Best Small Luxury SUV

The SUV market is a uber competitive segment where car makers spend billions of dollars trying to win over buyers. Right now, the hottest segment is the small luxury SUV. In my opinion, I think that the Porsche Macan stands out on top.

The Macan slots right under the big daddy Cayenne SUV that everyone loves. Think of it as a baby Cayenne. This Porsche is heavily influenced by its father-take for example the same sloping roof line and the extenuated front fascia. Porsche also gave the Macan a lower ride and a more elongated tail to connote a young, powerful feeling for buyers.

Well, the styling is clean, unique, and actually aggressive while others like Mercedes with their GLC and GLE SUVS can’t seem to get it right. The key, and Porsche clearly found this out, is to make the SUV as much as a performance sedan as possible.

Inside, there is no skimping out on materials. The finest Nappa leather and optional all-natural hides that are found in the $160,000 Cayenne Turbo S are available. Porsche treats all customers the same, regardless of their price point, and gave the Macan a simple, sporty interior. Don’t fear all of the buttons, Porsche did this so drivers won’t have to scroll through a thousand submenus on the infotainment screen to turn off the Taylor Swift.

Room inside is fantastic. However, this is a small SUV so don’t expect a ton of room in the trunk. The fold down seats and easy to load trunk can handle any amount of luggage, but don’t be trying to get a couple of mountain bikes in the back (try a Cayenne if you need to haul stuff).

Power is also a plus with the Macan. The base Macan gets a snappy, well-tuned 252 HP engine and the Turbo gets a face smashing 400 HP monstrosity of a V6. This fairly heavy SUV catapults four comfortably seated adults to 60 MPH in just 4.2 seconds! Mercedes and BMW got nothing on the Macan.

Since inception in late 2014, the Macan has been flying off the lots. The Macan accounted for 36% of Porsche’s sales in 2015 and was their best sellinag vehicle! People that weren’t considering Porsche because of price limitations (and have had to deal with dull, unpassionate Lexus SUVs for example) are now able to enhance their driving pleasure with a Porsche.

By the way, pricing is a little on the higher side. The standard Macan starts at $47,5000 and the top of the line Macan Turbo goes for $76,000. Yeah, and you’ll have to add in some options and by then the check you’ll be writing will be above $52,000. But hey, if you are considering a Lexus RX, BMW X3, or a Mercedes GLE/GLC, take a look at the Macan.