Modena 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
S GranSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Modena 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
GTS 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl 8AM)
Trofeo 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl 8A)
4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
GranLusso 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Trofeo 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
S GranSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
Modena 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
Modena 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
GranLusso 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
S GranSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Modena 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Overall Rating
Maserati brand is reflective of the bespoke engineering and top-notch craftsmanship that goes into building a luxurious Italian vehicle.
Maserati brand is reflective of the bespoke engineering and top-notch craftsmanship that goes into building a luxurious Italian vehicle. It has carved a niche for itself, despite only one option in each segment but tends to provide all the engine options and trims in their vehicles, thankfully. Unlike most other automakers, Maserati doesn’t have any budget offerings and this further reduces the buyer base for this brand. And this business model has been a concern for this brand for a long time. Levante is the only SUV option from the brand and for 2022 MY, it gets a complete revamp.
The Maserati Levante GT itself is quite expensive and if you don’t really need the super-powerful V8 engine, then just get the base trim and customize it the way you want. The optional extras don't cost a lot of money, so paying $11k extra for the Modena trim isn’t worth it. Almost all the features of the Modena trim can be had in optional packages. With all those color options and packages getting the Levante seems like a chore rather than a pleasant experience.
S 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Modena 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 8A)
4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Maserati brand is reflective of the bespoke engineering and top-notch craftsmanship that goes into building a luxurious Italian vehicle.
Maserati brand is reflective of the bespoke engineering and top-notch craftsmanship that goes into building a luxurious Italian vehicle. It has carved a niche for itself, despite only one option in each segment but tends to provide all the engine options and trims in their vehicles, thankfully. Unlike most other automakers, Maserati doesn’t have any budget offerings and this further reduces the buyer base for this brand. And this business model has been a concern for this brand for a long time. Levante is the only SUV option from the brand and for 2022 MY, it gets a complete revamp.
Maserati is strictly a luxury brand and even the base trim of 2022 Levante gets a great interior but they still haven’t found any original switchgear. The usual trim levels of Levante now have been shuffled to all new trims, which are named GT, Modena and Modena S. The GT trim itself gets nice leather upholstery and piano black trims inside the cabin. For comfortable ride quality, the SUV gets an adaptive air suspension and for entertainment, you get an 8.4-inch touch screen with smartphone integration.
The Modena trim gets better wheels and more seat adjustments for the driver and passenger. The top trim Modena S gets a 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8 engine, upgraded brake calipers, and piano black front and rear skid plates. 2022 Maserati Levante has quite a lot of optional features; the leather upholstery itself has 5 options ranging from $1000 to $9000. 20 color options are there starting from $1100; even the brake calipers can be painted in 4 colors. With all such options, the price of 2022 Levante reaches unimaginable levels.
Trim |
GT |
Modena |
Modena S |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (AWD) |
$80,900 |
$91,900 |
$116,900 |
Key Features |
18-inch alloy wheels |
In addition to or replaces GT trim features with: |
In addition to or replaces Modena S trim features with: |
Leather upholstery |
20-inch alloy wheels |
Black front grille |
|
Adaptive air suspension |
Sport bumpers with piano black finish insert |
Red brake calipers |
|
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
12-way power-adjustable seats |
Dark exhaust trim |
|
Auto start-stop function |
Keyless entry, soft closing doors |
Body-colored door handles |
|
Black piano trim |
Hands-Free power liftgate |
Piano black front and rear skid plates |
|
8.4-inch touch screen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
Black chrome finishing |
Optional Packages
Which Trim should you buy?
The Maserati Levante GT itself is quite expensive and if you don’t really need the super-powerful V8 engine, then just get the base trim and customize it the way you want. The optional extras don't cost a lot of money, so paying $11k extra for the Modena trim isn’t worth it. Almost all the features of the Modena trim can be had in optional packages. With all those color options and packages getting the Levante seems like a chore rather than a pleasant experience.
For 2022, the Maserati Levante has had some trim changes and there are some improvements in the engine department as well. The base 3.0L, Twin-Turbo V6 engine now produces 345 hp & 369 lb-ft of torque. A mere few hp upgrades but, well something to cheer about at least. The Modena gets the same V6 mill but with improved power at 424 hp & 428 lb-ft of torque. The Modena S trim gets the best V8 out there. The 3.8L, Twin-Turbo, V-8 produces a staggering 550 hp & 538 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the SUV to triple-digit speeds in seconds.
All the engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox with the power being sent to all 4 wheels as standard. With such diverse power options, buyers have all the liberty to choose the one that they can handle. The base V6 engine takes 5.8 seconds to reach 60 MPH speed while the V8 engine takes just 4 seconds to do so. This kind of acceleration for an SUV that promises luxury and refinement is something most people aren’t used to.
With all that power available at the tap of a pedal, the Levante is the most enjoyable SUV to drive. While its handling capabilities might not be the best in the segment, its responsive steering wheel makes the ride athletic and refined. And with an adaptive air suspension system onboard, Maserati’s ride reeks of comfort and there are no potholes or road undulations that can cause a bearing on performance.
Models |
2022 Maserati Levante GT |
2022 Porsche Cayenne |
2022 Audi Q8 |
2022 BMW X5 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$80,900 |
$77,850 |
$70,935 |
$62,700 |
Engine |
3.0L Twin-Turbo V-6 |
3.0L Intercooled Turbo V-6 |
3.0L Intercooled Turbocharged V-6 with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist |
3.0L turbocharged Gas/Electric Inline-6 |
Drivetrain |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Power |
345 hp @ 5,750 rpm |
335 hp @ 5,300 rpm |
335 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
335 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
Torque |
369 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
332 lb-ft @ 1,340 rpm |
369 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm |
330 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
0-60 MPH (sec) |
5.8 |
5.9 |
5.6 |
5.3 |
Quarter-mile (sec) |
14.2 |
14.3 |
14.0 |
13.8 |
Top Speed (MPH) |
156 |
152 |
190 |
130 |
Additionally, the SUV comes with an Integrated Vehicle Control function which is a special kind of electronic stability function. This system uses a tiny chip that anticipates the driving conditions and manipulates engine speed and prepares brakes for unexpected events in real-time. With all this technology and responsive driving dynamics, the 2022 Maserati Levante will surely be one of the best SUVs out there.
Levante gets a Twin-Turbo setup while the rest of the bunch is relying on standard turbochargers with electric assistance on the Audi and BMW. Though the X5 comes with lesser power the acceleration is still a little quicker due to that electric motor assist which compensated for that initial turbo lag and the same can be said for the Audi Q8 as well. The Porsche Cayenne should have been fastest or at least faster than most of the rivals considering their mechanical expertise but it’s the slowest one among all. But when compared in isolation with the Maserati, it is only one-tenth of a second slower, taking almost 6 seconds to the 60mph mark.
2022 Maserati Levante is a well-thought-out SUV with design elements trying to minimize the air drag aiding in fuel efficiency. The start-stop feature on the Levante ensures that the engine doesn’t sip on fuel on traffic lights or in heavy traffic, all this should have made the SUV pretty efficient but, unfortunately, it is a gas guzzler and it chugs down on the gas much quicker than all of its rivals. The car returns 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. With a 21.1-gallon fuel tank, it can deliver more than 450 miles on the highway on a full tank. However, switch to the more powerful engines on the Modena and Modena S trims, and the Levante has the capability to burn a gaping hole in your pocket just with its fuel costs.
Models |
2022 Maserati Levante GT |
2022 Porsche Cayenne |
2022 Audi Q8 |
2022 BMW X5 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
16 |
19 |
18 |
21 |
MPG (Highway) |
22 |
23 |
23 |
25 |
MPG (Combined) |
18 |
20 |
20 |
23 |
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
21.1 |
23.7 |
22.5 |
21.9 |
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles) |
337.6/464.2/379.8 |
450.3/545.1/474 |
405/517.5/450 |
459.9/547.5/503.7 |
Amongst the rivals, all three German SUVs deliver better performance and have improved frugality. The BMW X5 gets the best fuel economy of 23 MPG and a decently sized fuel tank gets it the best driving range among all the rivals of just over 500 miles. Porsche Cayenne, on the other hand, isn’t far behind in terms of mileage and even gets the largest fuel tank in the segment of 23.7-gallons. Levante is the least efficient of the lot and the smaller fuel tank affects its driving range as well.
Expectations are always sky high from Italian manufacturers when it comes to aesthetics, and the interior of the 2022 Maserati Levante is just lovely for most people. Why would we say that? wait for a little. The moment you hop inside, the 2022 Levante greets you with leather upholstery and wooden inlays or carbon fiber depending on your trim. Like many other luxury SUVs, Levante does have an analog clock up on the dashboard. For anyone who isn’t an enthusiast, this interior will feel like heaven and it is. The leather and wood quality is top-notch but the moment you take a glance at the switchgear, things start to look familiar. The switches on the Levante are shared with Jeep and Dodge products along with the infotainment software. This is just totally unacceptable for an SUV that costs near $80k and comes from a place where unique and bespoke styling is everything that matters.
Let’s see what we have in the passenger comfort area, the seats on the SUV are 12-way power-adjustable and are available in numerous colors. There isn’t any numerical data available but you won’t find any issues with the comfort levels of the seats on the front row. The second-row seats just might lack some space for taller passengers but for the rest of the people, they’re just as comfortable as the front ones. We don't have any complaints regarding the quality or the design language, everything is so nice and classy. But why does Maserati still use shared parts in such an expensive product that still makes us scratch our heads?
Models |
2022 Maserati Levante GT |
2022 Porsche Cayenne |
2022 Audi Q8 |
2022 BMW X5 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
N/A |
N/A |
37.1/59.5/41.6 |
40.8/60/39.8 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
N/A |
N/A |
38.4/58.5/40.2 |
38.7/58.1/37.4 |
Cargo Capacity (cu ft) |
20.3 |
27.2 |
31 |
33 |
We are not so happy to say this but the interior of the 2022 Maserati Levante just isn’t up there with the rivals. But it does get an intuitive infotainment system that comes with an 8.4-inch touch screen with a Maserati Intelligent Assistant system. The system features all the usual features like Bluetooth, USB, and navigation. For smartphones, we do have Android Auto & Apple CarPlay and the sound system is taken care of by the 8-speaker unit. Sure it has high-quality leather and wood inside but that shared parts fiasco just doesn’t leave our minds in peace. Porsche is well versed in making sporty cabins but the Cayenne gets a nice balanced interior with a digital instrument cluster and a flat dashboard with glossy switches. Speaking of glossy, the Audi Q8 takes it to a whole another level with a full piano black finished dashboard and dedicated screens for climate control and infotainment, not to forget the legendary virtual cockpit.
Standout interior features:
Exterior styling is one of the strongest suits of the 2022 Maserati Levante. You may surely find some similarities with Maserati sedans, especially the topmost portion of the SUV but that also makes this a very unique-looking SUV. The front end gets a grille that’s not too busy and helps in terms of cooling and aerodynamics as well. The slim LED headlights with DRLs are one of the most important aspects of this front end. The air vents on the lower bumper are all functional and while they are not too aggressive, they do add some flare to the SUV.
The most distinctive feature of a Maserati vehicle, those triple slotted vents above the fender is present on the 2022 models as well but now it also features trim nomenclature above it. The side profile is unlike what we see on most ones; it is sleek and slender and suits the sporty nature. The rear end gets a toned-down design with some chrome design elements on the tailgate and a twin-port, quad-tip exhaust setup to sum up the design. Overall we were happy with the design of the Levante and the fact that nothings gonna change here make us feel at ease.
Models |
2022 Maserati Levante GT |
2022 Porsche Cayenne |
2022 Audi Q8 |
2022 BMW X5 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4995 |
4663 |
4960 |
4863 |
Length (inches) |
197 |
194.2 |
196.6 |
194.3 |
Width (inches) |
77.5 |
78.1 |
78.5 |
78.9 |
Height (inches) |
66.1 |
66.0 |
67.2 |
68.7 |
Ground Clearance (inches) |
8.0 |
8.2 |
5.8 |
8.4 |
Wheelbase (inches) |
118.3 |
114.0 |
117.9 |
117.1 |
All the SUVs in this segment have their signature styling but Maserati has a special character to it compared to others. Audi Q series was also once a bulbous SUV with all the curves and lines, but in recent years they have sculpted the exterior making it a lot sharper than ever before. Porsche still tries to implement their sports car design in their SUV lineup and we are not a fan of it, some might like it, but not us.
The Audi Q8 is one of the larger SUVs in the segment. It features a wheelbase of 117.9 inches, however, its ground clearance is the lowest in the segment. All other SUVs, including the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, stand at above 8-inches. Apart from the wheelbase and ground clearance though, there are no other major differences in terms of dimensions or even the curb weight.
Let’s see some of the highlighting exterior features of the Levante that set it apart from the crowd:
Standout exterior features:
Did you really think that Italians would let us Americans crash their design masterpiece just to see if it survives or not? Yeah, you guessed it, just like every time the NHTSA and IIHS both haven’t crash-tested the current model for crashworthiness and we don't think it will happen for 2022 either. Yet, we feel you can be rest assured of the levels of reliability and safety, considering that the SUV does come with some active safety features, let us take a look.
Standout safety features:
Porsche has created a trust bond among the buyers and over several years in the SUV market, they have perfected the Cayenne to make it a niche offering. Thus, making someone buy a newer product is going to be difficult for Maserati. Though the Levante offers a much better design and performs spectacularly well, its pricing alone is going to change a buyer’s decision. On the higher trims though, things are on a level with each other, and if you are fine with the parts sharing issue on the Maserati, then it’s an option well worth considering over the Porsche Cayenne.
Audi Q8 is a relatively new SUV but it has all the capabilities to ruffle up some feathers. The design language and the interior is top-notch and in terms of performance, it is quite balanced. The luxuriantly appointed and tech-heavy cabin of the Q8 is streets ahead of the Levante and the layout and technology are spectacular for the price. Additionally, the Q8 will save you more than $10k and will get you better cargo space and fuel economy too. So, Maserati doesn’t have any serious advantage except for the engine options and considering Audi’s inch-perfect reliability, we’d bet all of our money on the Q8.
The BMW X5 and Maserati Levante are closely matched, but even with higher power, the BMW’s acceleration is affable. It is also a practical SUV and gets much better cargo capacity and fuel economy, but the Levante gets the handling and performance on point. The Italian SUV looks better than the X5 and the interior feels luxurious than the X5. The price difference between these two SUVs is huge so chances are high that most of you will opt for the trusted BMW SUV, but the Levante is also a nice option if you are not on a budget.
Maserati Levante is a performance SUV with all the luxury you can have in a vehicle but putting luxury tag bumps up the price unnecessarily. The design of the 2022 Levante is great and the interior with its superior quality leather and wood makes us feel at home. Getting all this goodness isn’t an easy task as the base price itself is high and the color and safety options will make the final price too high. Though the pricing doesn’t infuse any confidence to wishlist this SUV, it still is one of the best options out there for the people who want a driver's SUV that communicates with them.