Maserati was a bit late to the party when the luxury SUV segment started heating up. Conceptualized back in 2011, Maserati Levante is the first SUV from the brand. It was unveiled five years later in 2016. For a brand like Maserati which always focused on racing and performance, the shift to practical SUVs was surprising. Fortunately, the Levante did get a lot of that racing pedigree, especially with the cars that had a Ferrari-sourced engine under the hood. Since its launch, Maserati has refined the Levante crossover for better performance and breathtaking looks.
For 2023, Maserati is also bringing out the all-new Grecale, the second SUV from the brand. With a smaller footprint, the 2023 Maserati Grecale competes with smaller luxury SUVs, while still offering plenty of performance and Italian styling. Like the Levante, the Grecale will also get major updates in coming years including hybrid and electric powertrains to keep up with the competition. Let’s take a look at what’s new for the Levante and Grecale.
2023 Maserati Levante
2023 Levante is the larger of the two SUVs on offer. Since it received a comprehensive facelift last year, with updated styling, a new powertrain, and a lot more features, for 2023 MY, it is carried over with no notable updates. Expect the next generation Levante to launch sometime around 2024. Starting at just a little over $80,000, the 2023 Maserati Levante carves out a unique space in the segment with its Ferrari-sourced engines and flamboyant Italian styling. It competes with luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne.
2023 Levante comes equipped with a potent twin-turbocharged V6 engine as standard, producing 350 hp. The same engine is also bumped up to 430 hp in the Modena trim and an AWD drivetrain configuration is included as standard. However, the stars of the show are Modena S and Trofeo trims, both of which swap out the V-6 for a bigger V-8 setup. With the Modena S, power output stands at 550hp, while the range-topping Trofeo bumps it up to 580 hp. In its highest spec, the 2023 Levante can reach 60 MPH from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds. In terms of fuel economy, it returns just 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highways, even with the base V-6 setup. Understandably, the V-8 powertrains drop the figures down even further.
Driving dynamics and handling characteristics are also excellent; steering offers decent feedback and the vehicle comes with a firm suspension setup. However, this could affect comfort and ride quality. Switching the driving mode to Comfort will solve most of these issues. Step inside the cabin and you are welcomed by a premium interior with a striking design and bright colors. Leather and high-quality plastics cover most areas along with some open-pore wood trims. You can also find lux elements like the central analog clock. However, the parts shared with other products in the Stellantis group, especially contact points like the switchgear, bring down the overall luxury appeal. Focus on style over practicality also limits cargo area. As an overall package that is high on performance and style, the 2023 Maserati Levante is a must-buy.
2023 Maserati Grecale
Slotting in below the larger Levante, the 2023 Grecale is an all-new compact luxury crossover from the Italian Marque. Like any other Maserati, it gets a distinctive and handsome exterior design with the traditional Maserati grille at the front. The focus on performance is also evident with a twin-turbo V-6 on offer on the range-topping model. With a starting price of $65,000, the 2023 Maserati Grecale is one of the most expensive options in its segment. The brand is also planning to launch hybrid and all-electric versions of the Grecale dubbed the ‘Folgore’ with a 105 kW battery. Expect the Grecale Folgore to launch by 2024.
Like any other Maserati, the 2023 Grecale also shares a lot of components with other Stellantis offerings including the platform. It is built on the FCA Giorgio platform that also underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Jeep Grand Cherokee. In typical Maserati fashion, the powertrain on offer provides plenty of grunt. The base trims get a turbo-4 setup with nearly 300 hp on tap, while the range-topping Trofeo models get a detuned version of the 3.0L V-6 engine powering the MC20. In the Grecale Trofeo, the power output stands at 523 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. And it hits 0 to 60 MPH in 3.6 seconds, matching the fastest Levante. It also gets features like adaptive air suspension to help with stability and control without compromising on ride quality.
On the inside, the design language is a lot more modern than its siblings; you get two 12.3-inch displays facing the driver and a sharp angular dashboard. Even the climate controls are actuated through another touchscreen display, giving the overall dashboard a minimalistic layout with little to no switchgear. Space should be adequate for five people, although the sleek and sloping roof design can limit room at the back.
Expect the 2023 Grecale to grace the showrooms alongside the updated Levante SUV soon. Both these SUVs should offer thrills and supercar levels of performance when fully kitted out. Overall, if you’re in the market for fun-to-drive and dynamic SUVs, these 2023 Maserati SUVs will fit the bill.
