When Porsche comes to mind, there are many people across the globe that admire the cars from a place that knows they can’t (or don’t want to) pay that much money for a car. Models like the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 and the Cayenne Turbo Coupe cost well over $100,000. Porsche ownership has long been an exclusive status symbol, but the least expensive 2021 Porsche model is surprisingly affordable.

Of course, affordability is relative. Still, there’s an obvious difference between spending over $130 grand and spending $50 grand. Porsche is legendary in terms of performance and earned good marks for important categories like owner satisfaction and reliability from Consumer Reports. But can you afford one?

What is the cheapest 2021 Porsche model?

There’s no such thing as a cheap 2022 Porsche model. That said, the 2021 Porsche Macan is the least expensive 2021 Porsche model in the lineup, starting at $52,100 according to Porsche’s U.S. website. However, the Macan trims range up in price to the Macan Turbo, which starts at $84,600.

Still, this is considerably more affordable than Porsche’s other range toppers. The lineup’s other SUV, for example, offers the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid starting at $166,200. But is it worth buying the base-model Macan or does the low price reflect lesser quality?

The 2021 Porsche Macan

The base model Porsche Macan starts at $52,100. But what does that price get you? Let’s take a look at what the Porsche Macan has to offer at this price point.

The 2021 base model is part of the original Macan generation that Porsche first introduced in 2015. A redesign with several updates is expected later this year, Road Show reports. However, the 2021 Porsche Macan still brings a lot to the table.

“This is an SUV one can drive with gusto.

Consumer Reports

Standard equipment for the 2021 Porsche Macan include a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that powers all four wheels (all-wheel drive is standard). This power plant generates up to 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Plus, the first scheduled maintenance appointment is taken care of by Porsche.

The $52,100 Macan base model also has a power tailgate with an automatic “open/close functionality” as well as height adjustability. The heated rear window has an automatic stop feature. There’s an upscale interior lighting concept, and LEDs all around.

From the luxurious leather upholstery on the eight-way power-adjustable seats to the host of driver assistance and safety features to the upscale sound system––the 2021 Porsche Macan is undeniably Porsche.

Surprisingly affordable

While for many car shoppers $52,100 is outside of what’s comfortable to spend, it’s actually surprisingly affordable. Consider how well it’s equipped. Compare the luxury appointments to similarly-priced range toppers in the mainstream category.

For example, if you configure a fully loaded 2021 Toyota RAV4, it costs about $40 grand. While the Toyota RAV4 is a fantastic crossover SUV, it’s no Porsche. And it’s just around $10 grand cheaper than the Porsche Macan––the cheapest 2021 Porsche model.

In addition, other luxury vehicles in the compact crossover SUV class have similar pricing. The 2021 BMW X3, for example, starts at $43,00 according to BMW’s website. However, it won’t come standard with all-wheel drive or a heated steering wheel. Overall, if luxury prices are in your budget the cheapest 2021 Porsche model (the Macan) is surprisingly affordable.