2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

Porsche introduced the Macan in 2015, aiming to expand its market with a smaller, more affordable SUV positioned below the Cayenne. By 2022, the Macan had undergone several updates, yet it remained largely true to its original design. The 2022 model featured a refreshed exterior, larger standard wheels, and a new center console with haptic touch controls, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. The Macan lineup included the base model, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the latter two benefiting from high-output powertrains previously found in higher trims.

Our test vehicle, a Macan S, came with an MSRP of $87,670, including nearly $20,000 in extras such as premium paint, wheels, and performance upgrades. The Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels gave it a striking appearance. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a left-side ignition switch, a large tachometer, and a flat, wide dashboard. The red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents added to its upscale, sporty ambiance.

When shopping for a new Jeep Wrangler, buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Engine options included a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid powertrain. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and multiple 4WD systems were available depending on the trim level.

Our test vehicle was the new High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim. It featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The standout feature was the Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. The High Tide model also came with a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD. The MSRP for our test vehicle was $58,845, including a $1,595 destination charge.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the old Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our Macan S test car came with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package and launch control.

All Macans had a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system. The 2022 Macan featured re-tuned steering and suspension for improved ride and handling. Our test vehicle also included optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB). The Macan S offered a thrilling driving experience, with responsive steering, unyielding grip, and excellent stability. However, the brake pedal required more pressure than expected to initiate a stop. The as-tested fuel economy was 18.1 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option. Our test vehicle also had the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but our test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg over a week of driving.

Driving a Wrangler was a unique experience, characterized by loud cabin noise, vague steering, a rough ride, and touchy brakes. However, these traits were part of the Wrangler's charm, offering an immersive and adventurous driving experience. The Wrangler excelled in off-road conditions, providing a sense of freedom and excitement. However, it required frequent stops at gas stations and lacked the refinement of more modern SUVs.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger. Our Macan S test vehicle had the optional Premium Package with 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned center console featured haptic touch controls, which looked advanced but required the driver to look away from the road to use. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Getting into and out of the Jeep Wrangler High Tide was challenging, especially with its raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent re-adjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery felt durable. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with options to upgrade to a Bose or Burmester audio system. The user experience was generally intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable than those in some competitors.

The Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it lacked the optional Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, it provided all the necessary features. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera. Blind-spot monitoring was optional and included in our test vehicle's Premium Package. The Macan also offered optional Park Assist and a surround-view camera. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance technologies found in some competitors. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published safety ratings for the Macan.

Our Jeep Wrangler High Tide included both the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings in IIHS crash tests. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler's safety ratings were below average for a modern SUV.