The 2023 Maserati Levante occupies a very specific, and increasingly rare, corner of the luxury performance SUV market. It is not chasing Nürburgring lap times like an Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, nor is it trying to overwhelm buyers with digital interfaces and tech theatrics the way German rivals do. Instead, the Levante leans heavily on Italian character, Ferrari-derived powertrains, and a driving experience that prioritizes emotion as much as outright numbers.
In a segment dominated by the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 M, Mercedes-AMG GLE, and Audi RS Q8, the Levante exists as the outsider choice for buyers who want something genuinely exotic without jumping into six-figure super-SUV territory. It blends luxury, performance, and heritage in a way that feels old-school in philosophy, yet modern in execution. That positioning defines both its strengths and its compromises.
Market Positioning and Brand Identity
Maserati pitches the Levante as a grand touring SUV rather than a hardcore performance tool. The emphasis is on long-distance comfort, chassis balance, and a soundtrack that reminds you this brand traces its lineage back to racing engines and Italian coachbuilding. Unlike German competitors that iterate relentlessly on technology cycles, the Levante relies on design continuity and brand cachet.
This makes it particularly appealing to buyers cross-shopping Porsche or BMW but seeking something less ubiquitous. You are far less likely to see another Levante at valet parking, and that exclusivity is part of the value proposition. Maserati knows its customer is buying with the heart first, spreadsheet second.
Powertrain Philosophy in a Turbocharged World
By 2023, Maserati simplified the Levante lineup around turbocharged gasoline engines with Ferrari involvement still central to its appeal. The available V6 and V8 engines prioritize linear power delivery and sound quality, not just peak horsepower figures. While rivals often chase ever-higher output numbers, Maserati focuses on how the power is delivered through the chassis.
All-wheel drive is standard, tuned for rear-biased handling rather than maximum traction off the line. This gives the Levante a more playful, engaging feel on a winding road compared to many heavier, more clinical competitors. It is an SUV that still wants to be driven, not just pointed.
Size, Practicality, and Everyday Usability
Dimensionally, the Levante sits squarely in the midsize luxury SUV class, competing directly with the Cayenne and GLE. Passenger space is generous without feeling oversized, and cargo capacity is competitive, though not class-leading. Maserati clearly prioritized proportions and driving dynamics over maximizing interior volume.
This balance makes the Levante easy to live with in urban environments while still being comfortable on long highway drives. Air suspension helps manage ride quality across different road surfaces, and selectable drive modes allow the vehicle to shift personality depending on mood or conditions.
Pricing Reality and Competitive Pressure
The Levante’s pricing places it firmly in premium territory, often undercutting fully optioned German rivals while offering higher perceived exclusivity. However, options can add up quickly, and resale value historically lags behind Porsche and BMW. This creates a unique value equation where upfront cost may be competitive, but long-term ownership requires clear-eyed expectations.
For buyers who prioritize brand heritage, sound, and emotional engagement over absolute tech leadership or depreciation curves, the Levante makes a compelling case. It is not trying to win every metric, only the ones that matter most to its audience.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Who It’s Really For
At a glance, the 2023 Maserati Levante stands out for its design, engine character, and rarity. Its weaknesses lie in infotainment sophistication, ownership costs, and the relentless advancement of German competitors. Yet those shortcomings are often acceptable trade-offs for buyers who want something distinctive.
This SUV is for enthusiasts who appreciate nuance, who value how a vehicle feels over how many screens it has, and who want an SUV that still carries the soul of a sports car manufacturer. In the luxury performance SUV market, the Levante is less about domination and more about identity.
Pricing Breakdown: MSRP, Trims, Options, and Real-World Transaction Costs
Understanding the Levante’s value proposition starts with acknowledging Maserati’s pricing philosophy. This is not a loss-leader luxury SUV, nor is it priced to chase German volume leaders. Instead, the Levante positions itself as a lower-production, emotionally driven alternative where mechanical character and design exclusivity justify the sticker.
Base MSRP and Trim Structure
For 2023, the Levante lineup in the U.S. was streamlined into three primary trims, each tied directly to a specific powertrain. The Levante GT opened the range at roughly $90,700 before destination, making it the most accessible entry point into the brand’s SUV portfolio. Even at this level, the Levante never feels stripped, but performance and luxury scale quickly as you climb the ladder.
The Levante Modena sat in the middle at approximately $101,200, bringing a meaningful jump in output, sharper chassis tuning, and more aggressive exterior detailing. At the top, the Levante Trofeo commanded a steep $153,200 starting price, reflecting its Ferrari-derived V8 and flagship status. All prices exclude the roughly $1,495 destination charge.
Powertrains, Performance, and What You’re Paying For
The Levante GT uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 345 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0–60 mph time in the mid-five-second range. It is quick, refined, and far more engaging than its base-trim positioning suggests. Standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed ZF automatic ensure consistent traction and smooth daily operation.
Step up to the Modena and that same V6 is tuned to 424 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. The difference is immediately noticeable, with a 0–60 mph sprint dropping to around 5.0 seconds flat and a more aggressive exhaust note. The Trofeo, meanwhile, is a different animal altogether, packing a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 580 horsepower and a sub-four-second 0–60 mph time, territory usually reserved for super SUVs with six-figure premiums.
Standard Equipment Versus Optional Indulgences
Maserati’s standard equipment list is generous on paper, with air suspension, adaptive dampers, leather upholstery, and a full suite of drive modes included across the lineup. However, the brand’s customization culture means many of the most desirable features live in the options catalog. This is where Levante pricing can escalate rapidly.
Popular upgrades include the Zegna Silk interior, upgraded leather packages, 21- or 22-inch wheels, and the Driver Assistance Plus package, which bundles adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic jam assist. Depending on configuration, it is easy to add $10,000 to $20,000 in options without venturing into truly bespoke territory.
Real-World Transaction Prices and Negotiation Reality
Unlike Porsche or Lexus, Maserati transactions rarely happen at full MSRP, especially outside peak demand periods. In 2023, real-world discounts of 5 to 10 percent off sticker were common on GT and Modena trims, particularly on dealer-stock vehicles. Trofeo models were less negotiable but still occasionally saw modest incentives or favorable lease structures.
This pricing flexibility partially offsets the Levante’s weaker resale values compared to German competitors. Buyers who negotiate aggressively and plan to lease or own for a shorter cycle often land in a favorable cost position. For cash buyers expecting Cayenne-level depreciation resistance, expectations need recalibration.
Total Cost Context Within the Segment
When properly optioned, a Levante Modena often lands in the same transaction range as a well-equipped Porsche Cayenne S or BMW X5 M60i. The difference is that the Maserati feels rarer on the road and leans harder into emotional appeal rather than digital sophistication. That distinction is central to understanding its pricing logic.
The Levante does not win on raw value metrics or long-term depreciation curves. What it offers instead is a compelling blend of Italian design, distinctive engine character, and genuine performance that still feels special every time the starter button is pressed. For the right buyer, that emotional return is where the money goes.
Powertrains and Performance Figures: From Base Levante to Trofeo V8
With pricing and positioning established, the Levante’s real justification comes into focus once you examine what lives under the hood. Maserati’s approach is refreshingly traditional in an era of downsized four-cylinders and synthetic exhaust notes. Every 2023 Levante is powered by a multi-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic and the brand’s rear-biased Q4 all-wheel-drive system.
This mechanical consistency gives the Levante a cohesive driving character across trims. What changes dramatically is output, urgency, and how hard the SUV leans into Maserati’s performance heritage.
Levante GT: The Entry Point With Real Maserati DNA
The base Levante GT uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 345 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque. On paper, those numbers may not shock in a segment crowded with turbo-six SUVs, but the delivery matters more than the headline. Power comes on smoothly, with a muscular midrange that suits daily driving and long-distance touring.
Zero to 60 mph arrives in roughly 5.8 seconds, with a top speed around 156 mph. Adaptive air suspension is standard, giving the GT genuine ride comfort without fully abandoning body control. This is the Levante for buyers who want the Maserati badge and sound without chasing outright speed figures.
Levante Modena: The Sweet Spot for Enthusiasts
Step up to the Levante Modena and the same 3.0-liter V6 is significantly reworked, now delivering 424 HP and 428 lb-ft of torque. The difference is immediately noticeable from the first throttle input. Turbo response is sharper, acceleration is more urgent, and the chassis feels better matched to the engine’s output.
Maserati claims a 0–60 mph time of about 5.0 seconds, with top speed climbing to approximately 164 mph. Larger brakes, a more aggressive exhaust note, and standard sportier suspension tuning make the Modena the most balanced Levante in the lineup. For many drivers, this is where performance, price, and usability intersect most convincingly.
Levante Trofeo: Ferrari-Bred V8 Excess
At the top sits the Levante Trofeo, and it operates on a different emotional and mechanical plane. Under the hood is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 built by Ferrari, producing 580 HP and 538 lb-ft of torque for the U.S. market. This engine alone defines the Trofeo experience and explains much of its price premium.
The Trofeo launches to 60 mph in roughly 3.8 seconds and continues pulling to a top speed near 187 mph. Torque delivery is explosive, yet the throttle remains progressive enough to avoid feeling unruly in normal driving. Active air suspension, torque-vectoring AWD, and massive brakes work overtime to manage the power, reminding drivers that this is one of the last V8-powered luxury SUVs of its kind.
Chassis Dynamics, Drivetrain, and Real-World Feel
Across the range, the ZF eight-speed automatic deserves praise for its calibration. In normal modes it shifts smoothly and unobtrusively, while Sport and Corsa modes deliver quick, decisive gear changes with genuine mechanical feedback. The Q4 system prioritizes rear-wheel drive, only sending torque forward when traction demands it, preserving a distinctly rear-driven feel.
Steering is hydraulic rather than fully electric, a rarity in this class, and it shows through better road feel and linear response. The Levante is not the lightest SUV in its segment, but it compensates with balance, grip, and an engaging chassis that encourages spirited driving. Especially in Modena and Trofeo form, it feels engineered for drivers who still care how an SUV behaves when the road gets interesting.
Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality: Handling, Comfort, and Daily Usability
What separates the Levante from its German rivals becomes clearest once the road turns imperfect or engaging. Maserati tuned this SUV around feel first, not lap times or spec-sheet dominance, and that philosophy shapes everything from suspension calibration to steering feedback. The result is a luxury SUV that consistently communicates what the chassis is doing beneath you.
Handling and Chassis Behavior
Despite tipping the scales north of 4,500 pounds depending on configuration, the Levante hides its mass impressively well. Turn-in is sharp for the segment, body roll is controlled, and mid-corner balance feels neutral rather than nose-heavy. The rear-biased AWD system works quietly in the background, allowing confident throttle application without corrupting steering feel.
Air suspension is standard across much of the range and plays a critical role here. In Sport or Corsa modes, the ride height drops and damping firms noticeably, giving the Levante a planted, athletic stance that encourages aggressive driving. It never feels as clinical as a Porsche Cayenne, but it delivers a more organic sense of engagement than most BMW or Mercedes alternatives.
Steering Feel and Driver Engagement
Hydraulic steering is the Levante’s secret weapon, and it remains a standout even years into its lifecycle. There’s genuine feedback through the wheel, with clear communication about front-end grip and road texture. In an era dominated by numb electric racks, this alone makes the Levante feel special to driving enthusiasts.
Weighting is well judged, especially at highway speeds where the wheel settles naturally on center. Around town, the steering remains light enough for easy maneuvering, though it never loses its mechanical honesty. For buyers who value driver involvement over autonomous tech gimmicks, this setup still feels refreshingly old-school.
Ride Comfort and Long-Distance Refinement
In Normal mode, the Levante prioritizes comfort without drifting into floatiness. The air suspension absorbs expansion joints and broken pavement effectively, particularly on the standard 20-inch wheels. Step up to 21- or 22-inch wheels, and sharp impacts become more noticeable, though never punishing by performance SUV standards.
Highway cruising is where the Levante shines as a grand tourer. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, the chassis tracks straight and stable at speed, and the seats provide strong lateral support without sacrificing long-distance comfort. This is a vehicle that feels engineered for fast, effortless cross-country driving rather than urban stop-and-go duty alone.
Daily Usability and Real-World Livability
As a daily driver, the Levante walks a fine line between exotic character and practical usability. Visibility is good for the class, aided by a relatively low cowl and upright seating position. The suspension’s ability to raise ride height also helps when dealing with steep driveways, snow, or rough urban roads.
That said, this is not the most tech-forward or efficiency-focused SUV in its price bracket. Fuel economy lags behind six-cylinder German competitors, and some driver-assistance systems feel a generation behind. Buyers drawn to the Levante must value emotional engagement, sound, and feel over cutting-edge digital interfaces or maximum practicality.
In everyday use, the Levante consistently reminds you that it was tuned by people who prioritize driving pleasure. It may demand more from its owner in terms of fuel costs and tolerance for Italian quirks, but it repays that commitment every time the road opens up or the steering wheel starts talking back.
Exterior Design and Interior Craftsmanship: Italian Styling vs German Precision
After experiencing the Levante on the road, its design philosophy makes immediate sense. This is a vehicle shaped by emotion first and spreadsheets second, and nowhere is that more evident than in how it looks and feels compared to its German rivals. Maserati leans heavily into heritage and drama, even if that means resisting the hyper-rational design language dominating the segment.
Exterior Design: Timeless Proportions Over Trend-Chasing
The Levante’s exterior remains unmistakably Italian, with long-hood proportions, a swept roofline, and muscular rear haunches that give it a planted, rear-drive-biased stance. The trident grille, triple fender vents, and frameless doors are pure Maserati, cues you won’t find on an X5 or GLE. Even in 2023, the design prioritizes elegance and aggression over sharp creases or excessive aero gimmickry.
Where German competitors evolve their styling almost annually, the Levante plays a longer game. The shape has aged gracefully rather than chasing LED signatures or oversized grilles. Some buyers will call it dated; others will appreciate that it still looks like a luxury performance SUV rather than a rolling tech demo.
Wheel designs range from conservative 20-inch setups to dramatic 22-inch options that visually transform the vehicle. Larger wheels enhance curb appeal but also emphasize the Levante’s sporting intent, subtly reminding you that this SUV was designed to be driven hard, not merely admired in a valet line.
Paint, Trim, and Visual Customization
Maserati’s paint palette favors depth and richness over novelty, with metallic and tri-coat finishes that highlight the Levante’s sculpted surfaces. Colors like Blu Emozione or Grigio Maratea play beautifully with natural light, reinforcing the car’s luxury positioning. Compared to German brands, customization is less about endless checkboxes and more about curated, design-forward choices.
Exterior trim options are deliberately restrained. Blacked-out elements are available, but Maserati avoids the over-stylization seen in some performance packages from rivals. The result is a vehicle that feels upscale and cohesive rather than aggressively branded.
Interior Craftsmanship: Old-World Luxury With Modern Expectations
Step inside, and the Levante immediately distinguishes itself through materials and atmosphere. Leather quality is a standout, with soft, aromatic hides that feel closer to high-end Italian furniture than mass-produced automotive upholstery. Real wood, carbon fiber, or piano black trims are available, each applied with a tactile richness that Germans often replace with technical precision.
The cabin design prioritizes warmth and driver engagement over minimalism. The analog Maserati clock remains proudly centered on the dash, a subtle nod to tradition that contrasts sharply with the screen-dominated interiors of competitors. It’s a reminder that this SUV values craftsmanship as much as connectivity.
Technology Integration and Ergonomics
From a usability standpoint, the Levante’s interior shows its age next to newer German rivals. The 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive enough and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its graphics and menu logic feel conservative. Digital gauge clusters and augmented reality displays are notably absent, which may matter to tech-focused buyers.
Ergonomics, however, are thoughtfully executed. Physical controls for climate and drive modes remain, reducing distraction while driving enthusiastically. Seating position is excellent, with a low, sporty feel that reinforces the Levante’s grand touring DNA rather than SUV uprightness.
Build Quality: Character Over Clinical Perfection
In terms of fit and finish, the Levante delivers solid construction but not the bank-vault consistency of an Audi or BMW. Panel gaps are generally tight, and materials feel durable, though some switchgear lacks the tactile precision found in German cabins. This is where Maserati’s philosophy becomes clear: personality takes precedence over absolute uniformity.
For buyers cross-shopping German luxury SUVs, the Levante’s interior will feel more emotional but less technologically advanced. It doesn’t overwhelm with screens or configurable lighting schemes. Instead, it offers an environment that feels bespoke, driver-focused, and intentionally different, appealing to those who want their luxury SUV to feel special every time they open the door.
Technology, Infotainment, and Driver Assistance Features
Maserati’s approach to technology in the 2023 Levante mirrors the rest of the vehicle’s philosophy: functional, performance-oriented, and deliberately restrained. This is not an SUV that leads with screens and software. Instead, technology is meant to support the driving experience rather than dominate it, for better and for worse when compared to newer German rivals.
Infotainment System: Familiar, Functional, and Aging
At the center of the dash sits the 8.4-inch Maserati Touch Control Plus system, carried over largely unchanged into 2023. It runs on an older FCA-derived interface, and while response times are acceptable, the graphics and menu structure feel a generation behind what BMW iDrive or Mercedes MBUX now deliver. There is no curved glass, no multi-screen wizardry, and no over-the-air feature evolution.
That said, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and work reliably, which mitigates much of the system’s dated native software. For many owners, smartphone mirroring becomes the default interface, effectively bypassing Maserati’s own navigation and media menus. The screen’s size and placement are ergonomically sound, angled slightly toward the driver without overwhelming the cabin.
Audio and Connectivity: Strong Hardware, Limited Customization
Audio performance is a highlight if properly optioned. The standard sound system is competent but unremarkable, lacking depth and low-end authority. Step up to the available Harman Kardon system, and the cabin gains real presence, with cleaner highs and tighter bass suitable for long highway drives.
Connectivity features remain conservative. Wireless charging is available, Bluetooth pairing is stable, and USB ports are well placed, but advanced personalization profiles and cloud-based driver settings are absent. This reinforces the Levante’s analog-leaning personality, but it also reminds buyers that Maserati is not chasing Silicon Valley-inspired user experiences.
Driver Assistance and Safety Technology
The Levante offers a full suite of modern driver assistance features, though many are optional rather than standard. Available systems include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems function competently but lack the refined calibration and predictive smoothness found in the latest German semi-autonomous packages.
There is no hands-free highway driving or advanced lane-centering system here. The Levante expects the driver to remain engaged, which aligns with its sporting mission but may disappoint buyers seeking maximum automation. From a safety standpoint, the fundamentals are covered, but the technology never steals focus from the act of driving itself.
Technology as a Supporting Act, Not the Headliner
Taken as a whole, the Levante’s technology package underscores its positioning in the luxury performance SUV segment. You get the essentials, the must-have connectivity, and a respectable safety net, but you do not get cutting-edge interfaces or digital spectacle. Maserati has prioritized emotional design, engine character, and chassis feel over technological one-upmanship.
For buyers considering exotic alternatives to German SUVs, this will either be a deal-breaker or a defining strength. The 2023 Levante doesn’t try to impress you with pixels. It aims to win you over every time the road opens up and the driving experience takes center stage.
Ownership Costs: Fuel Economy, Maintenance, Reliability, and Depreciation
Once the emotional appeal and driving character have pulled you in, the reality of ownership costs becomes impossible to ignore. The Levante’s old-school, driver-first philosophy carries financial consequences that differ sharply from the more clinical efficiency of German rivals. This is a luxury performance SUV that rewards passion, but it asks commitment in return.
Fuel Economy: Performance First, Efficiency Second
Fuel economy is one of the clearest indicators of where Maserati’s priorities lie. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 models return EPA ratings around 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, with a combined figure hovering near 20 mpg. That’s competitive with other six-cylinder performance SUVs, but it lags behind newer mild-hybrid-assisted rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Step up to the Trofeo and efficiency becomes a secondary concern altogether. The Ferrari-derived 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 is rated at roughly 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, with a combined figure around 15 mpg. In real-world driving, spirited use will dip below those numbers quickly, reinforcing that the Trofeo is a passion purchase, not a rational one.
Maintenance and Service Costs: Exotic Reality Sets In
Maintenance costs are where Levante ownership clearly separates itself from mainstream luxury SUVs. Routine service is more expensive than comparable BMW or Audi models, driven by lower production volumes, specialized parts, and a smaller dealer network. Oil changes, brake service, and suspension components carry a noticeable premium, especially on higher-performance trims.
Out-of-warranty ownership deserves careful consideration. Maserati recommends strict service intervals, and skipping maintenance is not an option if long-term reliability is the goal. Extended warranties are common among Levante buyers for good reason, as repair costs can escalate quickly once factory coverage expires.
Reliability: Improved, But Not Class-Leading
Reliability for the 2023 Levante reflects Maserati’s gradual improvement under Stellantis, but it still trails the best from Germany and Japan. The core powertrains are generally robust when properly maintained, particularly the V6, which has matured over several model years. Electrical quirks, infotainment glitches, and sensor-related faults remain the most common complaints rather than catastrophic mechanical failures.
Dealer experience plays an outsized role here. Owners with access to a competent, well-supported Maserati service center tend to report far better long-term satisfaction. This is not a vehicle that tolerates neglect or corner-cutting, but when treated correctly, it can be more dependable than outdated stereotypes suggest.
Depreciation: The Hidden Cost of Italian Luxury
Depreciation is the Levante’s biggest financial downside. Compared to Porsche or BMW equivalents, residual values drop faster, particularly in the first three years. This creates exceptional value on the used market but can sting buyers who purchase new and plan to sell within a short ownership window.
For savvy buyers, this depreciation curve can be leveraged strategically. Certified pre-owned Levantes often represent a compelling entry point into the Maserati experience, offering dramatic performance and design at a fraction of the original sticker price. New buyers, however, should approach with long-term ownership in mind to fully justify the investment.
Total Cost of Ownership: Passion Over Pragmatism
Taken as a whole, Levante ownership costs reflect the same philosophy seen throughout the vehicle. Fuel economy is acceptable but not cutting-edge, maintenance is undeniably expensive, reliability is improving but not bulletproof, and depreciation is steeper than class norms. None of this will surprise seasoned enthusiasts familiar with low-volume European performance brands.
What matters is alignment of expectations. The 2023 Maserati Levante is not designed to win spreadsheet comparisons or minimize monthly running costs. It is engineered for buyers who value sound, steering feel, and emotional engagement enough to accept the financial realities that come with Italian performance luxury.
Strengths and Weaknesses: What the Levante Does Better—and Worse—Than Rivals
With ownership costs and depreciation realities established, the Levante’s real justification comes down to how it drives and feels relative to its peers. This is where Maserati intentionally diverges from the dominant German formula, prioritizing emotional engagement over clinical perfection. Whether that tradeoff works depends entirely on what you value behind the wheel.
Strength: Powertrain Character and Sound
Few luxury SUVs deliver engine character like the Levante, especially in V8 Trofeo form. The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 580 HP and a tidal wave of torque, but it’s the throttle response and exhaust note that separate it from turbocharged rivals. Where competitors feel filtered and synthesized, the Maserati sounds mechanical, aggressive, and unapologetically loud.
Even the V6 variants benefit from this tuning philosophy. The engines feel alive at higher RPMs, encouraging spirited driving in a way that most luxury SUVs actively discourage. For enthusiasts who believe sound and sensation matter as much as numbers, this is a defining advantage.
Strength: Steering Feel and Chassis Engagement
The Levante’s steering is among the most communicative in the segment. It delivers genuine feedback through the wheel, allowing the driver to sense grip levels and front-end loading in a way that Porsche aside, few rivals match. This makes the Levante feel smaller and more agile than its size suggests.
Adaptive air suspension and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive help the chassis balance comfort with athleticism. It’s not the sharpest SUV in absolute lap-time terms, but it excels at creating confidence and involvement on real roads. This is a driver’s SUV first, luxury hauler second.
Strength: Design Presence and Interior Atmosphere
Visually, the Levante stands apart in a parking lot full of predictable German silhouettes. The long hood, aggressive grille, and sculpted bodywork give it a distinctly Italian sense of drama. It looks expensive, exotic, and intentional in a way few competitors manage.
Inside, the cabin emphasizes craftsmanship over digital overload. Leather quality is excellent, seating is supportive without feeling over-bolstered, and the overall atmosphere feels bespoke rather than mass-produced. Buyers seeking individuality will find the Levante refreshingly non-generic.
Weakness: Infotainment and Technology Execution
Despite updates, the Levante’s infotainment system still trails segment leaders. Screen resolution, interface speed, and feature integration lag behind BMW’s iDrive and Mercedes’ MBUX systems. It works reliably, but it lacks the polish and intuitive depth expected at this price point.
Driver assistance features are competent but not cutting-edge. Semi-autonomous functionality feels conservative, and the system tuning prioritizes safety margins over seamless operation. Tech-focused buyers may find this area underwhelming.
Weakness: Interior Packaging and Practicality
Compared to rivals, the Levante makes compromises in rear-seat space and cargo efficiency. The driving position and long hood enhance dynamics but reduce outright interior volume. Families cross-shopping an X5 or GLE will notice the difference immediately.
Storage solutions inside the cabin are also less thoughtful. Cupholders, cubbies, and charging ports feel like afterthoughts rather than focal design elements. This reinforces the Levante’s enthusiast-first orientation, but it does cost everyday convenience.
Weakness: Ownership Risk and Brand Infrastructure
While reliability has improved, the ownership experience remains heavily dealer-dependent. Service quality varies significantly by region, and parts availability can introduce longer downtime than German alternatives. This is not an issue for every owner, but it is a variable that must be acknowledged.
Depreciation further complicates the value equation for new buyers. The Levante rewards long-term ownership and penalizes short-term flipping, a pattern that runs counter to the habits of many luxury SUV customers. Buyers seeking predictability and resale strength will find safer options elsewhere.
Who Should Buy the 2023 Maserati Levante (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Taken as a whole, the Levante’s strengths and weaknesses point toward a very specific type of buyer. This is not a default luxury SUV, and it does not attempt to be the most rational choice in its segment. Instead, it rewards drivers who value emotional engagement, mechanical character, and brand identity over outright spec-sheet dominance.
Buy the Levante If You Value Driving Feel Over Digital Perfection
The ideal Levante buyer is someone who still prioritizes steering feedback, chassis balance, and powertrain character in a segment increasingly dominated by screens and software. Whether equipped with the 345-hp GT, 424-hp Modena, or the 572-hp Trofeo’s Ferrari-derived V8, the Levante delivers a distinctly mechanical driving experience. Throttle response, exhaust tuning, and suspension calibration all lean toward engagement rather than isolation.
If you enjoy driving for the sake of driving and want an SUV that feels alive on a back road, the Levante stands apart. It trades some infotainment sophistication for a more analog connection between driver, chassis, and road surface. That tradeoff will make sense to enthusiasts who see SUVs as performance tools rather than rolling tech hubs.
Buy the Levante If You Want Rarity and Italian Character
Exclusivity matters here. You will not see another Levante at every stoplight, and that alone carries weight in the luxury space. The interior design, material choices, and exterior proportions all reinforce the sense that this vehicle was styled and engineered with emotion as a primary input.
For buyers tired of the clinical efficiency of German luxury, the Levante offers something refreshingly different. It is imperfect, but its imperfections feel intentional rather than cost-driven. That emotional appeal is a key part of what you are paying for.
Look Elsewhere If Technology and Space Are Top Priorities
If your buying decision hinges on best-in-class infotainment, seamless voice control, or expansive rear-seat and cargo space, the Levante will frustrate you. BMW’s X5, Mercedes-Benz’s GLE, and even Porsche’s Cayenne execute these fundamentals with greater polish and practicality. Their cabins are more flexible, their tech ecosystems more mature, and their driver assistance systems more advanced.
Families who frequently use the second row or rely on maximum cargo efficiency should take note. The Levante’s long hood and driver-centric packaging come at the expense of interior volume, and no amount of Italian flair fully compensates for that reality.
Look Elsewhere If Predictable Ownership Costs Matter Most
Ownership tolerance is a real filter here. While Maserati reliability has improved, service experience and parts availability remain inconsistent depending on location. Maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and depreciation are all higher-risk variables than with German rivals.
Buyers who lease short-term, flip vehicles frequently, or expect bulletproof resale value will be better served elsewhere. The Levante makes the most sense for owners planning to keep it long enough to enjoy what makes it special, rather than treating it as a disposable status symbol.
Bottom Line: A Driver’s Luxury SUV for the Emotionally Motivated
The 2023 Maserati Levante is not the smartest luxury SUV on paper, and it does not try to be. What it offers is character, performance personality, and a driving experience that still feels rooted in traditional sports car values. For the right buyer, those qualities outweigh its compromises.
If you want the safest, most efficient, and most technologically advanced option, buy German. If you want something that stirs your senses every time you press the start button, the Levante remains one of the last truly emotive choices in the luxury performance SUV segment.
