Porsche Macan vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Porsche Macan retained much of its original design from its 2015 debut, despite undergoing several updates over the years. The model received a fresh styling update, larger standard wheels, and a new centre console with haptic touch controls, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. The Macan lineup in Canada included four models: the base Macan, 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, embodying Porsche's tradition of graceful aging with its athletic and performance-oriented design. Inside, the Macan featured a sporty and upscale cabin with red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents, drawing inspiration from other Porsche models.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a more conservative design, reminiscent of the popular RAV4 but on a larger scale. The Grand Highlander provided seating for up to eight and ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families. The interior emphasized functionality, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim, though some materials like glossy hard plastic detracted from its overall refinement. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had its quirks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Grand Highlander delivered a comfortable and spacious interior, suitable for long journeys.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, with the base Macan and Macan T featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 from the previous Macan Turbo, delivering 434 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Our Macan S test vehicle was equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, generating 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Macan's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and fully variable AWD system contributed to its dynamic performance, while the re-tuned steering and suspension enhanced ride and handling. The Macan S excelled on twisty roads, offering precise steering, unyielding grip, and impressive braking performance, though its fuel consumption was on the higher side at 13.0 L/100 km.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. The Hybrid Max powertrain provided satisfying acceleration, aided by two electric motors that eliminated turbo lag. While the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max offered a more powerful driving experience, it came with a fuel economy trade-off, rated at 8.8 L/100 km combined. During testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a balanced city and highway route. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max excelled in towing capacity, capable of hauling up to 2,268 kilograms. Its ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a modest point, with early tire scrub and squeal during spirited driving.

The 2022 Porsche Macan provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats offering heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls added a modern touch, though it required looking away from the road to operate. Cargo space was limited, with 488 litres available behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating in all three rows and over 2,700 litres of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The second-row captain’s chairs provided easy access to the third row, which was reasonably comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space was generous, with 586 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,761 litres with the second row folded down, making it ideal for family road trips.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services. The system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less responsive compared to competitors. Fortunately, stereo volume and tuning controls were separate from the touchscreen, allowing for easy access to frequently adjusted features.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, enhancing the overall user experience. The Platinum trim included additional features such as a colour head-up display, a camera-based digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard safety features such as lane-departure warning and a reversing camera. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, though it lacked more advanced driving assistance tech compared to some competitors. Parking assistance features, such as a surround-view camera and Park Assist, were available.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies. The system included lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Proactive Driving Assist, though the latter was found to be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating due to headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.