2022 Porsche Macan vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was characterized by a few distinguishing features, such as the grille opening and some chromed plastic elements, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with only a couple of more vibrant options like blue and red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials that became more upscale with higher trims. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were often seen as having more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained a sporty and elegant design, true to Porsche's tradition. Despite being a smaller SUV, it exuded an athletic look with its sloping clamshell hood and rakish roofline. The Macan's interior was equally impressive, drawing inspiration from other Porsche models with features like a left-side ignition switch and a centre console with haptic touch controls. The test vehicle's red leather and metallic accents added to its upscale and sporty appearance. While the Macan's design was more about performance than practicality, it still managed to offer a luxurious and visually appealing experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-speed thrills but rather for smooth and steady driving. It featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, with acceleration to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. This performance was adequate for daily driving, though not particularly exciting. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, but it lacked the engagement found in competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on most trims. The CR-V's suspension setup offered decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, on the other hand, was all about performance. The base Macan and Macan T featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 261 horsepower, while the Macan S boasted a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 with 375 horsepower. The Macan GTS took it further with 434 horsepower. The Macan S accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. The Macan's steering and suspension were re-tuned for improved handling, and the test vehicle's optional performance features made it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, its fuel consumption was higher, reflecting its sporty nature.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized practicality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It had over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and slightly more cargo space behind the second row. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V provided 1,065 litres of cargo capacity. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered different tailgate options, from manual to hands-free power operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its utility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, while sporty, still managed to provide comfort for its occupants. The test vehicle featured optional 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, though the rear seats were cramped for taller passengers. The Macan's new steering wheel design and centre console with haptic touch controls added a modern touch, but the console's touch-sensing nature required looking away from the road. Cargo space was limited compared to the CR-V, with 488 litres behind the back seat and 1,503 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had varying audio setups, while the Touring trim featured a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V EX-L and higher trims included Sirius XM and HD radio, with navigation available on the Touring and Black Edition trims. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports and a 12-volt outlet in the front console, and additional USB ports in the second row. The Touring trim also introduced a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with options to upgrade to a Bose or Burmester audio system. The PCM's user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable than competitors. The Macan's infotainment system was complemented by physical controls for frequently adjusted features, reducing the need to interact with the touchscreen while driving.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, it did not achieve the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in headlight evaluation and the updated side crash test. The CR-V's LATCH child safety seat anchoring system received an "Acceptable" rating. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, offering the Honda Sensing system as standard on all trims, which included features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The test vehicle included most of these technologies, which performed as expected. However, the Macan lacked more advanced driving assistance tech, except for parking features like a surround-view camera and Park Assist. The Macan had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.