Is the 2024 Maserati Grecale a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 5 Cons

Buyers looking for an upscale SUV have no shortage of choices these days, especially now that virtually all luxury brands and even exotic nameplates like Ferrari and Lamborghini have gotten into the game. The Maserati Grecale compact SUV is one of the latest models to arrive in showrooms, and it makes a compelling alternative to competitors such as the Porsche Macan and Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

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Like its mid-size Levante sibling, the Grecale combines SUV attributes like added room and all-wheel drive with a bit more exclusivity and style than some other choices. It also comes with entertaining driving dynamics and a luxurious, nicely appointed interior.

Not all is ideal, however, as Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman found during two weeks driving two examples of the 2023 Grecale (which changes little for the 2024 model year): a mid-trim Modena and a top-spec Trofeo. Tap the link above to read Bragman’s full expert review; for a quicker look, below are five things we like about the 2023 Maserati Grecale and five things we do not.

Things We Like

1. Distinctive Style

In a sea of compact SUV alternatives, the Grecale stands out with its curvaceous shape. More of a tall wagon than an SUV, the sleek Grecale combines traditional and modern Maserati design elements, from its grille and headlights to the brand’s ubiquitous decorative vent ports on the front fenders. The top Trofeo trim ups the ante with a more aggressive look and wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

2. All Maserati Inside and Out

Inside, you’ll find a cabin that’s just as stylish and upscale as the exterior, with quality materials and a clean and modern (if somewhat generic) design. Unlike some luxury brands, Alfa Romeo parent company Stellantis has largely spared the Grecale from the cost-cutting practice of using components and switches shared with more mainstream models.

3. Room to Roam

Thanks to a longer wheelbase than its Stelvio cousin, the Grecale has more interior room than you might expect. Rear-seat passengers reap the most benefit, with more head- and legroom than not only the Stelvio, but most other compact SUVs.

4. Pleasing Powertrains

The base powertrain combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system; it delivers 296 horsepower in the base GT trim and 325 hp in our tested mid-level Modena. An eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD are standard. We found performance was more than adequate, with quick and smooth acceleration. The Trofeo trim pulls out all the stops, with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 good for a whopping 523 hp, turning the Grecale into a canyon carver with an appropriately rorty soundtrack.

5. Cruiser or Canyon Carver

An air suspension is optional with the Modena trim and standard on the Trofeo, and it does an excellent job of delivering a comfortable and controlled ride depending on which mode is selected. Things can also be firmed up with the more aggressive modes for sharper handling, rivaling that of the best German SUVs. Whether cruising on long highway stretches or exploring an undiscovered two-lane road, the Grecale feels right at home.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. No Knobs

The Grecale does without physical controls for virtually all climate, audio and multimedia functions, instead using touch-sensitive panels. These can be confusing to use at first, though that eases somewhat as you gain familiarity. But adjusting something like the temperature settings on the fly will always be more of a challenge with touch controls than with a conventional knob that can be used without taking your eyes off the road.

2. Other Control Issues

Gear selection is accomplished using a row of push buttons not unlike those favored by Lincoln. Located in the center of the dash, the glossy plastic buttons are neither particularly upscale-looking nor all that easy to use. Perhaps more annoying is the placement of the push-button door release, which sits right where a driver’s knee might bump it and open a door at a stoplight.

3. Snug Seats

Aggressively bolstered front seats help keep the driver and passenger snug and in place during aggressive cornering, but some may find them overly constricting. The seating position is also on the high side, making the dash and controls seem abnormally low.

4. Mixed Modes

The GT and Modena trims offer four different driving modes, ranging from the most sedate Comfort setting through the more aggressive GT, Sport and off-road modes; the Trofeo variant adds a fifth Corsa race mode. The problem is that Comfort mode is a little too laid back and gives sluggish throttle and transmission response; Sport mode, on the other hand, is a little too high-strung. That means you’ll probably find yourself switching modes fairly often depending on conditions and preferences.

5. Pricey Performer

A base 2023 Grecale in the GT trim starts at around $65,000 (including destination), while the Modena costs around $75,000. Both prices are in line with the Grecale’s primary competitors. But stepping up to the Trofeo trim with its delightful twin-turbo V-6 jacks the sticker price to over $105,000 — a $30,000-plus premium over the Modena. Options can add to that quickly, too, and brought our tested Trofeo to more than $120,000. That’s a lot of money for any subcompact SUV.

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