Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2023 Porsche Macan

Both the X2 and the Macan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front 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, and available all wheel drive.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, rear impact and roof-crush tests, its standard front crash prevention system, its “Good” rating in the new passenger-side small overlap crash test, and its headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X2 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2019, a rating granted to only 195 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Macan has not been tested, yet.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the Macan (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 80 percent more BMW dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the X2’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium SUVs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Macan isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Porsche vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Porsche is rated below average.

As tested in Car and Driver the X2 M35i is faster than the Porsche Macan (base engine):

On the EPA test cycle the X2 gets better mileage than the Macan:

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW X2, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Macan.

The X2 stops shorter than the Macan:

The X2’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Macan’s standard 55 series front tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X2 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Macan doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X2 xDrive28i handles at .91 G’s, while the Macan pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the X2’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Macan’s (37.2 feet vs. 39.2 feet).

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 pounds less than the Porsche Macan.

The X2 is 1 foot, 1.9 inches shorter than the Macan, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the BMW X2 amounts to more than styling. The X2 offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .31 to .33 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is lower than the Macan (.35 to .37) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the X2 get better fuel mileage.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X2’s rear seats recline. The Macan’s rear seats don’t recline.

The X2 has a much larger cargo volume than the Macan with its rear seat up (21.6 vs. 17.2 cubic feet).

The X2 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Macan doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

If the windows are left open on the X2 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Macan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X2’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Macan’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The X2 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Macan doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the X2 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the X2 will cost $1930 less than the Macan over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X2 will be $14095 to $24974 less than for the Porsche Macan.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X2 and the Porsche Macan, based on reliability, safety and performance.