Used car comparison: Porsche Cayenne vs Porsche Macan
Two of Porsche’s most successful models are the Cayenne and Macan SUVs, but which one makes a better used buy?
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 09 May 2025 | 3 mins read
Porsche is a byword for performance and sports cars, and it makes some of the best in the world.
Back in 2003, the firm decided to buck the trend and release its first SUV – the Cayenne.
The Cayenne went on to be one of the firm’s most successful models, and then in 2014 Porsche launched its smaller sister, the Macan, as a more agile and compact alternative.
So, if you’re in the market for a Porsche SUV, which one makes a better used buy?
In this article, we’ve put both cars back-to-back in a Porsche Cayenne vs Porsche Macan shootout to see which one is best for you and your family.
Styling
In terms of looks, both cars side-by-side have similar design cues with their rounded front headlights, tall stances and bonnet creases.
Down the side, the only differences are that the Cayenne gets body cladding while the Macan gets lower door mouldings to protect it from any parking knocks.
But, where the main differences lie is around the back as the Cayenne gets a flatter rear end and a taller roofline, while the sportier Macan features a more sloping back end and flatter design – which makes the Macan a more attractive car.
Interior
Just like with their exteriors, both cars feature almost identical-looking interiors, but that’s not something to moan about.
They both feature extremely sturdy, premium and plush feeling materials, while there is equipment such as premium audio systems for both cars from Bose and Burmester, extended leather options which gets upgraded materials on the dashboard, centre console and door cards as well as the Cayenne and Macan come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Any differences? Yes, the Cayenne comes with grab handles located on the centre console, it also features a slightly different dashboard design and pattern above the glovebox. However, the Macan just about has the edge here as the interior overall looks a little bit more modern than its bigger brother.
Running costs
Starting with the larger Cayenne, it’s available with either a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that can do a claimed 26.4mpg and pumps out 244g/km of CO2. There is also a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 found in the hot GTS models which sadly is even thirstier with Cayennes in this guise managing a claimed 21.2mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 306g/km of CO2.
However, if you want lower CO2 emissions and greater fuel economy, there is a plug-in hybrid version on offer too, which is fitted with a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 25.9kWh battery pack which can achieve up to 55 miles on electric power and only produces only 31 to 39g/km of CO2.
In contrast, the Macan is available with a smaller 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that manages a claimed 27.7mpg and pumps out 231g/km of CO2 or there is a 2.9-litre turbocharged petrol that manages just over a claimed 25mpg and produces 248g/km of CO2.
Or, there is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that can do a claimed 26.4mpg and emits 246g/km of CO2. But, there is no hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of the Macan available, which limits the choice for the customer if they want to save money with lower CO2 and higher MPG.
Practicality
Both cars are extremely practical for what they offer. Starting with the larger Cayenne, open the boot and you’re greeted to 772 litres of room or 1,708 litres with the 40:20:40 split folding seats pushed down. There is sufficient room inside for rear seat occupants with no issues with head and legroom, either,
In comparison, the Macan’s smaller proportions mean that it isn’t as spacious inside as the Cayenne and has less boot capacity, measuring at 488 litres – which is still impressive.
Interior storage is on par with the larger Cayenne, though, with a large glove box, deep front door bins and some cubby holes located in the centre console. But, overall, the Cayenne’s longer and wider cabin does benefit it more in this category.
Second-hand prices
Anything with a Porsche badge isn’t going to be cheap, but second-hand prices for both models have significantly decreased since they were new.
If you want a used Cayenne, prices start at around the £44,000 mark for a 3.0-litre model with around 35,000 miles on the clock. Plug-in hybrid models from 2021 and have covered less than 50,000 miles on the clock push the price up to around £48,000 and 4.0-litre GTS models are expensive with a 2021 car with less than 40,000 miles on the clock priced from £65,000.
The smaller Macan means prices are cheaper. To get you into an entry-level 2.0-litre car, look to spend around £38,500 for a 2021 example with 30,000 miles on the clock or £42,000 for a 3.0-litre V6 example.
There are more examples on the second-hand market of the Toyota Hilux with slightly higher mileages. A 2021 example with 55,000 miles on the clock featuring the 2.4-litre engine can be yours for just over £26,000 (inc.VAT) while cars with less than 30,000 miles with this engine go for £29,000 (inc.VAT).
If you want the larger 2.8-litre engine, expect to pay around £30,000 (inc.VAT), but higher mileage examples hold onto their money well with a 43,000 mile example on the market for £29,000 (inc.VAT).
Which one makes a better used buy?
To summarise, both cars are incredibly capable of offering performance car levels of speed, while managing to be practical and stylish.
However, in this test, we’ve seen that the Cayenne is more practical, has a greater number of engine choices, but costs a lot more money on the second-hand market.
The Macan is less practical, offers fewer engine choices, but is cheaper to run, slightly sleeker and better looking. But, the most important thing is, prices are a lot more affordable on the used market.
If you have a family and don’t need the extra space, save yourself some money and go for the smaller and nimbler Macan as it will be easier on your wallet and be just as practical to live with every day. But regardless of which model you're after, you'll find both the Macan and Cayenne available here at Cazoo.