Compare the2023 Porsche MacanVS 2023 Infiniti QX55

The Macan has a standard Multi-collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The QX55 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Macan’s standard Porsche Hill Control allows you to creep down safely. The QX55 doesn’t offer Porsche Hill Control.

Both the Macan and the QX55 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

The Macan’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the QX55’s (12 vs. 7 years).

The battery on the Macan is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Macan’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The QX55’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

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 Infiniti vehicles. With 4 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Porsche higher than Infiniti.

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 Infiniti 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, Infiniti is rated below average.

The Macan’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 280) than the QX55’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Macan S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 107 more horsepower (375 vs. 268) and 103 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 280) than the QX55’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Macan GTS’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 166 more horsepower (434 vs. 268) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 280) than the QX55’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Macan’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The QX55 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Macan has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the QX55 (17.1 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Macan’s optional launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The QX55 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Macan’s brake rotors are larger than those on the QX55:

For better traction, the Macan’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the QX55 (F:265/40R21 & R:295/35R21 vs. 255/45R20).

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 QX55’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Macan offers optional 21-inch wheels. The QX55’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Macan has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the QX55; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

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 QX55’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 QX55 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Macan’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (55.7% to 44.3%) than the QX55’s (57.7% to 42.3%). This gives the Macan more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the Macan has a greater minimum ground clearance than the QX55 (8.9 vs. 8.6 inches), allowing the Macan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

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 QX55 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Macan has a 4409 lbs. towing capacity. The QX55 has no towing capacity.

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 QX55 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The engine in the Macan is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the QX55. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Infiniti. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 17% lower rating, Infiniti is ranked 9th.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the QX55 Essential/Sensory, 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.

The power windows standard on both the Macan and the QX55 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Macan is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The QX55 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Macan’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The QX55’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Macan to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The QX55 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Macan’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The QX55 has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Macan and the QX55 have standard heated front seats. The Macan also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the QX55.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Porsche Macan offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The QX55 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Macan’s optional Self Steering ParkAssist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The QX55 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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 QX55 only retains 44.12% to 44.72%.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche Macan, 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 QX55 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 QX55 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

The Porsche Macan outsold the Infiniti QX55 by over three to one during 2022.