Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Porsche Macan

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, the new Macan T, the Macan S, and the 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 sporty and upscale appearance. Inside, the Macan featured a driver-focused cabin with red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents, maintaining Porsche's tradition of combining luxury with performance.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The Highlander Hybrid's design was characterized by exaggerated forms, including scowling headlights and flared rear fenders, which some found visually overwhelming. Inside, the cabin featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and oversized climate control knobs, contributing to a bold but somewhat cluttered interior. Despite its visual shortcomings, the Highlander Hybrid prioritized practicality, offering a spacious interior with three-zone automatic climate control and heated seats. However, the quality of materials and fit and finish left much to be desired, with some components feeling inexpensive and poorly assembled.

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 performance was further enhanced by a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and optional performance upgrades, providing a thrilling driving experience with precise handling and strong braking performance.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. The hybrid system provided standard all-wheel drive and allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power, and the vehicle's brakes showed signs of fading during mountain driving. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, but its soft suspension and continuously variable transmission resulted in a less engaging driving experience. Despite its lack of excitement, the Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency, although it fell short of its official rating, averaging 8.2 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Porsche Macan provided a comfortable experience for front-seat occupants, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats offering heating and ventilation. However, rear-seat space was limited, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned centre console featured haptic touch controls, which, while modern, required drivers to look away from the road to operate. Cargo space was modest, with 488 litres available behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized practicality, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. The interior featured standard three-zone automatic climate control and heated seats, with additional amenities like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats in higher trims. While the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, the third-row seats were best suited for occasional use. The Highlander Hybrid offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,387 litres with the second and third rows folded. However, some storage areas were poorly designed, and the optional all-weather cargo mat compromised utility.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. While the system was generally intuitive, the voice recognition system was less reliable compared to competitors. The Macan offered a choice of audio systems, including a Bose premium surround-sound system and a high-end Burmester audio system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system supported over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Highlander Hybrid also offered connected services, including Remote Connect and Drive Connect, which provided cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant voice recognition system. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which delivered decent sound quality.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. While these systems performed as expected, the Macan lacked more advanced driving assistance technologies. Parking assistance features, such as a surround-view camera and Park Assist, were available.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features like parking sensors and a surround-view camera in higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.