Compare the2023 Porsche MacanVS 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Porsche Macan has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the Macan and the Q5 Sportback have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front 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’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 39 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Porsche higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

The Macan’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 273) than the Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Macan S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 114 more horsepower (375 vs. 261) and 110 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 273) than the Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Macan GTS’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 173 more horsepower (434 vs. 261) and 132 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 273) than the Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

For better stopping power the Macan’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Q5 Sportback:

For better traction, the Macan’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Q5 Sportback (F:265/40R21 & R:295/35R21 vs. 255/45R20).

The Macan’s standard 255/50R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q5 Sportback’s standard 55 series tires. The Macan’s optional 295/35R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Q5 Sportback Premium Plus/Prestige’s optional 40 series tires.

The Macan offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Q5 Sportback’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Macan has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Macan’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

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 Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Macan has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q5 Sportback with its rear seat folded (52.9 vs. 51.9 cubic feet).

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 Q5 Sportback 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 third in service department satisfaction. With a 14% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional in the Q5 Sportback, the Macan offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Macan has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Q5 Sportback 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.

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 56.76% to 58.19% of its original price after five years, while the Q5 Sportback only retains 48.81% to 48.82%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Macan is less expensive to operate than the Q5 Sportback because typical repairs cost much less on the Macan than the Q5 Sportback, including $203 less for a water pump, $200 less for a starter, $37 less for fuel injection and $73 less for a fuel pump.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Porsche Macan and the Audi Q5 Sportback, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Macan third among compact premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Q5 Sportback isn’t in the top three.

The Macan was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 3 of the last 4 years. The Q5 Sportback has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.