2018 Porsche Macan
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, Turbo 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 252–400 hp
- Transmission
- 7-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 20 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 184.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,112–4,244 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Porsche Macan is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,112 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 25 highway), 5% worse than the 2018 small SUV average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Macan — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Macan →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Leipzig, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Macan configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 184.3 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 110.6 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 4,112 lb | 57/43 |
| Turbo 4dr SUV AWD | 184.3 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 110.6 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 4,244 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macan | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -5% | $3,750 | 399 |
| Macan S | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -18% | $4,350 | 459 |
| Macan GTS | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -18% | $4,350 | 461 |
| Macan Turbo | 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -18% | $4,350 | 467 |
| Macan Turbo Kit | 3.6L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -18% | $4,350 | 460 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Porsche Macan.
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Porsche Macan (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2018 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Audi Q5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Lexus GX | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (6)
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage · Jun 26, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V443000 · 37 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Macan S, 2017-2020 Macan, 2017 Panamera Turbo, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo and Panamera 4, 2018 Macan Sport Edition, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo vehicles. The screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly.
- Risk
- An improperly tightened seat belt anchor can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA9.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 30, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V656000 · 222,858 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 3, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V131000 · 39,547 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Macan, Macan Turbo Kits, Macan GTS, 2015-2018 Macan S, and Macan Turbo vehicles. The front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat may degrade and fail to detect a passenger in the front seat.
- Risk
- The air bag will not deploy during a crash if a front passenger is undetected, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor mat and seat cushion, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA2.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Feb 12, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V077000 · 70,117 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Macan vehicles. The fuel pump service cover may contact the flow nozzle on the filter flange of the fuel pump, potentially causing cracks and a fuel leak.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Porsche will rework or replace and apply a protective film to the fuel pump flange. in addition, the fuel pump flange will be inspected and replaced if cracks are present. The recall began April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ALA2.
Equipment · Nov 28, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V844000 · 142 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid Platinum Edition, Macan Turbo and Macan GTS vehicles, 2017-2018 Cayenne S, Macan, Cayenne Platinum Edition and Macan S vehicles and 2018 Cayenne vehicles equipped with the optional ski bag. The ski bag fastening strap may have been sewn with incorrect thread, possibly resulting in the strap seams tearing and the ski bag being unsecured in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- If the ski bag detaches during a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ski bags, free of charge. The recall began January 10, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ12.
Electrical System · May 16, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V318000 · 3 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 Porsche Macan S and Macan vehicles. These vehicles have a control unit that may fail and prevent safety-related functions such as driver display alerts and possibly impair drivability and post-crash functions.
- Risk
- Failure of the control unit may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ05.
Not every 2018 Porsche Macan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Porsche Macan buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Steering — 6 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 6 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Porsche Macan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Macan years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2024 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2023 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2022 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2021 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2020 Macan | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 28 |
| 2019 Macan | 21 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 21 |
| 2017 Macan | 22 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 7 | 71 |
| 2016 Macan | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 31 |
| 2015 Macan | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 7 | 36 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →