested fuel economy of 18.1 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but it remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger, especially with the optional 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were cramped, and the redesigned center console with haptic touch controls required looking away from the road. Cargo space was limited to 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, a deep center console bin, and conveniently placed cupholders. The decision to stick with hard buttons rather than haptic-touch interfaces was a practical choice. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat option. However, the third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and cargo space was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services. The user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable. The system included stereo volume and tuning controls below the screen, and the climate control system was separate from the touchscreen.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX excelled in off-road capability with a real 4WD system, KDSS, and the Off-Road Package, enhancing its performance in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Macan also offered a surround-view camera and Park Assist system. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance technologies available in the Cayenne. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS had published safety ratings for the Macan.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its 2010 engineering, included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. It lacked some top-end features but compensated with its robust off-road capabilities. Like the Macan, the GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.