2022 Porsche Macan vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo's SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. This crossover showcased a sophisticated design with short overhangs and a distinctive upright grille featuring Volvo's iron mark logo. The Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a unique Swedish touch. The XC60's exterior was marked by high-quality paint, chrome, and trim, complemented by stylish alloy wheels up to 22 inches. Inside, the XC60 offered a serene cabin with clean lines and authentic materials, embodying a Scandinavian aesthetic. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a notable feature, and the interior details, such as the elegant HVAC vents, contributed to its near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and athletic appearance, with a sloping clamshell hood, swollen haunches, and a rakish roofline. The Macan S test vehicle, adorned in Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exemplified Porsche's tradition of graceful aging. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring an ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel, a large tachometer, and a flat, wide dashboard. The cabin, with its red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents, exuded an upscale, sporty, and purposeful vibe. The redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls added a modern touch, although it required some adjustment for ease of use.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, resulting in a total output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further increased power to 415 hp. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and agile driving experience, making it an excellent choice for road trips. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the base and Macan T models, producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan S, equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, delivered 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. The Macan GTS inherited the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 from the previous Macan Turbo, offering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system. The Macan S excelled in handling, with features like Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes enhancing its performance. Fuel consumption for the Macan S was rated at 13.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system that excelled in winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, and the second row provided secure storage options. The XC60 boasted 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It was also capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, while sporty, offered comfort for the driver and front passenger with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls provided a modern look but required attention to operate. Cargo space measured 488 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a tablet-style touchpad interface. It offered smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality. The system's interface was intuitive for frequent iPad users, but it required a learning curve for others.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Porsche Communication Management (PCM), which included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. The standard 10-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a Bose or Burmester audio system. The user experience was generally intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable compared to competitors. The Macan's infotainment system offered easy access to frequently adjusted features, reducing the need for screen interaction while driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Macan's parking assistance features, such as a surround-view camera and Park Assist, were noteworthy. However, the Macan lacked advanced driving assistance technologies compared to some competitors. Safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the Macan.