Holden Captiva vs Porsche Macan
What's the difference?

Holden Captiva

$4,900 - $18,000

2017 price

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Porsche Macan

$97,888 - $166,950

2024 price

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Summary

2017 Holden Captiva

2024 Porsche Macan

By Peter Anderson

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Diesel

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.2L/100km (combined)

Electric range

654 km

Energy consumption

16.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

100.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

It's cheap
It's big
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Awesome ride and handing
Big battery means big range
Turbo acceleration is ridiculous

Dislikes

It's old
It's a bit noisy
Lacks the finesse of the competition

Big price jump from ICE
Lacks fizz and emotion
Ergonomic quirks in the cabin

2017 Holden Captiva Summary

Holden wasn't the first manufacturer to find itself bereft of a big SUV when the fuse was lit by BMW and Mercedes as the last millennium came to a close. Ford responded with the Territory while Holden jacked-up a V8 Commodore and slapped the Adventra badge on it. Sadly, it didn't work, and so the Captiva was the next best option, procured from what was then called Daewoo.

As a result of that that little blip on the economic radar, the GFC, and an on-going re-organisation of General Motors, the Korean-built Captiva has lasted rather longer than anyone expected.

It first launched with two bodystyles, but is now down to one, the bigger and more practical seven seat body shell.

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2024 Porsche Macan Summary

This might be the biggest gamble in Porsche's history. It's the latest version of its best-selling car, the Porsche Macan, only this one has a very big difference.

You see, this time, it’s all-electric. There is not an internal-combustion engine (ICE) in sight. And that makes climbing into an entry-level Macan significantly more expensive than ever before.

So, will this bold shift help or hinder the Macan in Australia? And is this the country’s best all-electric SUV?

There’s only one way find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2017 Holden Captiva 2024 Porsche Macan

Verdict

The Captiva is very, very long in the tooth and is heading towards retirement some time in the next twelve months. Before then, it's a lot of car for the money, particularly the seven seat LS. It's not fast, flash or futuristic but it will do the job and with all of the early problems sorted, will probably do it for quite some time.

The Captiva's low scores are mostly to do with the car just being old and feeling it, with dodgier plastics, slightly undercooked ride and handling and a lack of engine and safety tech. It doesn't mean it's a terrible car, because it isn't and Holden papers up the cracks with a low starting price and good after-sales.

Verdict

There is no doubting the substance of the Porsche Macan Electric. Its ride, steering and poise make it a joy to drive on twisting roads, and it ticks the practicality boxes, too.

The only lingering question is whether enough people are ready to make the all-electric switch. Only then will we know if Porsche's Macan gamble has paid off.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Holden Captiva vs Porsche Macan What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Holden Captiva vs Porsche Macan
What's the difference?