2018 Porsche Macan Base

CARandDRIVER said...With the incredibly engaging Macan, Porsche proves that a crossover can drive like a sports car.

Its spellbinding performance and unflappable poise are primary reasons it has made two consecutive 10Best Trucks and SUVs lists.

Underneath its curvaceous shell are three available enginesa base 252-hp turbocharged inline-four and two twin-turbo V-6s making 340 horsepower in the S model and 360 in the GTS.

Every Macan is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Sure, some competitors are more affordable and practical, but they dont cast a spell on their drivers in the same way that Porsche does.

It truly sets the standard for what crossovers can be.

It is unquestionably more engaging and livelier than almost any other crossover on the road and many cars, for that matter.

Quickness is important in a crossover with sporting intentions, but we wouldnt be nearly as impressed with the Macan if it werent for its all-around competence on the road.

The ride is wonderfully smooth and carefully controlled, and it is rare for a jolt from the road to make its way up through the cabin.

Edmunds offeredIt starts with whats under the hood.

Five fast-revving and powerful engine options, from 252 horsepower all the way to 440 hp, give the Macan plenty of performance.

That is combined with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, a quick-shifting seven-speed transmission and a suspension that's calibrated more for a winding mountain road than for off-roading.

Equipped properly, though, the Macan performs respectably well once the road gives way to dirt or gravel.

Mix in a high-quality interior and an understated yet handsome exterior and you end up with a compact luxury crossover that is the sportiest in its class.

If you want a small crossover that's a lot like a sports car, the Macan is the way to go.

Notably, we picked the 2018 Porsche Macan as one of Edmunds Best Luxury SUVs for this year.