The 2022 Audi Q5 is one of the most popular Audi SUVs for a reason. It offers a perfect balance between space and size while it also offers everything you’d expect from an Audi. The range-topping Q7 and Q8 SUVs are a lot more expensive and are huge while the Q3 is not as high-quality while also being cramped on the inside.
The Porsche Macan is based on the same platform as the Q5, but the Macan is 100% a true Porsche because it is the most dynamic and fun-to-drive compact luxury SUV on the market, bar the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, of course.
The Q5 feels a lot more senior-friendly because it is tailored towards comfort, ease of use, and practicality while the Macan feels a lot more youthful, more exciting, and more engaging to drive. It’s safe to say that both of these compact luxury SUVs are amazing, but the Macan seems to offer a lot more.
This comes as no surprise because the Macan starts about $10,000 more, but the price difference can indeed be justified for those who are looking for a compact and dynamic SUV that can do both winding roads and school runs while retaining much better value after a few years of use.
2022 Audi Q5 – The best Audi family SUV
The 2022 Audi Q5 starts at $43,300 for the 45 TFSI, $54,600 for the hybrid 55 TFSI e, and $63,300 for the SQ5. The base model 45 TFSI gets a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 245 while the 55 TFSI e gets that very same engine but in addition with an electric engine that offers a combined 362hp.
The range-topping SQ5 gets a lovely supercharged V6 with 350hp which is able to propel the SQ5 from 0-60mph in about 5 seconds. The 55 TFSI e does offer more power on paper, but the SQ5 beats the 55 TFSI e 0-60mph for about 0.3 seconds.
All Q5 models come with Audi’s legendary Quattro AWD and the Audi trusty S-Tronic gearbox. Design-wise, the Q5 looks subdued, classy, and high-end. S-Line package-equipped models look a bit more sporty and exciting, but nowhere near as exciting as the Macan.
The Q5 feels comfortable to drive because it does not enjoy being driven in an aggressive manner. The Q5 also offers a bit more space than the Macan.
2022 Porsche Macan – The most dynamic compact luxury SUV
The Porsche Macan starts at $54,950 for the entry-level 2.0L 4-cylinder model with 261hp. The Macan S starts at $65,400 and it comes with a twin-turbo V6, 375, and Porsches amazing PDK gearbox. The Macan GTS costs $79,900 and it also comes with the same engine, but the power is bumped to 434hp.
Porsche has not yet released the 2022 Turbo Macan, but it is safe to say that the Macan Turbo is going to cost more than $80,000 and is likely going to offer at least 450hp. All Macan models also come with AWD and the Porsche PDK gearbox is one of the best DCT transmissions on the planet and the 0-60mph times are faster than the SQ5 for all models except the entry-level Macan.
The Macan looks and feels a lot more exciting because it is made for a more performance-oriented driver. Interior-wise, the Macan feels higher quality while the design is nice, it is not as tech-savvy as the one in the Q5. The Macan does not yet come with a fully digital instrument cluster.
All in all, the Macan feels a lot more dynamic and fun to drive while also being as comfortable as the Q5. The Macan is not as spacious nor family friendly as the Q5 because the Q5 priorititzes these factors.
Conclusion – The Macan is a better car
The Audi Q5 is a lovely car to travel in and hardly anyone can disagree. However, the Macan simply feels more engaging, more special while it also offers higher quality materials, a more premium badge, and a better-looking exterior design.
The Macan is available with 400hp+ engines that are tuned for performance driving while the range-topping SQ5 is not really all that dynamic nor exciting. The Q5 is a better family SUV because it feels quieter at higher speeds, especially when compared to Macan models with larger rims.
The Q5 is also more spacious and more efficient which leads us to suggest that you should buy the Q5 if you want an all-around do-everything well type of family SUV. However, the Macan feels like a more premium product, it has more character, is a lot more desirable while also holding its value a lot better.
FAQ Section
Is the Audi Q5 more efficient than the Porsche Macan?
The Audi Q5 is indeed more efficient than the Macan across the board, both because it offers more economical engines and because it is available with a hybrid powertrain. You are not able to buy a hybrid Macan and it seems like Porsche is planning on discontinuing ICE Macan models for a complete EV replacement.
For a spot of context, the entry-level Macan is rated for 21MPG while the entry-level Q5 is rated at 25MPG. These differences may not be as exaggerated, but they tend to become progressively larger with more expensive models.
Is the Porsche Macan more desirable than the Q5?
The Porsche Macan is indeed a lot more desirable than the Q5 as it is likely the most desirable compact luxury SUV in existence. This is because the Macan offers a more premium badge and it feels a lot more special to drive.
Younger customers appreciate cars like the Macan a lot more and that is why the Macan seems to gather a lot more interest than the Q5. Furthermore, people who buy Q5s tend to keep them for longer compared to those who buy the Macan.
Does the Porsche Macan hold better value than the Audi Q5?
As mentioned, the Porsche Macan is a fair bit more expensive when compared to the Q5, but, the Q5 tends to lose value a lot quicker than the Macan. This means that the Macan should be able to retain its value better which can ultimately lead to a cheaper ownership experience after a few of use.
The Macan is a true value champ when it comes to value retention even though it does cost a lot more from the get-go.