Maserati Levante Reliability: An Enthusiast’s Look At The Italian Luxury SUV
I’ve spent enough seat time in the Maserati Levante to know two things: it’s got that rare “feel-good” fizz only an Italian luxury SUV seems to deliver, and it’s better than its reputation suggests—though not flawless. If you’re wondering about reliability or just curious how this premium SUV stacks up, here’s the honest, lived-in take.
Maserati Levante: What it’s Like to Drive Every Day
The first time I pressed the starter, I paused—just to hear the V6 clear its throat. The Levante wakes up with a cultured snarl, and out on a favorite back road it shrinks around you in a way a 2.2-ton SUV shouldn’t. In town, it loafs, calm and refined. On a slick mountain pass, the Q4 all-wheel drive quietly shuffles torque and keeps you looking like a hero.
- Engines: twin-turbo V6 and V8 options
- Power: roughly 345–590 hp (model and year dependent)
- Torque: up to 538 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: about 3.8–5.8 seconds
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (silky, quick, rarely flustered)
- Fuel economy: typically mid-to-high teens combined, V6 best, V8 thirsty
When I tried it on craggy backroads, the air suspension felt well-judged in its comfort modes—supple, a touch floaty over big compressions—but tap up the drive mode and it tightens without going German-stiff. The steering? Nicely weighted and cleaner-feeling than most luxury SUVs in this class. It’s not a Cayenne for lap times, but it’s more characterful. Sometimes that matters more.
Are Maserati Levante Reliable?
Short answer: mixed, improving. Early years (2017–2019) saw the usual first-gen teething pains—occasional infotainment gremlins, a few air-suspension quirks, and the odd electrical hiccup. Later models (2020 onward) feel tidier and more consistent in my experience and from owners I’ve spoken with. The V6s have been largely stout if serviced on time; the V8s are special and robust, but expect higher running costs.
What I’ve noticed across a few test cars and chats with owners:
- Electronics: Earlier infotainment systems could freeze or lag; software updates help. Later cars are smoother.
- Suspension: Air systems should raise/lower smartly and stay level overnight—worth checking on a test drive.
- Maintenance: Not cheap. It’s a Maserati. Budget for premium fluids, brakes, and tires.
If reliability is your top priority above all else, a Porsche Cayenne or Lexus RX will soothe your nerves more. If you’re okay trading a little peace-of-mind for drama, sound, and presence, the Levante hits different.
Used Maserati Levante: What to Check Before You Buy
- Full service history from a Maserati dealer or respected specialist.
- Air suspension test: cycle height modes and listen for the compressor.
- Infotainment: verify Bluetooth, CarPlay/Android Auto, nav, and camera clarity.
- Brakes and tires: heavy SUV + strong power = fast wear.
- Any remaining factory warranty or a reputable extended plan.
Maserati Levante Interior: Craft, Comfort, and a Few Quirks
Climb in and the vibe is unmistakably Italian. The driving position suits long legs, the seats strike a sweet spot between plush and supportive, and the cabin is quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back. The panoramic sunroof floods it with light—great on a coastal cruise. Cargo space is usable, but the sloping tailgate trims some vertical room compared with a BMW X5.
Infotainment has improved over the years; the latest systems are easier to live with and play nicely with smartphones. I’ve had the screen freeze once on an early car—power cycle solved it—but recent models behaved themselves.
If you want to protect that leather-and-wood vibe, custom mats are a no-brainer. These are sized for the Levante and fit neatly under the pedals:
Maserati Levante vs. The Competition
| Model | Power (hp) | 0–60 mph (sec) | Towing (lb) | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maserati Levante (V6/V8) | 345–590 | 3.8–5.8 | ≈5,950 | Italian drama, soulful exhaust |
| Porsche Cayenne | 348–650+ | 3.6–5.7 | 7,700 | Precision, benchmark handling |
| BMW X5 (M60i/M variants) | 523–617 | 3.7–4.2 | 7,200 | Tech-forward, stout value |
| Range Rover Sport | 355–626 | 3.6–5.7 | 7,716 | Luxe lounge, off-road cred |
Maserati Levante Pricing, Trims, and What Feels “Worth It”
New or used, pricing swings a lot with trim and options. Base models (often called GT/Modena depending on year) generally start in the mid-$70k range when new, with V8-powered versions well into six figures. The Trofeo is the wild child—immense thrust, big personality, and a soundtrack worth the premium if you can swing it.
- AWD (Q4) is standard on most trims.
- Driver assists like adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and blind-spot monitoring are widely available or standard depending on year.
- Adjustable ride height: great for steep driveways or snowy ski weekends.
Ownership Costs: The Pragmatic Bits
- Oil changes: typically $200–$400 at a dealer, more for V8s or if bundled with inspections.
- Brakes/tires: budget proactively; performance rubber and hefty rotors aren’t economy-car cheap.
- Fuel: expect mid-to-high teens mpg in mixed driving.
Verdict: The Maserati Levante, In One Paragraph
Is the Maserati Levante a good luxury SUV? Yes—if you want something with charisma. It’s fast enough to be cheeky, comfy enough for a Miami night out, and practical enough for a family road trip (kids, snacks, arguments included). Are Maserati Levante reliable? Better than early buzz suggests, especially in later years and with proper maintenance, but not the class leader for bulletproofing. If you buy with eyes open, service it on time, and snag a car with solid history, you’ll likely love the way this Maserati SUV makes every drive feel a bit special.
Quick FAQ: Maserati Levante
- Is the Maserati Levante reliable? Mixed but improving. Later models (2020+) tend to be more consistent; upkeep quality matters.
- Does the Levante have a Ferrari engine? Certain higher-performance trims use engines developed with Ferrari.
- What’s the 0–60 mph time? About 3.8 seconds (high-performance V8) to roughly 5.8 seconds (V6 base), depending on model year and trim.
- How much does it cost to maintain? Expect premium-European costs; routine items like oil and brakes are pricier than mainstream brands.
- What should I check on a used Levante? Full service records, smooth air suspension operation, clean infotainment behavior, and tire/brake condition.
