2023 Maserati Levante

There are four trims for the 2023 Maserati Levante but only the three of them - GT, Modena, and Modena S are discussed here leaving the Trofeo for an exclusive review mainly because it has a more powerful engine than the other three trims. The GT is taken as the base trim for the midsize luxury SUV from Maserati and the Modena and Modena S are upgrades. The base price for the Maserati Levante is $80,900 but the upgraded trims are quite expensive. All the features are carried over from the 2022 Maserati Levante and there is hardly anything new. However, that does not mean that the car is the same one as the 2017 version which introduced the first Maserati SUV. There have been major face-lifts and other significant changes in the model as well. More importantly, there are a few exciting packages to complement the preferences and necessities of the owners. 

Packages

Driver Assistance Package:

• Advanced brake assist
• Automatic emergency brake
• Surround-view camera
• Forward collision warning 

Comfort and Convenience Package:

• Power-adjustable foot pedals
• Heated windshield
• Heated rear seats

Sportivo Package:

• Adaptive headlights with LED matrix features
• Column mounted paddle shifters
• Inox sport pedals
• Alcantara pillars and headliner

Nerissimo Package:

• Dark tail lamp
• Dark exhaust tips
• Black window
• Black chrome finishing

We Recommend

The Modena trim, out of all the three considered in this context, is the most logical choice for a buyer as it offers all the necessary features missing from the GT trim. More importantly, the price of the Modena trim is justifiable against all the specs and features that come with it. The bigger wheels ensure smoother performance and any of the above packages can be added to gain additional advantages as well. In this scenario, both the Sportivo package and the Nerissimo package can be a good bargain for the customer. However, the Comfort and Convenience will be a great addition as well and one can choose multiple options according to one’s preferences. 

Release Date

According to the official website of the brand, the 2023 Levante is available in the US market along with several other markets around the world and one can opt for any of the trims, packages, and singular features to get the most attractive product. 

The Maserati Levante from 2023 is a powerful one as it runs on a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine compared to other inline engines from the primary rivals in the market. The midsize SUV has an AWD drivetrain and is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The power generated is 350 HP which is higher than most of its competitors and the torque is 369 lb-ft. It is noteworthy that none of the competition in the market has a higher torque than the 2023 Levante and the same can be said for the top speed which is 156 MPH for the Maserati SUV. The acceleration from 0 to 60 MPH takes 5.8 seconds which is a standard time but the quarter mile figure is an impressive 14.2 seconds for an SUV. 

The primary rival may cost less than the 2023 Maserati Levante but the overall performance is surely superior to them. All three of the top competitors come with AWD drivetrains while the Porsche Cayenne has an 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 has a 9-speed automatic transmission. Only the Mercedes-Benz has a higher output in power than the Maserati but shares the same torque figures. All the competitors however have similar or better acceleration and better quarter mile figures but they lag in maximum speed. It is apparent that the 2023 Levante offers better performance in the engine section even when the Trofeo trim with the V8 engine is excluded from the option. 

Ride and Handling

The overall riding experience in the Maserati Levante is satisfactory but not something to be overly hyped about. The base model has some issues like jarring while driving on uneven terrains and the suspension is not too impressive. However, it does not mean that the 2023 Maserati Levante is not stable and the handling of the car is smooth. The default settings, however, may have generated some minor shocks from time to time. There are different heights available for the Maserati luxury SUV to ensure more comfortable off-road riding. The “entry-level”, two “aero heights” and two more “off-road heights” make it exceptional for riding and handling on different roads and terrains. There are also different modes in the car to complement the road surface and the owner’s style of driving. Aside from the normal mode, the “sport” mode is designed to provide the best sporty and stylish riding experience while the “off-road” mode accommodates the engine, transmission, and suspension accordingly. The “increased control and efficiency” mode allows better stability and lowers fuel consumption even in the most adverse situations. 

Braking Performance

The braking performance of the 2023 Levante is standard with 14.9-inch brake rotors in the front and 12.9-inch in the rear. The ventilated disc brakes facilitate the cooling system to offer better performance and avoid accidents. The curb weight is lower than most of the primary competitors in the market making it easier to bring the SUV to a stop. The 60 to 0 MPH deceleration requires 118 feet and the Maserati luxury SUV comes with an anti-lock braking system to aid in unfamiliar conditions. The overall performance is therefore satisfactory even when there are other rivals with better performances in this section.

The Porsche Cayenne has the largest brake rotors with a figure of 15.3 inches in the front but it has rather smaller ones in the rear. The BMW and the Mercedes-Benz are equipped with bigger brakes in the rear wheels. The Mercedes comes with the highest curb weight and its larger rotors are necessary. However, the Porsche with the lightest body which means it has better braking efficiency than its rivals. It is evident from the braking distance which is only 105 ft for the Porsche compared to 118 ft for the Maserati and Mercedes-Benz. 

Fuel economy is considered one of the most important factors for everyday cars but they are often compromised in the case of luxury vehicles. The 2023 Maserati Levante suffers from the same issue but makes sure to offer the standard performance in the current market. The EPA-certified MPG figure in the city areas is 16 MPG while the same in the highways is 22 MPG. The combined MPG of the 2023 Levante is 18 MPG which is not as high as its rivals and the fuel capacity of 21.1 gallons is not the largest in the competition either. 

In the fuel economy sections all the primary rivals have better figures in almost all aspects but the overall performance in this category is not too bad to discard the Maserati midsize SUV right away. The Mercedes-Benz has the best fuel economy in all the sections and the BMW is a close second with a slight disadvantage in the highway mileage section. The range of the 2023 Maserati Levante is beaten by competitors, leaving it at the bottom of the table. Despite the range being low in the class, the 2023 Levante makes up for it by offering a stronger engine and better riding stability. 

The interior section of the Maserati Levante from 2023 is designed to give a premium feel to the driver and the passengers. The evidence of solid craftsmanship can be experienced through comfort and luxury while driving the Maserati Levante. The standard capacity of 5 seats does not look too attractive in terms of space but everything from the stylish and exclusive upholstery to the incredible finishes of the finest materials speaks volumes for the luxury that the brand maintains. The space available in the head, shoulder, and legroom in both rows are considerable and the 60/40 foldable rear seats make way for larger space behind the front row. The quad-zone climate control with air quality sensor increases comfort for the passengers while the aspects of leather-trimmed dashboard and sunroof with dual panel system make the SUV more attractive. 

The trunk space available is only 20.5 cu-ft in the 2023 Maserati Levante which is the smallest among all the competitors in the market. the BMW has the best figure not just in the trunk space behind the second row but with the seats folded it offers a massive 72.3 cu.-ft. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 has almost similar stats and it offers more space around the seats in the second row. The BMW however, is more comfortable around the front seats.

The exact data for the Porsche is not available but has lower trunk space than the BMW and Mercedes. 

• 12-way power adjustable front row seats
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering
• 60/40 foldable rear seats
• Quad-zone climate control with air quality sensor
• Electric sunroof with dual panel system
• Leather-trimmed dashboard

Infotainment System

The 2023 Maserati Levante is equipped with an 8.4 inches infotainment system that comes with a frameless touch screen. The intelligent assistant system from Maserati is a built-in feature and it covers all the basic necessary systems as well. Navigation, Bluetooth, USB, Radio, and other standard features are present in the system. The 8-speaker audio system comes with options for either Harman-Kardon or Bower and Wilkins to give the feel of a true audiophile. The infotainment unit comes with a lot of standard features like Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility along with an in-built navigation system.

The highlights of the infotainment system are - 

• Maserati Intelligent Assistant System
• 8.4-inch multimedia display and touch screen
• Amazon Alexa, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto compatibility
• Navigation
• SiriusXM Radio
• 8-speaker (optional 17-speaker) audio system

The 2023 Maserati Levante is apparent about one thing - it offers breathtaking spectacle both inside and outside of the car. Everything from the stylish grille to the doors along with the head and taillights speaks highly of technology and style. Maserati makes sure that the 2023 Levante stands out from the crowd with the impressive finish on the exterior. The adaptive LED matrix headlights not only provide better vision but complements the sporty look of the Levante as well. The taillights with the unique shape of boomerangs are created with 3K injection molding technology. The frameless doors are exclusively made for the sporty look and the keyless entry along with the “Soft Close” feature in the door make the Maserati Levante all the more attractive. The overall elegance and balance of the midsize SUV from Maserati with its flawless aerodynamics compensate for any inadequacy in the other segments.

Most of the primary competitors of the Maserati Levante in the market have almost similar overall structure and one can hardly differentiate based on the size of the car. The length of the Levante is the largest but the BMW is wider while the Mercedes-Benz has a better height. The ground clearance of the Maserati is commendable but the BMW X5 has a better figure of 8.7 inches. The Maserati Levante has a wheelbase of 118.3 inches which is larger than the primary competition and multiple height adjustability for the car allows it smoother riding. 

• LED matrix headlights
• Unique LED tail lights
• Dual-tip quad exhaust system
• Electric air shutter
• Keyless door entry
• Soft Close feature

The 2023 Maserati Levante and the 2022 Maserati Levante from which it carried over have not been tested by either NHTSA or IIHS-HLDI to offer specific and constructive feedback on the safety of the SUV. There is no rating regarding the durability of the 2023 Levante available right now but the midsize SUV has some of the most incredible safety features of its own for reassurance. All the basic safety features like Air bags, stability control, and traction control are installed and the Maserati luxury SUV is also equipped with ABS. Other additional features like a blind-spot monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, highway assist system, and forward-collision warning system among others are included in the safety system. 

• Blindspot monitoring system
• Automatic high beam headlamps
• Adaptive cruise control
• Highway assist system
• Traffic sign recognition system
• Tire pressure monitoring system

2023 Maserati Levante vs. 2023 Porsche Cayenne

Porsche is very similar to Maserati in terms of luxury but the brand decided to offer a bread and butter car through the Cayenne model. The Porsche Cayenne, therefore, is less expensive than the Maserati Levante but it lags in the engine section. Although the car is considered a direct competitor of the 2023 Levante, the less power output and the reduced torque along with lower top speed do not help the Cayenne to stand strong. However, the handling and braking system of the Porsche is superior and it has better mileage as well. The interior is slightly better than the Maserati but the exterior is standard. Both the cars, in terms of safety, provide good overall support for the driver and the passenger making it ultimately the choice of the buyer to opt between the two. 

2023 Maserati Levante vs. 2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i

The BMW X5, more specifically the 2023 BMW X5 xDrive4oi is arguably the biggest rival of the Maserati Levante. The price is much lower than Maserati midsize SUV while the BMW is equipped with almost all the similar aspects in the engine section. It even has better acceleration and improved quarter-mile figures along with a good braking system. The mileage is superior in the case of the BMW X5 and the SUV is more spacious as well. The ride and handling are great and the exterior features are standard for the BMW, making it a strong contender for the top spot. The 2023 Maserati Levante is a great SUV but the 2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i proclaims superiority in most of the segments. 

2023 Maserati Levante vs. 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 from 2022 is tagged at a much lower price than its competitor and it has better engine performance as well. The 9-speed automatic transmission and the 362 HP output at 5,500 RPM speak for themselves to stay ahead in the competitive market. Higher torque capacity, better acceleration, and standard top speed make the 2023 GLE 450 a great choice for anyone seeking driving pleasure in the SUV form factor. The midsize SUV also has better mileage and is more spacious from the inside. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 stands toe-to-toe in terms of safety and the SUV is a great choice any day of the week mostly because of its features and affordable pricing. 

The 2023 Maserati Levante is undoubtedly a great choice for a midsize luxury SUV and it has many specs and features to satisfy the customers. The engine performance is commendable and the driving experience is definitely among the best in the market. The Levante has better comfort and it offers better control for the driver even on rough terrains. There are, however, some setbacks like the price, the complexity of the additional packages, and most importantly the limited space inside the car that pulls it back from the competition. The fuel economy of Maserati is not too impressive either. There are other subtle cars in the market that can offer improved performance at a lower price. However, the Maserati Levante has several aspects like the bold and unique design, the stylish interior, and the impressive engine that can compensate for its setbacks. The 2023 Levante is a great luxury SUV to go for but there are other suitable alternatives that one can consider especially if the price is an issue.