For those who relish their two-door 911 but need pragmatism with a growing family, a performance-oriented Crossover might be the grant-all-wishes option.
The latest model, originally born in 2015, is the Porsche Macan Crossover (Macan is Indonesian for “Tiger”). It is the brand’s overwhelming No. 1 seller, due to its affordability and everyday utility combined with that famous Porsche performance allure.
The 2025 Porsche Macan GTS tester (supplied by Park Place Porsche Dallas) is a noteworthy third of four upgrade options from the base model (Base, S, GTS and Turbo). The GTS (Grand Touring Sport) bases at $90,000, yet like all Porsches, you pay for options (the tester’s price rose $22,000. But who ever said buying a Porsche is practical? It’s the epitome of want over need. I can honestly say the Macan GTS is one crossover that morphs from comfort cruiser into an exhilarating sports car whenever your mood strikes.
A quick reminder that this is the Macan’s last gas-powered engine, as it goes full electric in 2026.
Let us count the ways this ride separates itself from the crowded SUV/Crossover segment. Seriously, who wouldn’t entertain a cargo sensibility mated with Porsche sportiness? I’m a huge fan.
Skin
The Macan GTS’ curvaceous body possesses some delicious Porsche DNA – especially with the brand’s fabulous four-point LED headlights and new brake light taillight strip. The wide hood is another welcome design characteristic. My tester looks sinister enough in Copper Ruby Metallic paint without screaming, “Look at me.”
Sightlines offer a fresh, appealing appearance from any angle, and the rear includes beefy quad chrome exhausts. Gloss black roof rails are a nice touch. Truth be told, it appears to be a babe magnet, as many a female complimented the Macan GTS’s lovely exterior.
The 21” RS Spyder Design dark mesh rims and staggered rubber look terrific, fill the wheel wells nicely and aren’t harsh at all when coupled with the optional air suspension.
Performance
Porsche is all about performance and handling, and the Macan GTS delivers – as it should. A seven-speed transmission is coupled with the spirited 2.9-liter V6 with 434hp/406lb.ft. torque delivering a 0-60 in 3.5 seconds! That’s plenty of firepower for nearly anyone’s liking. It feels quick with little turbo lag, providing the euphoric feedback one expects, including a worthy Sport Exhaust System to raise the goose bump level (you can turn it off when getting home late).
Capable All-wheel-drive is standard and is rear-wheel bias, but leans on the front in slippery conditions. You can also monitor the torque ratios on front and rear axles in the dash. Combined with the stellar suspension, the Macan handles like a dream. And, despite the sporting heritage, the Macan GTS cruises admirably on long drives. Win-win.
There are four driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual). Sport Mode tightens the steering, suspension and extends the gear shifting. To me, it’s when the Porsche genes really shine. Mileage is a decent 17/22 for such a rambunctious ride. I squeezed 21 mpg on the highway from a brand-new engine.
Braking is confident, and a handy Auto Hold feature allows you to lift off the brake during idling – a welcome benefit when stopping on a steep grade. The stellar Surface Coated brake rotors will stop you in superlative fashion; 70mph to zero in 140 feet.
Cabin
The Macan possesses Porsche’s unmistakably upscale, sporty interior. Fit, finish and materials are top-notch. Creature comforts abound in the cocoon, and the Black/Mohave Beige cowhide leather appointments add to the allure, including the dash. Attractive trim and a perfectly formed sport steering wheel (heated!) are excellent. I dig the three analog instrumentation displays … deliciously old-school, as well.
I’d opt for the Premium Package Plus ($4,750)) that includes heated front/rear seats, ventilated front seats (they cool quickly), Bose Surround Audio System, those terrific LED headlights and generous Panoramic Roof. The seat climate controls are conveniently on the console, thereby not needing to run through several maddening menus on the info screen.
For a Crossover, headroom is darn generous – even in the backseat – and plenty of elbowroom. Legroom is ample, too, with feet fitting comfortably underneath the front seats. Visibility is very good for this category. The rear-view mirror is smallish – as is the rear window – but ample side mirrors are excellent. However, I do wish the GTS offered Head Up display.
Instantly recognizable is Porsche’s customary left-hand ignition key (designed back in the day to simultaneously start the car with the left hand while shifting with the right).
The console is chock-full of handy buttons and larger 10.9” HD infotainment touchscreen with a welcome matte finish to inhibit fingerprints. I especially appreciated the volume and tuner knobs to find your favorite stations, and you can preset regardless of radio format.
Cargo room is good enough for full golf bags to fit diagonally, including the driver. Of course, more can go in with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down – enabling total cargo space of 53 cu.ft. The button for the power trunk lid is camouflaged in the rear window wiper hinge, thus no hatch latch is necessary. Plus, you can raise or lower the chassis by 10mm for easier loading or smashing the gas pedal.
Tech check
Tech toys are abundant with the usual safety features. Navigation is intuitive, and you can download popular apps like Spotify. Bluetooth transmission is crystal clear. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, but no Android capability.
A noteworthy standard feature is the Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance (PVTS) that provides real-time location of the car. Plus, if the thief attempts to steal your ride, there’s a corresponding Driver Card that won’t start the ignition and sends a silent alarm to the tech center.
The 2025 Porsche Macan GTS is what the driving enthusiast needs to contemplate when requiring useful storage with sublime sporty driving chops. This two-stepped upgraded model from the base gives the car enthusiast a welcome option to roar while delivering cargo-carrying practicality. If you’ve always yearned for a gas-powered Porsche, this is a great ride to investigate. Trust me.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: More than two with rear seats down
Curb Appeal: A practical Porsche!
0-60: 3.5 seconds
Mileage: 17/22. Observed 20 on the highway
Must-Haves: Premium Package Plus
Warranty: 4yr/50K miles + complimentary maintenance 1yr/10k miles
Base Price: $89,000
Price as Tested: $111,955
Who Buys It? Those desiring Porsche driving performance and cargo capability
Finish Line: A Crossover with impeccable fun and room for your stuff
Test-drive the 2025 Porsche Macan GTS at Park Place Porsche Dallas