2024 Maserati Levante

Overview

If you can picture a bodybuilder wearing an Italian designer suit, that’s the 2024 Maserati Levante. It muscles onto the luxury-SUV scene with equal parts athletic performance and affluent style. The entry-level model is powered by a twin-turbo V-6, but the available twin-turbo V-8 is the one to get. Offered in either 550- or 572-hp potencies, the eight-cylinder provides meaty power that’s easy to exploit. All Levante models sing an operatic tune at full chat, too, which adds to the rewarding feeling from behind the wheel. The cabin is lined with fine materials, including a unique leather-and-silk upholstery option designed in conjunction with Ermenegildo Zegna. Unfortunately, the cabin’s luxury is marred by switches and buttons pulled from the Chrysler parts bin. But with that Italian soundtrack blaring from under the hood, you might not give a damn about the plastics used on the window switches. You may care about the price, though, know that the Levante commands a six-figure outlay no matter which version you choose.

What’s New for 2024?

This year marks the final model year for the Levante’s lusty V-8 engine and, although Maserati hasn’t confirmed it, we suspect it may be the last year for the current generation of the mid-size SUV altogether. To see it out properly, a Trofeo Ultima trim will be offered with special design flourishes such as unique wheel designs, painted brake calipers, stitched leather upholstery, and a commemorative plaque on the dashboard. While it’s possible the Levante could continue on into the 2025 model year before it’s redesigned, we nonetheless expect it’s at the end of its lifecycle.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Although it adds a lot of coin to the bottom line, we’d spring for the Modena model and its sexy-sounding 550-hp twin-turbo V-8. The Modena also adds 21-inch wheels, a leather interior with stitched dashboard and door panels, and steering-column-mounted paddle shifters.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

While the Levante is not the quickest or most powerful performance-oriented luxury crossover, it certainly plays one of the better soundtracks. Under the hood of most Levante models is a twin-turbocharged V-6 routing its 345 horsepower—or 430 horses in the Modena—to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. In our testing, a 2017 V-6 Levante delivered a zero-to-60-mph time of 5.1 seconds, besting the Mercedes-AMG GLE53. The Modena and Trofeo models come with a twin-turbo V-8 packing 550 and 572 horsepower, respectively. At the test track, a GTS (which is replaced by the Modena S for 2022) launched itself to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, while a Trofeo did it in 3.6. With its adaptive shocks set in sport mode, the Levante’s ride is jarring when driving over all but the smoothest road surfaces. In comfort mode, the ride is much more agreeable, though the suspension is hardly supple with the shocks in their default setting.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

On paper, the Levante is no fuel sipper. Its EPA estimates for V-6 models—16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway—are closer to V-8–powered rivals than to other V-6s. In our real-world testing, however, the V-6 impressed us with a 24-mpg highway fuel economy number, which is higher than its ratings suggested. The V-8 models earned ratings of 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway and delivered 20 mpg in our testing. For more information about the Levante’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

At first glance, the inside of the Levante appears rich and well-appointed, especially in our test vehicle, which featured the full-leather treatment in a rich dark-brown hue. Open-pore wood trim, a leather-covered dashboard, tasteful chrome accents, and the traditional Maserati analog clock all give the Levante a classy, old-school luxury ambiance. Looking closer, however, reveals parts that are obviously shared with other Stellantis brands—for example, the window switches, wiper-control stalk, and ignition button are the same as the Jeep Cherokee‘s—which is a disappointment. The controls function intuitively, though, and better than some of the ergonomically questionable examples Maserati has come up with on its own over the years. Speaking of ergonomics, the driving position in the Levante is comfortable and set up for spirited motoring. Like a pair of Versace stilettos, the Levante puts a big emphasis on style. Its cargo area still accommodated a respectable number of our carry-on suitcases (eight behind the rear seat, 19 with the rear seats folded), even as others in this segment fared much better. Park them all side by side, however, and the Maserati’s design bravura overshadows the practicality of its rivals.

Infotainment and Connectivity

We haven’t had the chance to try Maserati’s latest infotainment interface, but it’s said to be brilliantly rendered on the Levante’s 8.4-inch touchscreen. Most vehicle functions, including the climate controls, are adjusted through the infotainment display, but the system also offers a voice-activated virtual assistant. Navigation is standard, as is SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is also included. Although an eight-speaker stereo system is standard, buyers can upgrade to either a 14-speaker Harman/Kardon setup or a 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A few driver-assistance features are standard, and other more advanced tech is optional across the range. For more information about the Levante’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automatic high-beam headlamps
• Standard blind-spot monitoring
• Available automated emergency braking

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Levante’s warranty is nothing special, with a four-year or 50,000-mile policy covering everything, including corrosion protection and roadside assistance. Rivals offer something special to stand out from the crowd, such as complimentary scheduled maintenance or an unlimited-mileage roadside-assistance plan—but not Maserati.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs