Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Porsche Macan

The 2022 Porsche Macan retained much of its original design from its 2015 debut, despite undergoing several updates over the years. The latest model featured a refreshed exterior with larger standard wheels and a redesigned center console that incorporated haptic touch controls, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The Macan lineup included the base model, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the latter two benefiting from high-output powertrains. Our test vehicle, a Macan S, was equipped with nearly $20,000 in extras, including performance upgrades and aesthetic enhancements, resulting in an MSRP of $87,670. The Macan's exterior, with its Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuded a sporty and athletic vibe, while the interior, adorned with red leather and metallic accents, offered a luxurious and purposeful ambiance.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a more conservative approach to design, with minimal changes for the year. The top Platinum trim, priced at $54,718, featured AWD and an All-Weather Floor Liners package. The Highlander's exterior was characterized by exaggerated forms and a new Cypress Green paint option, while the interior was dominated by oversized elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs. Despite its bold design, the Highlander's interior quality was questionable, with flimsy materials and poorly executed storage solutions. However, it excelled in providing a quiet and comfortable ride, thanks to acoustic front window glass and a focus on noise reduction.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powerful engines, with the base model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan S, our test vehicle, was equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system, allowed the Macan S to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Macan's performance was further enhanced by features like Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, providing exceptional handling and stability on challenging roads. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan S offered a comfortable ride for everyday driving, with a fuel economy of 18.1 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, focused on fuel efficiency rather than performance. It combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. The Highlander Hybrid's AWD system included a third electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. While it offered decent acceleration in EV mode at low speeds, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid's towing capacity was rated at 3,500 pounds, but its performance in mountainous terrain was underwhelming, with brake fade eroding driver confidence. The SUV featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, but its soft suspension and CVT made for a less engaging driving experience. Despite its focus on fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid returned only 28.7 mpg on the evaluation loop, falling short of the EPA's 35 mpg estimate.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable and supportive driving experience, especially with the optional Premium Package's 14-way power-adjustable front seats. However, rear-seat space was limited, making it less suitable for taller passengers. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls provided a modern look but required drivers to divert their attention from the road. Cargo space was modest, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized family-friendly features, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. The Platinum trim included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. While the second-row seats were comfortable, the third-row was cramped and best suited for occasional use. The Highlander Hybrid offered ample cargo space, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. However, the interior's storage solutions were poorly executed, with unlined compartments and a complex center armrest design.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. While the user experience was generally intuitive, the voice recognition system was less reliable compared to competitors. The Macan offered stereo volume and tuning controls separate from the touchscreen, reducing the need for frequent interaction with the infotainment system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The larger 12.3-inch touchscreen in upper trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans, such as Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, enhanced the Highlander's tech offerings. The Drive Connect service plan provided advanced features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. Despite its comprehensive tech suite, the Highlander's graphics lacked contrast, making it difficult to read the screen in certain conditions.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included essential safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. While the Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems available in other Porsche models. The Macan had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Highlander Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking in higher trims. The ADAS performed well in most situations, though it struggled with certain road conditions. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.