Compare the2023 Porsche MacanVS 2023 BMW X1

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Porsche Macan have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X1 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Porsche Macan are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X1 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the Macan and the X1 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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.

The Porsche Macan weighs 401 to 650 pounds more than the BMW X1. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

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 BMW 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, BMW is rated lower.

The Macan’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 20 more horsepower (261 vs. 241) than the X1’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Macan S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 134 more horsepower (375 vs. 241) and 88 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 295) than the X1’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Macan GTS’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 193 more horsepower (434 vs. 241) and 110 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 295) than the X1’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

The Macan has 2.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the X1 (17.1 vs. 14.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better traction, the Macan has larger standard tires than the X1 (F:235/55R19 & R:255/50R19 vs. 225/55R18). The Macan’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X1 (F:265/40R21 & R:295/35R21 vs. 245/45R19).

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 X1’s standard 55 series tires. The Macan’s optional 295/35R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the X1’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 X1. The Macan’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the X1.

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 X1 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Macan’s wheelbase is 4.5 inches longer than on the X1 (110.5 inches vs. 106 inches).

For greater off-road capability the Macan has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X1 (8.9 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Macan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Macan’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the X1’s (4409 vs. 3500 pounds).

The Macan has a much higher standard payload capacity than the X1 (1288 vs. 994 lbs.).

The Macan has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the X1 (1383 vs. 994 lbs.).

The engine in the Macan is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the X1. 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 BMW. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 13% lower rating, BMW is ranked 7th.

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 X1 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Macan’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The X1’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The X1’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Macan’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Macan’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The X1 doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Macan to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The X1 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Macan has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the X1. 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 X1.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Macan keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The X1 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Macan’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The X1 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche Macan, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Macan was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 3 of the last 4 years. The X1 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

The Porsche Macan outsold the BMW X1 by over two to one during 2022.