Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Porsche Macan

The 2022 Porsche Macan retained much of its original 2015 model year styling. Despite periodic updates, the Macan of 2022 appeared almost indistinguishable from its first iteration. The facelift brought with it larger standard wheels, an updated center console with haptic touch controls, and increased storage space. The three-model lineup included the base Macan, the Macan S, and the Macan GTS. The Macan Turbo was phased out, with its high-output powertrain now featured in the GTS. Our evaluation unit, a Macan S priced at $87,670, included nearly $20,000 in extras from paint and wheels to performance enhancements.

The Macan S dazzled in Volcano Gray paint and sported 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels. The sloping clamshell hood, prominent haunches, and sleek roofline conveyed a dynamic and athletic appearance, prioritizing on-road prowess over off-road capability. Inside, the Macan drew heavily from Porsche’s sports car lineage, featuring a driver-centric layout with ignition to the left of the steering wheel, a prominent tachometer, and a flat, wide dashboard. The red leather interior with gloss black and silver metallic accents delivered an upscale, sporty ambiance.

By contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, first redesigned in 2019, shed its previous softer look for a more robust and boxy design. The trapezoidal grille borrowed from Toyota’s truck line gave the RAV4 a tougher demeanor, which was reinforced by angular bodywork framing the headlights. Although initially a standout, the RAV4’s styling was now common, as seen in competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.

Inside, the RAV4 continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and beveled cutouts. The layout was typical for its class, featuring an infotainment screen atop the dash and readily accessible physical buttons. Material quality was average, with hard plastics and lightly padded surfaces. Lower-end trims, including the base and Woodland, featured a basic urethane steering wheel and center armrest, which felt subpar. Higher trims offered leather-wrapped steering wheels, and overall build quality was solid without any noticeable squeaks or rattles.

The 2022 Porsche Macan lineup offered varied performance options. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the 2021 model. The Macan GTS inherited a potent 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the discontinued Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S, our test model, came with last year’s GTS engine, tuned to 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Porsche claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds for the Macan S with the optional Sport Chrono Package and launch control engaged.

All Macans were equipped with Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that primarily directed power to the rear wheels. For 2022, Porsche re-tuned the Macan’s steering and suspension for optimized ride and handling. The Macan S came standard with 20-inch wheels and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), with our test model featuring Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB).

The driving experience of the Macan S blended comfort and performance. It provided a smooth ride for daily commutes but transformed into a highly capable sports SUV on demanding roads. The responsive steering, adaptive suspension, and robust V6 engine made for exhilarating drives on twisty paths. Despite robust performance tires and 21-inch wheels, the Macan S maintained excellent grip and stability.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor-generator, delivered 219 horsepower. This hybrid system, working with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an additional electric motor for rear-wheel drive, accelerated the RAV4 Hybrid to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. This performance surpassed the standard RAV4 and nearly matched the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid in acceleration.

The RAV4 Hybrid featured regenerative braking, which helped recharge the battery during deceleration. The transition between regenerative and physical braking was seamless. The suspension provided a balanced ride, smoothing out bumps while offering competent cornering. Although not sporty, the RAV4 Hybrid’s driving dynamics were calm and composed.

The 2022 Porsche Macan excelled in front seat comfort, offering optional 14-way power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation as part of its Premium Package. Adaptive Sports Seats Plus were available for an enhanced driving experience. The rear seats, however, were quite cramped, especially for taller passengers. Despite the limitation, the rear seats were accessible and reasonably comfortable. The redesigned center console with touch controls looked modern but required attention away from the road to operate.

In terms of cargo space, the Macan provided 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The storage space was sufficient for typical cargo, but larger items required removing the cargo cover.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample front seat room and comfortable rear accommodations for average-sized adults. While rear headroom slightly surpassed competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, legroom was slightly less but generally negligible in practice. Rear-facing infant seats might necessitate moving the front seats forward. The rear seat cushions were low, potentially causing discomfort for taller passengers on long trips.

Cargo capacity in the RAV4 Hybrid was impressive, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, nearly matching the non-hybrid RAV4 and trailing competitors only marginally. The rear seatbacks folded flat for increased cargo space, but reaching them could be challenging for shorter individuals. Notably, the RAV4 Hybrid excelled in interior storage with a dashboard shelf, phone tray, and large cupholders alongside a spacious center armrest bin.

For 2022, the Porsche Macan came equipped with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system, featuring a 10.9-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, navigation, and connected services, with a 10-speaker sound system as standard. Touch-sensing virtual buttons and proximity sensing enhanced user interaction, though voice recognition was average compared to competitors like BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

The PCM setup was generally user-friendly, with tactile controls for essential functions like volume and climate settings, reducing the need for frequent screen interaction.

In 2023, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new and vastly improved infotainment system. The high-definition graphics and logical menu arrangement were significant upgrades. Standard models got an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims boasted a 10.5-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the wireless charging pad remained optional amidst supply issues.

Notably, the new system supported over-the-air updates and included Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The top trim models upgraded to a fully digital instrument panel, with a standard six-speaker audio system that could be upgraded to an 11-speaker JBL system in the Limited trim.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came standard with essential safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, with optional blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. Our test vehicle included blind-spot monitoring via the Premium Package. Standard parking aids featured front and rear sensors, with additional options for a surround-view camera and Park Assist.

While these standard and optional features performed reliably, the Macan lacked more advanced driver assistance technology available in other models, like the Porsche Cayenne.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was lauded for its safety, earning five stars from NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it with a Top Safety Pick honor. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, boasting automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. The XLE trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, while the Limited trim featured parking sensors with automatic braking. Optional upgrades included a surround-view camera and digital rearview mirror.

Throughout our testing, these safety systems operated without false alarms, and the adaptive cruise control impressed with smooth operation.