More than a few compact luxury SUVs are dull little things, but the Porsche Macan is one of only a handful that prove daring and exciting to drive. Despite its rather shed-like shape, the Macan embodies plenty of Porsche sports-car characteristics. The base Macan comes with a 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that generates a respectable amount of zip. Macan S gets a 375-hp twin-turbo V-6 that delivers a significant leap in performance, making it the second mightiest of the Macan line before deferring to the more furious 434-hp Macan GTS, which we review separately. The Macan's steering and ride make carving through challenging twisty roads as easy as slicing soft butter, thanks to a chassis designed for performance over cargo space. It's unmatched in terms of driving feel. So, while the boxier BMW X3 M will carry more luggage, the Macan carries more of what enthusiasts crave: pure driving soul. Its unmatched athleticism helped earn it a place on our 10Best Trucks and SUVs and Editors' Choice lists again this year.
