The Maserati Levante signals a new direction for an Italian automaker with a racing heritage, but does a family-sized SUV mean they have forgotten their racing roots? We review the Levante and its engine options to determine if it’s a good car to buy.
Maserati is a storied name in the automotive world, that for many, exudes Italian-bred performance and luxury. However, some have questioned the reliability of the brand over the years.
Here at Vehicle History, we have articles covering the brand’s reliability, and price and depreciation, as well as which model might be right for you.
Here, we will dig into the two engine options for the Maserati Levante SUV that debuted for the 2017 model year. These range from a 3.0L V6 with 424 horsepower and 428 lb.-ft. of torque, to a 3.8L V8 pushing 580 horsepower and 537 lb.-ft. of torque, both of which are designed in partnership with Ferrari. Which is right for you? Read on to find out.
Maserati Teams with Ferrari, MC12 is Born
Part of the legendary past of the Maserati name is the history of the brand itself. From its inception by the Maserati brothers in 1914 to owners like French auto manufacturer Citroën, to Fiat, and even now to current parent company Stellantis, the Maserati brand name has seen its share of owners. The most interesting of which was Ferrari. Once a racing rival, Ferrari brought Maserati in as its luxury brand.
Since then, Ferrari famously rebadged their ultra-exclusive Enzo supercar as the Maserati MC12.
The MC12 was the most extreme example of Ferrari reusing their designs, technology, and engines in a vehicle without their prancing horse badge. But that is not the only way consumers could find a Ferrari engine in their driveway without having to pay for a Ferrari.
Maserati Levante V8 Engines: Ferrari Powered
For the 2019 model year, Maserati once again brought you a Ferrari engine in a vehicle with their trident badge. Buyers will need to opt for either the GTS or the Trofeo trims to get the 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8, an engine that has been developed in cooperation with Ferrari and is assembled in its state-of-the-art factory in Maranello.
Considerable work was done to reengineer and repackage the V8 for duty in the Levante and their Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. Maserati designed a new crankcase with a specific crankshaft assembly, a new oil pump, and auxiliary belt, as well as a different electrical wiring layout. But at its core, the 3.8L engine is still a Ferrari design.
In his 2018 review of the all-new for 2019 Levante GTS, Sofyan Bey, Editor-in-Chief of Redline Reviews, set out to see if this truly was the Ferrari of SUVs.
He summarizes that the 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 built by Ferrari is “the most charismatic part of the Levante,” with its great sound and power delivery, pulling hard all the way to the 7,000 rpm redline.
The GTS was the first Levante model to receive an engine with eight cylinders and is the second most powerful Levante model, behind the top trim Trofeo that was released later that same year.
Sam Keller of Autotrader drove a Levante Trofeo around for a week on the streets of New York and noted that it “drives and handles too well in practical situations.” He goes on to say that as a crossover, “the Maserati Levante Trofeo feels unstoppable.”
3.8L V8’s Power and Performance
Power is impressive from both versions of the 3.8L V8. The GTS produces 550 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 538 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,500-5,000 rpm. Step up to the top trim Trofeo and power increases to 590 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and the same 538 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,500-5,000 rpm.
Acceleration is impressive for a larger SUV that tips the scales at over two tons: 4.2 seconds 0-62 mph for the GTS-powered Levante models, and 3.9 seconds for the fastest Trofeo. All Levante models are all-wheel drive with an eight-speed transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Fuel economy does pay the price for the added power of a Ferrari-designed V8 and over 4,500 pounds of vehicle weight. Regardless of the power output, the 3.8L is rated by the EPA at 14/18/15 mpg (city/hwy/combined), which are not impressive numbers by any means. But that’s the price paid for the power of this engine.
Buyers of the Levante GTS or Trofeo are not generally concerned with fuel economy, but the 2018 version does rank 10 of 11 in the Vehicle History ranking of Midsize Luxury SUV Fuel Efficiencies.
Maserati Levante V6 Engines
The lower trims of the Levante feature two different versions of the 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 that have powered the Levante since its 2017 model year introduction. This latest-generation 3.0L V6 was also designed in partnership with Ferrari and is also manufactured by Ferrari in their famous Maranello factory.
The Base model Levante is still powered by the same 350 horsepower version of the 3.0L V6 since the Levante debut for 2017. Peak torque is 369 lb.-ft. and is delivered low from 1,750-5,000 rpm. This engine was built for better fuel consumption than the thirstier V8 and achieves an EPA score of 15/21/17 mpg (city/hwy/combined). Acceleration from 0-62 mph is achieved in six seconds.
In his 2018 review of the base model Levante, respected auto influencer Doug DeMuro lamented a lot about the Levante and its signaling of Maserati’s new desire to chase increased year-over-year sales growth. But the one thing he really praised was the driving character of the vehicle.
DeMuro enjoyed the sound of the V6 through the large quad tailpipes and the way the SUV powered through the big, sweeping turns of highway interchanges.
Step up to the S trim and power output increases to 430 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 428 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,750-5,000rpm. Acceleration from 0-62 mph is achieved in 5.2 seconds. Fuel economy numbers do not pay the price for the added power, as they are similar to the lower-powered Base trim spec of the same engine.
Maserati Levante: Vehicle History‘s Owner Reviews
For a vehicle that has only been around since the 2017 model year, the Levante has already started to accumulate quite a fanbase. According to Vehicle History owner reviews, the 2017 model was the lowest-rated at 3.5/five stars, focusing mainly on the technology features of the vehicle.
The 2018 model year saw a significant boost to 4.6 out of five stars, with Terry H. saying the “handling and performance are atypical of an SUV.”
The 2019 model year cars are similarly well-received at 4.7 out of five stars. Owner Keri G. praised the performance, quality, details, and safety, also noting, “this is my second Levante, and I will continue to purchase moving forward.”
The 2020 edition was the best model year of all Vehicle History owner reviews with a perfect five out of five stars. Owners like Craig S. praised the “coolest car in the game,” saying his 2020 GTS “picks up speed very quickly.”
New/Used/CPO Maserati Options
Maserati vehicles have picked up a mixed reputation in America, leading to the brand’s departure in 1991. Since their return in 2002, Maserati has been attempting to recapture the magic of their first vehicles, primarily releasing performance coupes.
With the new Levante SUV, Maserati not only plans to regain its premium standing in the eyes of the consumer, but the fair share of the luxury SUV market as well.
However, priced from $78,290 for a new Base model and climbing to a starting price of $153.090 for the top trim Trofeo model, the Levante could be a pricey purchase for consumers unsure of the brand’s reliability.
For the savvy consumer, taking advantage of Maserati’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) options will get you a vehicle with a 120-point inspection by Maserati factory-trained technicians, up to two additional years of warranty beyond that of the original new car warranty, as well as roadside assistance.
Ready to Purchase? Do this First
If you are thinking about investing in a high-end luxury vehicle, you are smart to do your research. Your next step? Get a free VIN report from Vehicle History. Here, you will find reliable and accurate information from resources you already know and trust, including the NHTSA and Kelley Blue Book.
Photos: Maserati
