Is the 2023 Maserati Levante a Good Luxury SUV? 5 Pros and 4 Cons

Luxury SUVs have replaced sedans for an increasing number of well-heeled buyers, and for the same reasons, buyers of more moderately priced vehicles have made the switch. The added versatility and cargo room of an SUV combined with the availability of all-wheel drive makes sense no matter your budget. But as luxury models like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne have become more commonplace, it’s harder for those wealthy buyers to stand out from the crowd. For those looking for something a little different, there is the Maserati Levante.

Related: 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo Review: Fun, Flawed, Favolissimo

With a curvaceous yet muscular look that is both attractive and distinctly Italian, the Levante is sure to stand out from the crowd. Better still is that it has the performance to back up its looks, with quick acceleration and responsive handling that make the Levante an entertaining choice from behind the wheel. It delivers on the luxury front too, with an opulent and well-equipped interior — mostly so, at least.

Cars.com reviewer Aaron Bragman spent a week with a 2022 Levante (little changes for 2023) in the top Trofeo trim and came away impressed. But not all was perfect, as you might expect. Hit the link above for his complete expert review. For a quicker overview, keep reading for five things we like about the Maserati Levante and four things we do not.

Things We Like

1. Easy on the Eyes

From its bold, blacked-out grille to its sharply angled rear hatch, the Levante has a distinctive and muscular look. Fender bulges, blacked-out trim and 22-inch wheels add to the Trofeo’s elegant yet powerful appearance, while familiar Maserati styling cues including vent ports on the front fenders, an oversize Maserati logo and eye-catching Rosso Magma Red paint on our test car added to the look.

2. Powerful Pedigree

The Levante Trofeo is powered by a Ferrari-built twin-turbocharged V-8 engine displacing 3.8 liters and good for an impressive 580 horsepower. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, the powertrain is a gem, serving up a satisfying mechanical soundtrack while smoothly taking the Levante from 0-60 mph in a factory-claimed 3.8 seconds. (Base Levantes are powered by a 345-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6.)

3. A Hauler That Handles

A low center of gravity and seating position to match help make the Levante feel more like a station wagon than an SUV. They also make for a more entertaining experience behind the wheel than many of its ilk. Excellent steering feel and well-controlled body motions add to the fun, and the adjustable air suspension nicely soaks up bumps while offering varying degrees of firmness depending on mode.

4. Upscale Interior Details

The Levante’s interior is a mix of modern and classic luxury, with quality leather covering the dash, doors and seats that’s finished to a high standard. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with a pattern in the Trofeo that’s been used by Ferrari for many years. The gauges are real analog dials that are easy to read and beautiful to look at, and a faux-suede headliner furthers the upscale vibe.

5. Family Values

Another plus is that the Levante gets a Maserati-themed version of the  Uconnect multimedia system shared with some of its Stellantis siblings, which remains one of the best examples of the breed. With an 8.4-inch touchscreen that’s quick to respond and easy to use, the system features crisp graphics and simple menus.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. Interior Oddities

Even with the upscale interior touches mentioned above, evidence of cost cuts appear in window switches, stalks and controls shared with Stellantis siblings like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, although at least these aren’t cheap-feeling items. More bothersome is the use of carbon-fiber trim that looks like something out of a much less expensive car.

2. Second-Row Blues

As good as the Levante front seats are, backseat passengers are not likely to be writing rave reviews. Leg- and headroom are adequate, but an odd bit of bolstering down low results in an uncomfortable lump in the lower back that drew immediate complaints from rear-seat occupants.

3. Compromised Cargo Area

A raised load floor and that steeply raked liftgate take a toll on cargo room and eat into the utility part of the Levante equation. The result is slightly more than 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row — less than competitors from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

4. Big Bottom Line

A base 2023 Levante GT starts at about $92,000 (including destination), rising to a lofty $173,550 for one like our loaded test car in the top Trofeo trim. That’s a hefty price to pay for the exclusivity that comes with driving something you don’t see every day, especially when some competitors offer more tech and customization options for less.

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