The Levante is the first SUV from Italian carmaker Maserati. Named after a Mediterranean wind that's said to change from mild to gale-force in an instant, the Levante delivers strong power and sharp handling. It's a viable class competitor let down only by some obvious interior cost-cutting measures.Read full review
Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining Edmunds as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
Quick acceleration
Stable and lively handling
Italian flair in a German-dominated segment
Cons
Some downmarket buttons and switches
Short on cargo space
Soft brake pedal feel
What's new
Some previously optional driver assist features are now standard equipment
Part of the first Levante generation introduced for 2017
Overview
The Levante is the first SUV that Maserati ever made, and for the majority of its lifespan, it was the only Maserati SUV you could buy. That changed this year when the all-new 2023 Maserati Grecale showed up. The Levante is the larger of the two offerings. It offers a luxe feel and a sporty driving experience, and its top-spec Trofeo model offers a rumbling twin-turbo V8 and plenty of power.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Maserati Levante GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.04 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
For 2023, the Levante will carry over unchanged. And while the Levante's elegant looks and potent powertrains make it an enticing option, the Italian SUV has stiff competition from a plethora of hot German rivals. The Porsche Cayenne, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE all offer similar performance, with better build quality and no parts-bin items from cheaper American cars. Still, there is something unique and charming about a Maserati, and the Levante uses that to its full potential.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.3
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Levante is the first SUV from Italian carmaker Maserati. Named after a Mediterranean wind that's said to change from mild to gale-force in an instant, the Levante delivers strong power and sharp handling. It's a viable class competitor let down only by some obvious interior cost-cutting measures.
How does the Levante drive? The Levante puts a definitive emphasis on "sport," landing somewhere between pure luxury SUV models and the fire-breathing beasts from the BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG factories. Its turbo V6 engine makes healthy power — 0-60 mph takes 5 seconds flat with the 424-hp version — and sounds wonderful doing it, but the engine is a little slow to respond when driving in Normal mode.
The steering feels direct and precise, with the right amount of effort depending on speed. The Levante is quite fun on tight, twisty roads with its grippy tires, low body roll and torque-vectoring electronics, allowing it to make unnaturally sharp turns. But it wiggles and dances a bit through sweeping curves that aren't perfectly smooth, diminishing driving confidence.
Comfort
7.0/10
How comfortable is the Levante? The Levante's cabin masterfully keeps bad noise out and lets good noise in, but we weren't impressed by this SUV's ride quality. Even on its softest suspension setting, the Levante gets upset by small, sharp bumps. The front seats are firm and comfortable, although smaller drivers might find them a bit too wide and without enough lateral support.
The climate control system keeps air temps in check, and the redundant functions found in both the touchscreen and the buttons below it are a nice touch. But the leather seats can get a little swampy without the ventilation option.
How’s the interior? Getting in and out of the Levante is a breeze. The wide-opening doors offer generous entry into the cabin, even into the rear seat. Once inside, there's comfortable space in nearly every seat. There's even enough room for three adults in the back, but keep your tallest friends out of the middle seat.
The driver can position the seat for maximum road visibility or for a low, sporty feel. Overall visibility is decent, with an unobstructed front view. But the rear window is slightly smaller than those in most SUVs, and the thick rear pillars compromise some of the rearward view.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Levante is starting to show its age, especially when it comes to the infotainment system and controls. Compared to systems in other SUVs at this price point, the interface looks and feels behind the times. It's reasonably well laid out and responsive, but some of the climate settings are buried in submenus. That can be frustrating, especially if you like using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. It also doesn't have as robust a features list as the competition from Germany.
The driver aids work well. Still, the adaptive cruise control is simple to use and operates smoothly, holding a tight gap between cars and maintaining a constant speed downhill.
Storage
6.5/10
How’s the storage? The Levante comes up short on storage. Overall cargo space, at 20.5 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, is near the bottom of the class. The seats do fold, but they don't fold flat, and the sharp roofline and rear window make fitting taller items a bit of an issue. There's a good amount of space for smaller items thanks to a deep center console and a bit in front of the shifter. There are also four cupholders up front, which is unusual for a luxury SUV.
Installing a child safety seat can be problematic because of the tight rear seat, low roof and hidden safety-seat anchor points.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? With an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined, the Levante is thirstier than comparable sport-focused SUVs. Other six-cylinder-powered luxury SUVs typically have EPA estimates in the low 20s. But our test Levante surprised us by getting 19.3 mpg on our evaluation route, indicating the vehicle might do better in real-world driving.
Value
7.0/10
Is the Levante a good value? The Levante draws you in with its exotic Italian pedigree, and its competitive price may win you over. Our test car's near $100K price aligns nicely with most of the class, but its interior materials and build quality feel inferior to the rest. It's the most glaring example of cost-cutting in an otherwise compelling luxury SUV. The Levante's warranty is comparable to coverage provided by rivals.
Wildcard
8.0/10
The Levante might not be the most comfortable cruiser, but it's hard to ignore the fun you can have with it on a twisty road. Some may find the Levante's styling uniquely aggressive and attractive, while others may think it resembles an Infiniti too much. Either way, Maserati has succeed in creating something that is distinctly different in character.
Which Levante does Edmunds recommend?
We think the Modena offers enough performance and Italian flair without letting the price get too far out of control. To the Modena, we'd definitely add the Driver Assistance package for features including the surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control. We'd also tack on a few stand-alone options like the Harmon Kardon audio system, adaptive LED headlights and upgraded leather upholstery.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Maserati Levante models
The 2023 Maserati Levante is a luxury performance SUV available in four trims: GT, Modena, Modena S and Trofeo. The GT and Modena versions are powered by a turbocharged V6 engine, while the Modena S and Trofeo come with a powerful turbocharged V8. All models are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Numerous appearance and tech options can be had on their own or as part of a package. Highlight features include the following:
GT The starter version of the Levante includes this standard equipment:
Many of the feature upgrades that are standard on the Trofeo, such as the ventilated front seats and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, are optional on the other Levante trims.
2017 Maserati Levante S 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Levante has it all, looks, performance and comfort. The growl of the engine puts a smirk on your face that will make you take the long way home.
Exotic SUV?
4 out of 5 stars
Danno1, 02/17/2018
2018 Maserati Levante S 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
I have had my Levante for one month. My last car (Jaguar XFR) is a great comparison for someone who needs an SUV but wants the performance of a sports car. The answer is yes and no. It's not a sports car, BUT, you get the thrill of one. Firstly, the reviews you read are usually about the base Levante. Which is crap. The S is a real Maserati though.You shouldn't buy this car if all you … care about is cargo space, tech, finish etc...etc... You only buy this SUV if you want a thrilling ride because you care about the engine. I've never owned a maserati before, but I can tell you the following: This car is more thrilling than a 510hp Jag. It's all in the exhaust and Ferrari engine combination. Somehow it works better than the Ghibli and the Quattroporte (I test drove both) because it's an SUV. So.... Positives... after about three hours you learn how the car performs, and using the best in class (by far) paddles, and/or the sports mode, you learn that this car is a real Massa, and a cousin of Ferrari. This is where this car begins and ends. I test drove the Macan GTS (amazing) and the Cayenne S (fine) and they were both great, with better finish to interior* and tighter handling, and at around the same price. But here's the thing, neither had any personality whatsoever compared to the Levante S. The handling was tight and controlled but boring. I'm no race driver, but I understand my cars, and the Levante S is an exotic amongst SUVs because of the engine, handling and exhuast note. You'll need to pay a LOT more on insurance for a Levante because it really is an exotic. The negatives on this car are that every reviewer has mentioned that it shares buttons with jeep etc. but I've never known anyone who shops for this car who's even sat in a Jeep. Anyway I can tell you that the tech. is fine (compared to a 2016 mercedes e400 cabrio that my wife drives) and the interior looks more luxurious than any porsche, but to touch, porsche wins. Here's the thing, if you want a luxury suv but don't care about performance, than forget this car. If you want performance AND luxury, the only cars better than this are the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and/or maybe cayenne GTS. The thing is, they just don't have the exotic feel of this car. This is a drivers car, not a driver's, partner's car. 3000 revs and the exhaust expoldes like a Ferarri engine should, and it will blow you away. Now another downside. Maserati after sales are [non-permissible content removed]. Another one, it's insurance group is the same as Ferrari, Lambo, Aston etc. even for a V6 production SUV so be warned. It's worth it, but be warned, you're not buying a Lexus. Oh and it drinks gas like CRAZY.
LIKE A FINE ITALIAN LEATHER PURSE ON WHEELS...
5 out of 5 stars
Sue from Atlanta, 11/05/2017
2017 Maserati Levante 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
trading in a Porsche Cayenne this was a surprise gift from the husband. I have been wanting a Maserati for years since he purchased his first Ferrari....I was jealous!! I met him at the dealer to pick up his car that was being serviced when I saw the Lavente on the showroom floor. A 2018 that had just come in it was stunning. Dark blue in color with the most beautiful dark gray/dark tan … leather interior it reminded me of a beautiful leather purse....Hey I'm a women what else would I think of. It had beautiful dark gray wheels that complimented the dark blue of the exterior. The dealer let me drive as many cars as I wanted (4 in all) before I decided on the one that first caught my eye. The smaller horsepower of the two models I felt it was fast enough for me to drive around town. The "sport" feature kicks it up a notch giving it that fabulous Ferrari exhaust sound. My husband was sold the minute he heard two things. It has a Ferrari engine and is chain driven. I fell for the gorgeous interior and loved the fact that the car raises and lowers a whole 9" for ease of getting in and out. Not only am I a women but I'm old! And one last really fabulous feature this car has...if another car is passing you in your blind spot a light along with a "ding"l goes off on the side mirrors of the car alerting you someone is there. A safety feature every car should come with. Go drive one and you will be sold!
UPDATE ONE YEAR LATER......
The car is still fabulous.....not one complaint or issue with it in the past year. I love that in a year I have only seen one other on my side of Atlanta. My old Porsche Cayenne was a dime a dozen. The gas mileage has leveled off at about 14-16 mpg. I rarely drive it on the highway this is mostly local driving. Every feature works just fine. The sound of the engine sold me then and I still love starting it up. It sounds just like my husbands Ferrari. I highly recommend this SUV.....one more thing I love the feature how the car raises and lowers by a full 9" so it's very easy to get in and out of....especially at my age....it keeps me young!
Buyers be ware 2018 Maserati Levante
2 out of 5 stars
Paul, 03/21/2019
2018 Maserati Levante 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Buyers be ware 2018 Maserati Levante
If you are thinking of buying or leasing a Maserati read this first
This is a 4 month review, I wanted to drive the car for a while before giving my opinion of the car and of my experiences to fellow car enthusiast who might be in the market for a sports SUV.
The buying experience was as good and easy as expected from a dealership of this caliper. … Helpful sales staff, water espresso, the works.
The Levante: The car started falling apart the first week of ownership. Plastic windshield molding literally came out and started flapping about the first time I got on a freeway. On top of that the USB port didn’t work at all. Being disappointed I took the car back to the dealership and the sales person drove with me to service and told me that all will be taken care of. The service dept. gave me a loaner and I didn’t hear from them for 4 days. Finally I called. They told me they were waiting for parts for the stereo system. It had to be completely replaced because of a short in the USB port. When I picked up the car one of my rims and tire was damaged. It had a 3 inch gash. Of course service manager said that it wasn’t them, but agreed to fix the rim only not willing to change a brand new but damaged tire. 3 days later molding popped out again and I was right back again.
I have since made 6 more trips to service department for various noise/parts reasons. Service manager refuses to fix factory defective brakes. Brakes make a lot of grinding/squealing noise when braking. Service department is not what you would expect at a Ferrari. Its 10x10 ft room with a kitchen, sofa, tv and a coffee machine and it doubles for employee break room. Also Ferrari service doesn’t have any loaners. One of the times I was there I had to rent from Enterprise and now they broke it off with rental companies and it has became impossible to get a loaner. Service manager tells you to expect a call when loaner will become available and weeks go by without a phone call. Ferrari service center in long island gets 1 star at best.
Cons:
1. Noisy/squeaky brakes (factory defect)
2. 1 second delayed acceleration (better in sport mode)
3. Transmission gear shifter constantly gets stock and is very hard to get into the right driving mode. Pops into Reverse instead of Park or N instead of drive.
4. Infotainment screen auto dimming and brightness adjustment for day/night doesn’t work
5. Standard speakers produce very plain and empty sound especially at low-mid volume, not very loud at full volume.
6. For the exterior size of the car the interior accommodations are very tight and trunk is smaller than most sedans.
7. Very poor communication and customer service Long island Ferrari/ Maserati Service center
8. Eats a lot of gas, even in eco-mode (ICE MODE) 350 miles per 20 gallon tank
Pros:
1. Air suspension provides a better ride quality on New York roads.
2. Infotainment system is lag free well thought out. Easy to use while driving.
My advice is stay away from Maserati cars and especially from NY Long island branch.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Maserati Levante, so we've included reviews for other years of the Levante since its last redesign.
Much like the Maserati Levante, performance is at the heart of the Porsche Cayenne. Though this German alternative might be more pedestrian in looks, its tech-forward cabin and stellar handling make it a winner for many people. But as is often the case with Porsches, customizing the Cayenne with options can lead to lofty pricing.
With its fantastic looks and potent V8 engine, the Audi SQ8 is an alluring SUV coupe. While we love its performance credentials, our only major gripe with the SQ8 is its infotainment system, which can be confusing and hard to operate. The Maserati's is easier to operate in comparison but has its own issues with dated-looking graphics.
The BMW X6 is more mainstream but has an advantage when it comes to horsepower per dollar. Starting at around $10,000 less than the Maserati, the M50i version provides an extra 100 horses from its turbocharged V8. While the Levante is the better option for individual customization, it’s hard to overlook its inflated price in this matchup.
The Levante is the first SUV that Maserati ever made, and for the majority of its lifespan, it was the only Maserati SUV you could buy. That changed this year when the all-new 2023 Maserati Grecale showed up. The Levante is the larger of the two offerings. It offers a luxe feel and a sporty driving experience, and its top-spec Trofeo model offers a rumbling twin-turbo V8 and plenty of power. It competes with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, albeit with striking Italian styling and a slightly more prestigious badge on its hood.
For 2023, the Levante will carry over unchanged. That means it will be offered in four trim levels — GT, Modena, Modena S and Trofeo. Though there's nothing new, it doesn't mean it's the same car we saw go on sale in 2017. A major face-lift in 2021 brought with it a refreshed interior and some new looks, too. Even so, the Maserati does lag behind some of its rivals in interior quality and is a little short on interior space.
Edmunds says
If you want a fun-to-drive midsize luxury SUV that offers standout style in a class dominated by German brands, the Levante is a solid option.
FAQ
Is the Maserati Levante a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Levante both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.3 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Levante gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 53 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Levante has 20.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Maserati Levante. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Maserati Levante?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Maserati Levante:
Some previously optional driver assist features are now standard equipment
Part of the first Levante generation introduced for 2017
To determine whether the Maserati Levante is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Levante. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Levante's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Maserati Levante a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Maserati Levante is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Levante and gave it a 7.3 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Levante gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 53 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Levante is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Maserati Levante?
The least-expensive 2023 Maserati Levante is the 2023 Maserati Levante GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $90,700.
Other versions include:
GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $90,700
Modena 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $101,400
Modena S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $127,600
Trofeo 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $167,000
What are the different models of Maserati Levante?
If you're interested in the Maserati Levante, the next question is, which Levante model is right for you? Levante variants include GT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), Modena 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), Modena S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A), and Trofeo 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Levante models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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