Used 2023 Maserati Levante

What’s not to like about an SUV that oozes tradition and sources thrust from a choice of two twin-turbo engines? Horsepower ranges from a healthy 345 horsepower to a whopping 572 horsepower, depending on the Levante model. The offered leather or silk upholstery is interrupted with wood or carbon fiber accents. Also available are upscale luxury features like adjustable pedals, an Alcantara headliner, and a 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system that further enrich the experience.

To feel good about the Levante, however, you must truly appreciate the traditional Italian experience it provides because you will pay dearly for it. More expensive by thousands than the lion’s share of its competitors, the Levante also struggles to retain its market value as the years pass. Does that make it a bad choice? Not if you want its exclusivity and performance. However, if it’s value you seek, you may want to look elsewhere.

The Maserati Levante may be part of the Stellantis family, but this is no Jeep. Its architecture is similar to the Maserati Ghibli sedan; therefore, it has real athleticism at its core. This is a well-tuned chassis complemented by either a Ferrari-sourced turbocharged V6 or turbocharged V8. We rate the performance among that of the best SUVs.

Although we love the raucous V8 in the Modena S and Trofeo, as well as the extra V6 output in the Modena, we’d stick with the GT. Why? Because even in its entry-level guise, we think it’s a blast to drive. However, if your pockets are deep and you crave more power, move on up the model range. Every step up adds to the Levante’s gusto. And that chilling V8 sound? We can’t get enough of it.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system has a bias to the rear wheels, but it can send up to 50% of the power to the front wheels. Off-roading isn’t the Levante’s specialty, but it can hold its own when the pavement runs out. That’s thanks to an off-road mode and the standard Skyhook adaptive suspension system capable of raising the Levante’s ground clearance.

Packed with premium materials like available Zegna silk and Pieno Fiore leather, the Levante’s cabin is luxuriously furnished. However, you may be just as pleased with the interiors of less pricey competitors. For example, the Range Rover Sport.

The front seats are plenty roomy, but the back seats are a little tight. You can comfortably fit two average-sized adults in the back, but most rivals in this class are roomier. The same goes for the cargo area, which is among the more modest in the segment.

You will instantly recognize the Levante as a Maserati. In no small measure, that’s because of the liberal use of the distinctive trident emblem sprinkled around the exterior. In front, a concave grille is flanked by a handsome light signature creating an exotic look. Elegant body lines and a sloping roofline give the Levante a sporty profile.

We applaud the countless options for customizing the look of the Levante. There are several wheel options, and you can even choose between five different brake-caliper colors. You may also select between a traditional chrome exterior trim or the darker Nerissimo appearance package.

The Levante is on the larger side of the midsize luxury SUV class. Its dimensions are similar to the Audi Q8, and it’s a little bigger than the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

Ferrari-Sourced Engines
The stable of twin-turbo V6 and twin-turbo V8 engines breathe life into the Levante with impressive thrust and an intoxicating exhaust note.

Skyhook Suspension
Tuned for performance, this adaptive suspension can not only raise and lower the Levante but minimize dive when braking, body roll in corners, and squatting when accelerating. We found it also smooths out the ride.

Adaptive Matrix Headlights
Automatically adjusting to various conditions, like high-speed driving and rain, these LED headlights also include high-beam assist.

Panoramic Sunroof
A two-panel sunroof, it spans both rows of seats.

Power-Adjustable Pedals
We were able to find the most comfortable and effective driving position with these pedals that adjust, moving closer or farther away.

Bowers & Wilkins Audio System
Drawing on 1,280 watts, this 17-speaker system delivers you-are-in-the-room sound. Our only complaint: Cranking it up drowns out the vibrant sound of the exhaust.

Maserati loads the base GT trim with lots of standard features. In addition to the twin-turbo V6 powering it and the Modena, it gets AWD. It also provides an active air suspension with five ride heights, including an Easy Entry Mode, Sport Mode, and Off-Road mode. It’s supported by the Skyhook performance suspension. Also standard are a limited-slip differential, a dual-pane sunroof, leather seats, heater, power-adjustable front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, and more.

In our test driving, we really appreciated the Maserati Intelligent Assistant infotainment system. It features an 8.4-inch screen loaded with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and navigation. This is very similar to the Uconnect system found in other Stellantis vehicles, which we deem one of the best infotainment interfaces in the industry.

Sadly, the Levante is stingy when it comes to standard safety and driver-aid technology. Among today’s wide variety of popular safety tech, Maserati only provides the Levante with front and rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. You must step all the way up to the Modena S to find forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control on the standard list.

To add some additional performance, you need only move up to the Modena grade. For example, it comes with an upgraded version of the V6, making more power and torque than the GT. Other upgrades include sportier front and rear fascias, piano black exterior trim, staggered wheels, and upgraded brakes.

Picking the Modena S model gains you the turbocharged V8 engine plus many more features like paddle shifters, adaptive full LED matrix headlights, and upgraded full-leather upholstery. A Harman/Kardon premium audio system, full-speed adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign assist are also standard.

Finally, the Levante hits its peak performance in the Trofeo model. In addition to the V8 making an extra 40 horsepower compared to the Modena S, other upgrades include a Corsa drive mode and carbon fiber interior trim. Pieno Fiore leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 22-inch staggered wheels, soft close doors, and Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system are also included.

Maserati offers many of the Modena, Modena S, and Trafeo standard upgrades as options on lower trims.

You may choose among many option packages and stand-alone options to personalize your Levante. For example, you can have Zegna silk and leather upholstery, Zegna Pelletessuta leather upholstery, various appearance packages, multiple wood and carbon fiber interior trims, 4-zone climate control, and much more.

Your choice of twin-turbo engines delivers the Levante’s go. Both engines have two different versions available. The V6 base GT model is the mildest in the lineup, but we found it still has plenty of muscle. The Modena trim is more sport-oriented, using a more aggressive version of the V6 engine.

The mighty turbocharged V8 explodes onto the scene with the Modena S model. It produces over 500 horsepower. If you’re looking for peak performance in a Maserati SUV, you’ll want the Trofeo model, which adds an extra 40 horsepower over the Modena S.

Although performance is a major strength of the Levante, the tradeoff is lackluster fuel economy, even from the base V6 model. Although the Levante’s mileage doesn’t dazzle, it’s not far off the pace of its segment.

Every Levante uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and the Q4 all-wheel-drive system with active torque control.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (GT)
345 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,750 rpm
Fuel economy: 18 mpg (16 city, 22 highway)

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Modena)
424 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
428 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,750 rpm
Fuel economy: 18 mpg (16 city, 22 highway)

3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (Modena S)
523 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
538 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
Fuel economy: 16 mpg (13 city, 20 highway)

3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (Trofeo)
572 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
538 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
Fuel economy: 16 mpg (13 city, 20 highway)

4-year/50,000-mile Warranty

The 2023 Maserati Levante is protected by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, including powertrain coverage, plus free roadside service. That coverage is about typical for the segment.