The 2023 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.
Some previously optional driver assist features are now standard equipment
Part of the first Levante generation introduced for 2017
What is the Levante?
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.
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 $3.54 per gallon for premium unleaded in Arkansas.
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.
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.
Excellent Driving Machine
5 out of 5 stars
EF_PA, 03/01/2020
2018 Maserati Levante 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
I own the base model 2018 Levante and am very pleased with it. It all depends on what your priorities are. It is a great looking SUV, unlike anything else on the road. It stands out.
It handles better than other SUV's out there and the Ferrari designed base twin turbo engine is plenty for me.
The inside materials are just fine, the look is like no other SUV, so I am very pleased with … the Levante.
Good work Maserati.
Nice engine, poor overall engineering
2 out of 5 stars
Al B, 08/14/2020
2018 Maserati Levante 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
On my test drive before purchasing my Lavante I was impressed with the pick up and driving characteristics. I like the variable height and suspension technology.
However, the transmission is clunky, brake pads and rotors need to be replaced every 10,000 miles. I’ve had a problem with the plastic trim pieces (and fake chrome) falling off while driving and going through the car wash. … Overall I think there are better choices for a performance SUV.
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.