2023 Porsche Macan T Sharpens Four-Cylinder SUV
This is the first application of Porsche’s T—for Touring—badge on a four-door model.
Porsche has expanded the Macan range, with the debut of the Macan T for the 2023 model year. Like other Porsches bearing the T badge—short for Touring, which is also its own badge on the 911 GT3—this new Macan slots in closer to the bottom of the lineup, bundling a host of popular options with the entry-level engine for a sharper, (relatively) lightweight experience.
The Macan’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder saw a slight increase in power as part of last year’s facelift. It now produces 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and continues to send that power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK). A rear-biased all-wheel drive system is standard. With the T-standard Sport Chrono Package, the latest member of the Macan family will spring to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.2 seconds. Same as the base Macan with SCP, unsurprisingly.
Porsche notes the four-pot slices 130 pounds (59 kilograms) off the front axle weight. We’re still talking about a 4,000-pound crossover, but that weight loss should translate to a sharper front-end than the V6-powered S and GTS. The Macan is still arguably the best-handling model in its class, too—only the Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes close.
SEE ALSO: 2022 Porsche Macan First Drive Review: Four of PlentyStandard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) drops the Macan T 0.6 inches (15 millimeters) closer to the ground. The traction control system has been modified for T duty, and buyers who spec the optional adaptive air suspension will find unique, stiffer anti-roll bars. Similarly, the optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus features unique tuning, too.
In addition to the big T on the tailgate, car spotters can pick this Macan out of the crowd with its gray mirrors, spoiler, and front bumper trim. It also features 20-inch Macan S split-five-spoke wheels, in a model-unique dark titanium finish. Inside, the T features unique striped Sport-Tex seats, heated and eight-way power-adjustable up front, complete with embossed Porsche crests. A heated GT steering wheel is standard, with silver stitching around its rim and throughout the cabin.
SEE ALSO: 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Still the Sporty SUV Summit
All in, the Macan T sticks to formula Porsche has found success with on the 718 and 911, bundling many of the most-wanted features with the lighter, modestly-powered base model. The German automaker hasn’t announced pricing yet, but we expect the T to land between the Macan ($56,250 / $60,000 CAD) and Macan S ($66,750 / $72,100 CAD), but closer to the latter. That’s the case with the 718. The 2023 Porsche Macan T order books will open this spring.
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Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
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I'm sure the driving experience will be great, but 4,000 pounds and 261hp just isn't very sporting in 2022. A base Acura MDX is 290hp and 4,200 pounds at a $48K MSRP, although AWD does add another 300 pounds and $2,000. But we all know how many Porsches sell at MSRP.