Toyota 4Runner vs Porsche Macan

The 2022 Porsche Macan, introduced as a smaller, more affordable SUV option beneath the Cayenne, retained much of its original design from its 2015 debut, despite several updates over the years. The 2022 model received a styling refresh, larger standard wheels, and a new centre console with haptic touch controls, enhancing both its aesthetic and functional appeal. The Macan lineup in Canada included the base model, Macan T, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the Macan S featuring a twin-turbo V6 engine. 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 drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a left-side ignition switch, a large tachometer, and a flat dashboard. The interior, adorned with red leather, gloss black trim, and silver accents, exuded an upscale, sporty vibe. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan offered comfort for the driver and front passenger, though rear-seat space was limited. The redesigned centre console provided more storage, but the touch-sensitive controls required attention away from the road. Cargo space was adequate, with 488 litres available behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 trim, added retro body stripes, a heritage grille, bronze wheels, and unique badges, celebrating its enduring appeal. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $51,050 to $66,220. Our test vehicle, the 40 ASE, featured no additional options and carried an MSRP of $54,380. The 4Runner's design harkened back to truck-based SUVs of the past, with a purposeful interior and easy-to-use controls, even with gloves on.

Inside, the 4Runner offered a unique driving experience with its power-down rear window, sunroof, and automatic windows, providing excellent ventilation. The seats were comfortable, though the 40 ASE featured SofTex artificial leather. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB ports, while the optional third-row seat was less comfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area, with a bumper that doubled as a seat, offered ample storage and a 120-volt AC power outlet. With the third-row seat, cargo space was limited to 254 litres, but without it, the 4Runner provided a generous 1,337 litres of cargo space.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of engines, 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 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our Macan S test vehicle was equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package and launch control. All Macans featured a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system.

The Macan S was praised for its fun driving experience, offering quick and responsive handling. The steering and suspension were re-tuned for improved ride and handling, with larger 20-inch wheels and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. Optional features like Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) enhanced performance. The Macan S excelled on twisty roads, with its twin-turbo V6 providing ample power and the dual-clutch transmission delivering precise shifts. The test model's 21-inch wheels and performance tires contributed to its unyielding grip and stability. Fuel consumption was close to the official rating, at 13.0 L/100 km.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Two 4WD systems were available, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD system. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 L/100 km, with our test vehicle averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner boasted 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and standard Active Traction Control, with additional off-roading technologies available depending on the trim.

The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The TRD Sport and Limited trims offered improved on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims focused on off-road capabilities. During testing, the 4Runner handled various terrains with ease, though it was primarily used for suburban errands. The 4Runner's powertrain maintained steady performance on inclines, but its handling on dry roads revealed limitations in tire grip and steering response. Despite its truck-like construction, the 4Runner was more suited for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats featuring heating and ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers, but entry and exit were easy. 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 provided a modern look but required attention away from the road. Storage space was limited, with 488 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The seats were comfortable, with the 40 ASE featuring SofTex artificial leather. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB ports, while the optional third-row seat was less comfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area offered ample storage, with a bumper that doubled as a seat and a 120-volt AC power outlet. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

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 standard 10-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a Bose or Burmester audio system. The user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable than competitors. The Macan lacked Android Auto, but stereo volume and climate controls were separate from the touchscreen, reducing the need for interaction while driving.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with available connected services. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions, and the voice recognition performed well, though it couldn't adjust cabin temperature. The 4Runner's interior, with its real knobs and buttons, was user-friendly, even with gloves on.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard 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 advanced driving assistance features. Parking assistance options included a surround-view camera and Park Assist, which could steer the vehicle into parking spaces. The Macan had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, though the lane-departure warning could be annoying. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. IIHS had not conducted a full set of tests on the 4Runner.