2022 Porsche Macan

The 911 represents Porsche's undying commitment to sports cars, while the Taycan is the bold leap into the electrified future. But it's the automaker's SUV lineup that really keeps the lights on in Stuttgart. For every 911 that leaves the production line, Porsche sells two Macans. And make no mistake: The Macan is the enthusiast's SUV. We've enjoyed its quick acceleration and athletic response since the first versions hit public roads in 2015.

Now, for 2022, the Macan receives its second significant refresh with subtle styling tweaks and an increase in performance. Each 2022 Macan trim level is more powerful than last year's model. The base Macan's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine now makes 261 horsepower — up 13 hp — and the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 from last year's Macan S is gone, replaced by the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 that previously drove the next-level GTS. Boasting 375 hp, the 2022 Macan S gets a boost of 27 hp. At the top of the performance heap is the Macan GTS, which enjoys the uprated 2.9-liter V6 from last year's discontinued Macan Turbo with 434 hp.

The 2021 Macan was the last vehicle in Porsche's lineup to feature the waterfall-of-hard-buttons center console design. This year, the Macan adopts Porsche's newest design philosophy, which might be described as "waterfall of haptic buttons." While we don't generally prefer a haptic touch panel to actual buttons, Porsche now at least groups the controls in logical clusters. As a plus, you also won't have a sea of blank buttons if you don't check every option box, but piano black plastic is notoriously difficult to keep clean. Also on deck are a selection of new steering wheels taken from the 911 portfolio and a lower-profile transmission shifter.

Unfortunately, these welcome upgrades aren't free. While the base Macan is only slightly more expensive than last year's equivalent, the S and GTS have had a significant hike. Buying a Macan wasn't inexpensive to begin with, and it's even less so for 2022. Nor has Porsche done anything to address the Macan's stingy amounts of rear passenger and cargo space. But overall the Macan still stands as the enthusiast's best pick for a small luxury SUV.