Compare the2023 Porsche MacanVS 2023 Lexus RX

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 RX 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.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Macan. But it costs extra on the RX.

Both the Macan and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, 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 6 years longer than the RX’s (12 vs. 6 years).

The Macan has more powerful engines than the RX:

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 RX doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

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

For better traction, the Macan’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RX (F:265/40R21 & R:295/35R21 vs. 235/60R19).

The Macan’s standard 235/55R19 front and 255/50R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series front and 50 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RX’s standard 60 series tires. The Macan’s optional 265/40R21 front and 295/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the RX’s optional 50 series tires.

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 RX doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For greater off-road capability the Macan has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RX 350h (8.9 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the Macan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Macan is 6.4 inches shorter than the RX, 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 RX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Macan has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (52.9 vs. 46.2 cubic feet).

The Macan’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (4409 vs. 0 pounds).

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

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the RX Premium/Luxury/500h F Sport, 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 improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Macan has a standard rear wiper. The RX doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche Macan, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lexus RX isn't recommended.

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