Porsche Macan vs Subaru Crosstrek

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting its Impreza hatchback into a crossover, capitalizing on the growing consumer preference for rugged looks, AWD, and elevated driving positions. The Crosstrek distinguished itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 22 centimetres of ground clearance. This transformation allowed the Crosstrek to mimic an SUV's character while maintaining the vibrant colour options Subaru was known for, such as the Plasma Yellow Pearl. Despite its SUV-like appearance, the Crosstrek retained the Subaru Global Platform, shared with models like the Legacy/Outback and Forester, ensuring a refined driving experience.

Inside, the Crosstrek's interior remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, offering functionality but lacking in visual flair. The Outdoor grade featured Plasma Yellow Pearl accents, which clashed with certain exterior colours, and the simulated carbon-fibre trim appeared cheap. However, the water-repellant upholstery was a practical addition for outdoor adventures. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but not as elevated as traditional SUVs, though visibility was enhanced by the large side glass and car-like front fascia.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, introduced as a smaller, more affordable SUV beneath the Cayenne, retained its original design ethos with subtle updates over the years. The 2022 model received a styling refresh, larger standard wheels, and a new centre console with haptic touch controls, enhancing storage space. The Macan lineup included the base model, Macan T, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the latter two benefiting from high-output powertrains. Our test vehicle, a Macan S, showcased a Volcano Gray exterior with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuding a taut, athletic look.

Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a left-side ignition switch, a large tachometer, and a flat dashboard. The red leather, gloss black trim, and silver accents created an upscale, sporty ambiance. The redesigned centre console, while technologically advanced, required drivers to look away from the road to use the touch controls, and the steering wheel, though inspired by the 911, felt less satisfying than competitors like the BMW X3 M Sport.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrains: a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims, and a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque for other trims. The boxer engine's lower profile contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, though the SUV-like ride height negated some benefits. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, but most buyers opted for the CVT, which was mandatory for the Sport and Limited trims. All trims featured standard AWD, with X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces and additional modes for the Outdoor trim. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek excelled on pavement, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride, though the higher centre of gravity resulted in noticeable body roll.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the base and Macan T models, delivering 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our Macan S test car boasted a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans had a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system. The 2022 Macan's steering and suspension were re-tuned for improved ride and handling, with larger standard wheels and PASM adaptive damping. The Macan S delivered exhilarating performance, with precise handling and powerful brakes, though the brake pedal required more pressure than expected. The Macan S's fuel consumption was 13.0 L/100 km, close to the official rating of 12.2 L/100 km.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 588 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded, competitive with other small crossovers in passenger space but not cargo space. The Crosstrek included a rear-seat reminder for CVT-equipped models, a handy cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports, and decent-sized bottle holders in the doors. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility was excellent due to the large side glass.

The 2022 Porsche Macan provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats offering heating and ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, but entry and exit were easy, and the seats were comfortable. The Macan's new steering wheel, inspired by the 911, felt thin and uncomfortable over long drives. The redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls offered more storage but required drivers to look away from the road. Cargo space was 488 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured Subaru's Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation standard on the Limited. The system included large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions, and EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Porsche Communication Management (PCM), featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, navigation, and connected services. The system included touch-sensing virtual buttons and proximity sensing, though the voice recognition system was less effective than competitors. The Macan offered stereo volume and tuning controls below the screen, with separate climate controls, minimizing the need for screen interaction while driving.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, with additional features on higher trims. The system's cameras were protected but limited in functionality under certain conditions.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Macan's parking assistance features were effective, but more advanced driving assistance tech was limited. The Macan lacked safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.