Used 2023 Maserati Grecale

The 2023 Maserati Grecale is an all-new small luxury SUV. It’s the most affordable method of owning a brand-new Maserati and comes in below the Levante, size-wise.

Its makers call this a midsize SUV, but it’s really in competition with vehicles the next size down, such as the BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and Jaguar F-Pace. Even though this is a crowded field, we mention these rivals specifically because they each bring an above-average driving experience.

Although German, British, and Japanese manufacturers have sometimes been quite happy to forgo any kind of sportiness in the pursuit of high luxury, that’s not really how Italian marques go about things. Even in a premium SUV like the Grecale, some elements appeal to the enthusiast, like the Corsa (track) driving mode in the top Trofeo trim.

Trim levels for the 2023 Grecale SUV are GT, Modena, and Trofeo. An all-electric version with 590 lb-ft of torque, the Folgore (Italian for lightning), is in the works. Expect that as a 2024 model.

It’s a Maserati thing to name its vehicles after a wind, like the Levante SUV and the Ghibli sedan. The Grecale is a cool northeasterly that blows through the Mediterranean.

Driving modes in the 2023 Grecale SUV are Comfort, GT, Sport, Race, and Off-Road. The Grecale Trofeo version also has a Corsa (track) setting, which includes a launch mode for achieving the best standstill-to-60 mph time.

That’s 3.6 seconds, by the way. The 296-horsepower GT, the base Grecale, does it in 5.3 seconds, and the mid-level Modena is quicker than the GT by 0.3 of a second. The GT and Modena have a top speed of 149 mph; the Trofeo tops out at 177 mph.

The Modena trim has a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, which is optional in the GT. The Modena (and Trofeo) also comes with a 34mm-wider rear track (the distance between the rear wheels) for enhanced stability. The Trofeo model has an electronic locking rear differential.

One of Maserati’s best-in-class claims is most power, which looks justifiable. The Grecale Trofeo develops 523 horsepower. Both the BMW X3 M Competition and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe have 503.

The GT version of the 2023 Grecale SUV comes with a black interior as standard. Even this entry-level model has a leather-covered dashboard. There’s also a leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters mounted beneath.

Emphasizing the high-tech element are a 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with an 8.8-inch touchscreen set below it handling cabin temperatures. These screens are set into a cool-looking angled unit, and they’re separated by a row of buttons that control the transmission.

Maserati’s claims of best-in-class interior space include a big advantage in rear legroom and an extra 1.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. With a 6-footer in the driver’s seat, it’s still more than tolerable in the back for someone a couple of inches shorter.

Although the roof has quite a fashionable slope to it, there’s sufficient headroom in the back. The rear seats also have a power-folding function operated by a button in the luggage area.

Laminated windows contribute to acoustic insulation, which helps appreciate the audio systems from Sonus faber. This might be a new name for many, but it’s a high-end Italian audiophile brand.

For an idea of how high-end, it’s possible to buy a Bose Bluetooth speaker for about $150. A similar one from Sonus faber costs two grand. The top system available in the 2023 Grecale pushes 1,000 watts through 21 speakers. However, even the base GT model has a 14-speaker setup as standard.

Maserati’s designers have attempted to achieve a timeless look, but that really is a wait-and-see thing. Like other Maserati vehicles, the new Grecale SUV has a convex grille sporting the famous trident emblem (modeled after a statue of Neptune, god of the sea, in Maserati’s home city of Bologna). There are the usual three small vents in the front fenders as well.

To get some idea of the new Grecale SUV’s size, let’s put it up against the popular and well-known BMW X3. At 191.3 inches, the Grecale is about 5.5 inches longer than the X3. It’s also about 3.5 inches wider and about half an inch lower than that BMW.

The GT model comes with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, although the Grecale also offers 20-inch and 21-inch alloys. For all those buyers of luxury SUVs who wish their ride would come in yellow, Maserati obliges with Giallo Corse.

TWIN SPARK V6 ENGINE
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in the top Grecale Trofeo trim employs twin spark technology. It has two spark plugs for each cylinder instead of the usual one. It’s far from a new idea — Alfa Romeo did the same kind of thing with racing car engines back in 1914 — but it certainly helps with creating class-leading power. This same engine is also found in the new Maserati MC20 supercar, where it makes 621 horsepower.

AIR SUSPENSION
This is standard in the top Trofeo version, optional in the mid-level Modena. It has six selectable heights, including Off-Road (set high for optimum ground clearance) and Parking (set low for easy entries and exits).

Every new Grecale SUV has leather upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, plus Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.

In a first for Maserati (but what has now become common in other luxury marques), the infotainment system has a digital assistant. Just say something like, “Hey, Maserati. Set the cabin temperature to 72 degrees,” and that saves fumbling around for the correct button.

The GT model comes with power-adjustable front seats, navigation, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus a quad-tailpipe exhaust system.

The next-up Modena has 20-inch alloy wheels, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, active lane-keeping assistance, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and an adaptive suspension that Maserati calls Skyhook.

A Modena Limited Edition created especially for the launch of the new Grecale SUV has 21-inch alloy wheels and an adaptive air suspension. It’s available in exclusive colors.

Trofeo trim brings an adaptive air suspension as standard, which is optional in the Modena. This top version also adds 21-inch alloy wheels and heated/14-way power-adjustable front seats. The upholstery in this version is perforated leather with contrast stitching.

In another first for Maserati, but something that even Mini cars offer these days, the 2023 Grecale comes with the option of a head-up display. Tri-zone automatic climate control is another extra.

The first two of the three trim levels in the 2023 Grecale lineup have a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, augmented by a mild-hybrid system with a belt starter generator and an e-Booster, which functions before the turbo system kicks in to eliminate any lag.

In the GT, this setup makes 296 horsepower. The Modena enjoys 325 horsepower. They both generate 332 lb-ft of torque.

The range-topping Trofeo has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Output is a substantial 523 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque.

All-wheel drive is standard throughout, along with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4/mild-hybrid system (GT, Modena)
296 horsepower/325 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm (GT/Modena)
332 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Trofeo)
523 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
457 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A