Compare the2022 Porsche MacanVS 2022 Audi A6 Allroad

Both the Macan and the A6 Allroad have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Macan third among compact premium suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The A6 Allroad isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche 15th in initial quality. With 77 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche second in reliability, above the industry average. With 41 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 5 places higher in reliability than Audi.

The Macan S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 40 more horsepower (375 vs. 335) and 14 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 369) than the A6 Allroad’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid. The Macan GTS’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 99 more horsepower (434 vs. 335) and 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 369) than the A6 Allroad’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid.

For better stopping power the Macan GTS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the A6 Allroad:

The Macan stops shorter than the A6 Allroad:

For better traction, the Macan’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A6 Allroad (F:265/40R21 & R:295/35R21 vs. 245/45R20).

The Macan’s optional 265/40R21 front and 295/35R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the A6 Allroad’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Macan offers optional 21-inch wheels. The A6 Allroad’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Macan S handles at .93 G’s, while the A6 Allroad Prestige pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the Macan has a 1.8 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the A6 Allroad Premium Plus (7.9 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the Macan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Macan’s minimum ground clearance is 1.6 inches higher than on the A6 Allroad Prestige (8.9 vs. 7.3 inches).

The Porsche Macan may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 100 to 350 pounds less than the Audi A6 Allroad.

The Macan is 8.8 inches shorter than the A6 Allroad, making the Macan easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Macan uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The A6 Allroad doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Standard Trailer Stability Management on the Macan uses the Porsche Stability Management sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The A6 Allroad doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Porsche first in service department satisfaction. With a 37% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Macan has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The A6 Allroad doesn’t offer cornering lights. The Macan also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Insurance will cost less for the Macan owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Macan will cost $4365 less than the A6 Allroad over a five-year period.

The Macan will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Macan will retain 57.65% to 61.86% of its original price after five years, while the A6 Allroad only retains 40.09% to 40.58%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Porsche Macan will be $3661 to $26578 less than for the Audi A6 Allroad.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Porsche Macan and the Audi A6 Allroad, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Macan was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2 of the last 3 years. The A6 Allroad has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The Porsche Macan outsold the Audi A6/S6/RS 6 by almost two to one during the 2021 model year.