Compare the2023 Porsche MacanVS 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country

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 V60 Cross Country doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the Macan and the V60 Cross Country have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. With 56 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Porsche higher than Volvo.

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 Volvo 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, Volvo is rated below average.

The Macan’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 14 more horsepower (261 vs. 247) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 258) than the V60 Cross Country’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Macan S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 128 more horsepower (375 vs. 247) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 258) than the V60 Cross Country’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Macan GTS’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 187 more horsepower (434 vs. 247) and 147 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 258) than the V60 Cross Country’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche Macan turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Volvo V60 Cross Country:

The Macan has 1.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the V60 Cross Country (17.1 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Macan offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The V60 Cross Country doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

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 V60 Cross Country doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Macan GTS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the V60 Cross Country:

The Macan stops much shorter than the V60 Cross Country:

For better traction, the Macan has larger standard tires than the V60 Cross Country (F:235/55R19 & R:255/50R19 vs. 215/55R18). The Macan’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the V60 Cross Country (F:265/40R21 & R:295/35R21 vs. 235/45R19).

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 V60 Cross Country’s standard 55 series tires. The Macan’s optional 295/35R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the V60 Cross Country’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Macan has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the V60 Cross Country. The Macan’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the V60 Cross Country.

The front and rear suspension of the Macan uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the V60 Cross Country, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

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 V60 Cross Country’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 V60 Cross Country doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Macan S handles at .93 G’s, while the V60 Cross Country Ultimate pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the Macan has a greater minimum ground clearance than the V60 Cross Country (7.9 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the Macan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Macan’s minimum ground clearance is 1.1 inches higher than on the V60 Cross Country (8.9 vs. 7.8 inches).

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 V60 Cross Country doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Macan’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the V60 Cross Country’s (4409 vs. 2000 pounds).

The engine in the Macan is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the V60 Cross Country. 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 Volvo. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 25% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 12th.

The Macan’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The V60 Cross Country doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

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 V60 Cross Country doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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 V60 Cross Country 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 V60 Cross Country has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

The Porsche Macan outsold the Volvo 60 Series by over two to one during 2022.