2020 Maserati Levante Review

　　

2020 Maserati Levante Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Lamborghini is the latest, and possibly least likely, Italian exotic-carmaker to jump into the SUV fray, but Maserati beat it by a few years. The 2020 Maserati Levante SUV marks the model's third year of production for a brand known more for its big GT (grand touring) machines such as the Quattroporte.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Maserati Levante 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$267/mo  for Levante Base

　　Levante Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $77,500 MSRPGranLusso 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $84,500 MSRPGranSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $84,500 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $88,000 MSRPS GranSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $94,000 MSRPS GranLusso 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $94,000 MSRPGTS 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $122,000 MSRPTrofeo 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $171,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The Levante brings classic Maserati character to the world of midsize luxury SUVs with distinctive design and thoroughbred twin-turbo engine power derived from its Ferrari roots. Its broad range of custom options, from the color of its brake calipers to a variety of interior leathers and materials, also give the Levante a more personal touch.

　　For 2020, the Levante carries over largely unchanged. But some now-common driver assistance features become standard equipment on more models, and a panoramic sunroof and heated steering wheel are added to all trim levels across the board.

　　The Levante blends exotic Italian style with power and exceptional handling; it's more of a high-riding sports car than an SUV. But a closer look reveals some cost-cutting measures, specifically inside the car. Fuel economy is also disappointing, even for this normally less-than-efficient class. But these aren't reasons enough to overlook the exotic pedigree of this SUV. The Levante's exclusivity, panache and strong performance continue to separate it from the crowd.

　　Notably, we picked the 2020 Maserati Levante Trofeo as one of zzdcar' Fastest SUVs for 2019.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Levante drive? The Levante S puts a definitive emphasis on "sport," landing somewhere between pure luxury SUV models and the fire-breathing beasts from the BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG factories. Its turbo V6 engine makes healthy power ― 0-60 mph takes 5 seconds flat ― and sounds wonderful doing it, but the engine is a little slow to respond when driving in Normal mode.

　　The steering feels direct and precise, with the right amount of effort depending on speed. The Levante is quite fun on tight, twisty roads with its grippy tires, low body roll and torque-vectoring electronics, allowing it to make unnaturally sharp turns. But it wiggles and dances a bit through sweeping curves that aren't perfectly smooth, diminishing driving confidence.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Levante? The Levante's cabin masterfully keeps bad noise out and lets good noise in, but we weren't impressed by this SUV's ride quality. Even on its softest suspension setting, the Levante gets upset by small, sharp bumps. The optional 21-inch wheels share some blame here. The front seats are firm and comfortable, although smaller drivers may find them a bit too wide and without enough lateral support.

　　The climate control system keeps air temps in check, and the redundant functions found in both the touchscreen and the buttons below it are a nice touch. But the leather seats can get a little swampy without the ventilation option.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Getting in and out of the Levante is a breeze, especially when equipped with the adjustable air suspension, which can lower the body nearly 2 inches. The wide-opening doors offer generous entry into the cabin, even into the rear seat. Once inside, there's comfortable space in nearly every seat. There's even enough room for three adults in the back, but keep your tallest friends out of the middle seat.

　　The driver can position the seat for maximum road visibility or for a low, sporty feel. Overall visibility is decent, with an unobstructed front view. But the rear window is slightly smaller than those in most SUVs, and the thick rear pillars compromise some of the rearward view.

　　

Technology

9.0/10

　　How’s the tech? From its useful onboard navigation to the depth of its voice recognition system, the Levante's tech is impressive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with the 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and the optional Harman Kardon audio system fills the cabin with lush sound. Voice controls are among some of the better we've tested. You can use voice commands to request specific radio stations, search for typical points of interest, and even set the climate control.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Overall, the Levante offers solid utility. The rear seats fold flat, and there's a cargo pass-through in the middle of the rear seats for longer items (skis or 2-by-4s, for example). But in overall cargo space, it comes up short of its peers. Still, there's plenty of small-item storage space, including a deep armrest bin that can hold large water bottles as well as room for a couple of phones and a wallet in front of the gearshift.

　　The Levante doesn't make any special accommodations for car seats. The car seat anchors have no easy-access ports and are squeezed between the seat bottoms and back cushions. At least loading a car seat in back isn't too hard thanks to large door openings.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? With an EPA-estimated rating of 16 mpg combined, the Levante is marginally thirstier than comparable sport-focused SUVs. A comparable BMW X6 gets 19 mpg combined; a Jaguar F-Pace does it 1 mpg better. But the Levante surprised us on our 116-mile evaluation loop by beating its highway average at 19.3 mpg. That doesn't happen often.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Levante a good value? The Levante draws you in with its exotic Italian pedigree, and its competitive price may win you over. Our test car's near $100K price aligns nicely with most of the class, but its interior materials and build quality feel inferior to the rest. It's the most glaring example of cost-cutting in an otherwise compelling luxury SUV. The Levante's warranty is comparable to coverage provided by rivals.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The Levante may not be the most comfortable cruiser, but it's hard to ignore the fun you can have with it on a twisty road. While not as polished as the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5, it certainly wouldn't fall behind the group. Some may find the Levante's styling uniquely aggressive and attractive, while others may think it resembles an Infiniti too much. Either way, Maserati has succeed in creating something that is distinctly different in character.

　　

Which Levante does zzdcar recommend?

With luxury cars such as the Levante, it's all about excess. We suggest going all-in with one of the V8-equipped models, such as the 550-hp engine in the Maserati Levante GTS. There's more power available in the Trofeo trim, but the GTS is equipped with most of the same features for quite a bit less money. If you want to keep the Levante a more sensible five-figure purchase, the Levante S in GranLusso trim is hard to beat.

　　

2020 Maserati Levante models

The 2020 Maserati Levante comes in four variants that are defined by power output. The base Levante and the Levante S use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 345 horsepower in base trim and 424 hp in S trim. The Levante GTS and the Levante Trofeo come with a turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 that generates 550 hp and 590 hp, respectively.

　　Regardless of output, each model comes with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, which Maserati calls Q4.

　　The base Levante comes with top features that include an adjustable air suspension, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, and safety features such as a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors.

　　The base Levante also offers the GranLusso or GranSport option groups; both packages cost the same. The GranLusso adds luxury features such as premium leather and a panoramic sunroof, and the GranSport furnishes sporty features such as shift paddles and sport-oriented front seats. The GranLusso and the GranSport also come with the Driver Assistance package that adds a variety of driver safety aids including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.

　　The Levante S builds on the base model's features with larger brakes, a panoramic sunroof and extended leather options. A handful of option packages for base and S trims offer many features that come standard on Levante GTS and Trofeo trims, including LED headlights and the Driver Assistance package. Features exclusive to these two top trims include advanced sport driving modes and various leather and wood trim upgrades.

　　

2020 Levante Highlights

Trim: BaseGranSportGranLussoSS GranSportS GranLussoGTSTrofeoBase

　　

Base MSRP	$77,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$267/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles