With the Macan, Porsche drills into lower-priced, smaller-sized SUV territory--in direct conflict with some of its corporate cousins and some established players.
The Audi Q5 is both of those things: it's near the end of its life cycle, but has lovely lines and a solid, quick-footed appeal that's sure to carry over to the new model coming in 2016.
BMW's X3 has grown into a more mid-sized proposition, but twin-turbo six-cylinder models are amazingly quick, and despite the size, the X3 feels nimble, even with all-wheel drive.
The Infiniti QX70 is the former FX, and its tortoise-like shape is entirely subverted by its effortlessly quick V-8, which is also unfortunately rather thirsty.
And though it's a size class larger than the Macan, the Mercedes M-Class is more of an all-around player, with a frugal diesel edition and a blazing ML63 AMG range-topper.
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 2015 Porsche MacanBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Audi Q5Browse Used Listings |  2014 BMW X3Browse Used Listings |  2014 INFINITI QX70Browse Used Listings |  2014 Mercedes-Benz M ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Porsche CayenneBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2015 Porsche Macan swings for the crossover fences, with Cayenne performance in a more tidy, somewhat more cost-effective package. |
The 2014 Audi Q5 gets quite serious about fuel economy with TDI power; it's still one of the most elegant, truly carlike luxury crossover SUVs. |
The 2014 BMW X3 is one of the sportiest-driving yet most fuel-efficient compact crossovers; and especially if you're not budget-limited you'll almost certainly be happy with its useful technology options and finely detailed cabin. |
The looks of a coupe, the performance of a sport sedan, and the cabin and features of a true luxury car are all here in the 2014 Infiniti QX70. Provided you don't expect a lot of outdoorsy ability, cargo space, or a roomy back seat, it'll leave you charmed. |
For active families who need to tow a boat or occasionally head off-pavement–but don't need a third row–the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML is an excellence vehicle choice. |
Yes, Porsche does make a family car, and this is it; the 2014 Cayenne runs the gamut from sporty errand mule to track-worthy sports SUV, with some interesting green options in between. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $49,900 | $37,300 | $39,800 | $45,850 | $47,790 | $49,600 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 17 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Premium Unleaded V-6 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | N/A |
| Style Name | |||||
| AWD 4-Door S | quattro 4-Door 2.0T Premium | AWD 4-Door xDrive28i | RWD 4-Door | RWD 4-Door ML 350 | AWD 4-Door Manual |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility | quattro Sport Utility | Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2015 Porsche Macan vs. 2014 Audi Q5 | 2015 Porsche Macan vs. 2014 BMW X3 | 2015 Porsche Macan vs. 2014 INFINITI QX70 | 2015 Porsche Macan vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz M Class | 2015 Porsche Macan vs. 2014 Porsche Cayenne | |
