2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo

　　

2022 Maserati Levante Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　If you're starting to think luxury SUVs all look alike, you might be interested in the Maserati Levante. Introduced in 2017 and refreshed in 2021, the Maserati adds a welcome splash of distinctive Italian styling and engaging performance to the largely German-dominated segment. Available with three engines, all of them turbocharged, standard all-wheel drive and an adaptive suspension, the Levante is plenty capable of mixing it up with any of its contemporaries.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl 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

　　$293/mo  for Levante Trofeo

　　Levante Trofeo

　　Trofeo 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $153,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　As for that German competition, there's the immensely capable Porsche Cayenne Coupe, the well-rounded and versatile Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the stylish Audi Q8. Any one of these rivals can be had in tame or insane performance specifications and generally have a better handle on fit and finish and infotainment tech than the Maserati. Check out our Expert Rating below to see if the Maserati's charm and personality can overcome some of its shortcomings.

　　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

　　7.3

　　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, which is what we tested, 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 might 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below