New Porsche prices have been going through the roof in recent years. Thanks to global inflation, tariffs, and dealer markups the average price of a new Porsche is now hovering between $120,000 and $150,000.
That’s seriously pricey, but there are a handful of entry-level models that are a fair bit less than that. We wouldn’t ever accuse them of being ‘cheap’, but in the rarefied Porsche world the Macan compact SUV is now the cheapest Porsche you can buy.
The Porsche Macan
Porsche
Porsche
Porsche
- Model Years: 2015 on
- Base Price: $65,400
With the 718 Boxster and Cayman no longer available for order as new vehicles, the title of cheapest new Porsche falls by default to the Macan compact SUV. Not unlike the Boxster/Cayman, it has been around for over a decade, but as global uncertainty clouds the way forward, it still remains on sale next to the new all-electric Macan that was meant to replace it. Performance, tech and styling aside, the difference between them is a hair under $15,000.
That makes the older gas-powered Macan a veritable steal in Porsche world, but at $65,400 before destination charges and taxes, it certainly isn’t a budget offering. Yet, despite its age, the Macan remains the benchmark in its class when it comes to sporty handling.
The Porsche Macan in Detail
Porsche
Porsche
Porsche
| Specification | Macan (Base) | Macan T | Macan S | Macan GTS |
| Base MSRP | $65,400 | $71,100 | $78,900 | $94,200 |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 | 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Power | 261 hp | 261 hp | 375 hp | 434 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 405 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 sec | 5.8 sec | 4.6 sec | 4.3 sec |
Debuting in the US for the 2015 model year, the Macan was a smaller, sharper, and more affordable alternative to the popular Cayenne SUV. The basic underpinnings may have been shared with the Audi Q5, but Porsche’s engineers sprinkled liberal amounts of chassis magic dust onto it. The end result was the most dynamically capable compact luxury SUV on sale, an accolade the Macan hasn’t relinquished in over a decade.
A facelift in 2019 gave the Macan and visual and interior tech boost, and a 2022 refresh introduced a new dashboard and infotainment layout as well as a reshuffling of power outputs and trim levels. The 2026 Macan remains a tough act to follow and is currently available in four unique trims with two engine options.
The base model is powered by a 261-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which gives the small SUV a decent turn of speed, but you’ll need another $13,500 to access the far more powerful and desirable 375-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 in the Macan S. The GTS adds a tad more power and a few sporty touches, but ticking even just a few boxes will soon have you shelling out over $100,000 for one. This makes the Macan S the enthusiast’s choice.
The base model still offers a sharp drive, and is arguably more comfortable over scarred road surfaces than the higher trims, but as with all Porsches, that base price is just your starting point as the optional equipment is both extensive and expensive. Budget on at least another $5,000 to $7,500 to account for a few must-have options, the $2,350 delivery charge and any other taxes that may apply.
Entry-Level Options
Porsche
Porsche
Porsche
| Specification | Macan Electric (Base) | Macan 4 Electric | Cayenne (Base) | Taycan (Base) |
| Base MSRP | $80,300 | $84,000 | $88,800 | $105,800 |
| Powertrain | Single-Motor EV (RWD) | Dual-Motor EV (AWD) | 3.0L Turbo V6 (Gas) | Single-Motor EV (RWD) |
| Power | 355 hp | 402 hp | 348 hp | 402 hp |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft | 302 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 sec | 4.9 sec | 5.7 sec | 4.5 sec |
Thanks to the uncertainty around EVs and their mass adoption, especially in the US, the Porsche range is now comprised of a mix of pure electric, hybrid and gas-only models. When looking in house, the gas-powered Macan’s base pricing compares rather favorably with entry-level versions of its EV replacement, the larger Cayenne and the slow-selling Taycan. For example, for the price of the entry-level Macan EV, you could have a gas Macan S, which may be older but is still quicker.
Porsche
The Macan 4 adds all-wheel drive and some more power for just under $4,000 and is arguably the better choice in the Macan EV range. The Cayenne is also getting on in years, but it’s still a compelling option, especially if the Macan is a little too small for your family.
The Taycan, on the other hand, is a tougher sell, it has all the trademark characteristics you’d expect of a Porsche, but in terms of overall range and outright acceleration, there are rivals out there that do more for less. It’s also not a direct alternative to the Macan, but rather an interesting insight into the skewed world of Porsche product pricing. In case you were wondering, the base 911 Carrera now starts at $135,500 before taxes, charges and options.
Porsche
While the gas-powered Macan is on sale, it is likely to remain the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of a new Porsche. With production set to end this summer, the good news is that a gas/hybrid replacement is on the cards for the 2028 model year. A gas-powered replacement for the 718 Boxster/Cayman is also coming, although judging by the pricing of the recently discontinued models ($75,000+), we have our money on the new Macan continuing to be the cheapest Porsche on the market.
Data Sources:
- All vehicle data, pricing figures, and technical specifications were sourced from the official manufacturer websites.
- Pricing figures represent the base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and exclude destination charges, and taxes.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor