Compare the2024 Porsche MacanVS 2023 Hyundai Kona N

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
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 Hyundai Kona N doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

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 Kona N doesn’t offer knee airbags.

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 Kona N 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.

The Macan has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Kona N doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Macan offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Kona N only offers a rear monitor.

Both the Macan and the Kona N have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact 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 and available blind spot warning systems.

The Porsche Macan weighs 811 to 1060 pounds more than the Hyundai Kona N. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Warranty

The Macan’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the Kona N’s (12 vs. 7 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 Kona N’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 Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in initial quality. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 3 places higher in reliability than Hyundai.

Engine

The Macan’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 6 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 289) than the Kona N’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Macan S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 99 more horsepower (375 vs. 276) and 94 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 289) than the Kona N’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Macan GTS’ standard 2.9 turbo V6 produces 158 more horsepower (434 vs. 276) and 116 lbs.-ft. more torque (405 vs. 289) than the Kona N’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

Regenerative brakes improve the Macan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Kona N 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 Kona N doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Macan has 6.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kona N (19.8 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Porsche Macan higher (5 out of 10) than the Hyundai Kona N (3). This means the Macan produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Kona N every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Macan GTS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Kona N:

	Macan GTS	Kona N
Front Rotors	15.4 inches	14.2 inches
Rear Rotors	14 inches	12.4 inches

The Macan stops shorter than the Kona N:

	Macan	Kona N
70 to 0 MPH	163 feet	168 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

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

The Macan’s optional 295/35R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Kona N’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Macan offers optional 21-inch wheels. The Kona N’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Macan has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Kona N; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

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 Kona N doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Macan’s wheelbase is 8.1 inches longer than on the Kona N (110.5 inches vs. 102.4 inches).

The Macan’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (55.7% to 44.3%) than the Kona N’s (63.9% to 36.1%). This gives the Macan more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the Macan has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Kona N (7.9 vs. 6.8 inches), allowing the Macan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Macan’s minimum ground clearance is 2.1 inches higher than on the Kona N (8.9 vs. 6.8 inches).

Chassis

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 Kona N doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Cargo Capacity

The Macan has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Kona N with its rear seat folded (53 vs. 45.8 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Macan. The Kona N doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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 Kona N doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Macan has a 4409 lbs. towing capacity. The Kona N has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Management on the Macan uses the Porsche Stability Management sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Kona N doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The Macan uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Kona N uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the Macan is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Kona N. 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 Hyundai. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 48% lower rating, Hyundai is ranked 29th.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the Macan, the memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat (memory seat optional for the front passenger), outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The Kona N doesn’t offer a memory system.

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 Kona N 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 Kona N has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

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 Kona N’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

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 Kona N’s passenger power window and 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 Kona N’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Macan has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Kona N 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 Kona N doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

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

Both the Macan and the Kona N have standard heated front seats. 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 Kona N.

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 Kona N 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 Kona N doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Macan’s 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. The Kona N doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Macan and the Kona N offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Macan has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Kona N doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Macan has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Kona N doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

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 Kona N doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

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

The Macan was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 6 more times in the last 8 years. The Kona hasn’t been picked since 2019, and the Kona has only been chosen once.