Compare the2024 Porsche MacanVS 2024 Toyota 4Runner

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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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 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

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 4Runner 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 4Runner.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Macan uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The 4Runner uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Macan and the 4Runner have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

Warranty

The Macan comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 4Runner’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Macan’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the 4Runner’s (12 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

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 4Runner’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in initial quality. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated below average.

Engine

The Macan’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 17 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 278) than the 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6. The Macan S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 105 more horsepower (375 vs. 270) and 105 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 278) than the 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6. The Macan GTS’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 164 more horsepower (434 vs. 270) and 127 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 278) than the 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche Macan turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Macan	4Runner
Zero to 60 MPH	5 sec	7.8 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	14.4 sec	22 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	5.9 sec	7.8 sec
Quarter Mile	13.7 sec	16.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98 MPH	88 MPH
Top Speed	144 MPH	105 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Macan gets better mileage than the 4Runner:

			MPG
Macan
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/25 hwy
		S 2.9 turbo V6	17 city/23 hwy
		GTS 2.9 turbo V6	17 city/22 hwy
4Runner
	RWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy
	AWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Macan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

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 4Runner doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Macan has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the 4Runner. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Environmental Friendliness

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Porsche Macan as an “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV). The Toyota 4Runner is only certified to “Low Emissions Vehicle” (LEV) standards.

Transmission

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Porsche Macan, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a five-speed automatic is available for the 4Runner.

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 4Runner 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 4Runner doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Macan’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4Runner:

	Macan	Macan GTS	4Runner
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	15.4 inches	13.3 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	14 inches	12.3 inches

The Macan stops much shorter than the 4Runner:

	Macan	4Runner
70 to 0 MPH	163 feet	201 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction and acceleration, the Macan has larger standard rear tires than the 4Runner (255/50R19 vs. 245/60R20). The Macan’s optional rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the 4Runner (295/35R21 vs. 265/70R17).

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 4Runner’s standard 70 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 4Runner Limited/TRD Sport’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Macan has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 4Runner. The Macan’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the 4Runner Limited/TRD Sport.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Porsche Macan has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Toyota 4Runner has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

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 4Runner’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 4Runner doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Macan S handles at .93 G’s, while the 4Runner TRD Off-Road pulls only .71 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

Chassis

The Porsche Macan may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 400 pounds less than the Toyota 4Runner.

The Macan is 4.1 inches shorter than the 4Runner, making the Macan easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Macan is 8.7 inches shorter in height than the 4Runner, making the Macan much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

Unibody construction lowers the Macan’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The 4Runner doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

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 4Runner doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Cargo Capacity

The Macan has a much larger cargo volume than the 4Runner with its rear seat up (17.2 vs. 9 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Macan has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Servicing Ease

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the Macan to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes, based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Toyota doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the 4Runner.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Toyota. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 31% lower rating, Toyota is ranked 20th.

Ergonomics

The engine computer on the Macan automatically engages the starter until the car starts with one twist of the key and disables the starter while the engine is running. The 4Runner’s starter can be accidentally engaged while the engine is running, making a grinding noise and possibly damaging the starter and ring gear.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat in the 4Runner Limited, the Macan offers an optional 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 Macan’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4Runner doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Macan’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The 4Runner’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the Macan and the 4Runner 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 4Runner prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Macan’s power window, power lock and power mirror switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The 4Runner’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 4Runner’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Macan has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The 4Runner has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Limited/TRD Pro.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Macan has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The 4Runner doesn’t offer cornering lights. The Macan also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Macan to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The 4Runner doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Macan’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4Runner’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

When the Macan with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The 4Runner’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

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 4Runner offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Macan has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the 4Runner Premium/Limited/TRD Pro. The Macan also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated second row seats aren’t available in the 4Runner.

The Macan has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the 4Runner Limited/TRD Pro.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Porsche Macan has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 4Runner 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 4Runner doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Macan owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Macan with a number “5” insurance rate while the 4Runner is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Macan is less expensive to operate than the 4Runner because typical repairs cost much less on the Macan than the 4Runner, including $108 less for a water pump, $37 less for a starter, $82 less for a fuel pump and $521 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche Macan, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Toyota 4Runner isn't recommended.

The Macan was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 6 more times in the last 8 years. The 4Runner has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.