Used 2018 Maserati Levante

The words “Maserati” and “SUV” may seem like strange bedfellows, but the public’s love affair with all things crossover SUV has led to the formation of just such a union. No ordinary SUV, the 2018 Maserati Levante is draped in the same design language that defines Maserati’s elegant sedans and coupes. The look can be somewhat polarizing, but in this segment, we think it works well. The Levante is practical yet also somewhat exclusive, which makes it the perfect antidote to the Audi Q5 and Porsche Cayenne. In true Italian fashion, the Levante is steeped in luxury trappings and high-tech equipment, and its performance credentials for both the base and upgraded “S” trim are enough to elicit buckets of drool from the most ardent enthusiast.

Early-on, parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles suggested the SUV would share its guts with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Wiser Italian heads prevailed, and the production Levante is largely based on the Ghibli sports sedan. That’s immediately obvious once you fire up the Ferrari-derived V-6 and slip it into gear. The driver-adjustable Skyhook damping system and electrically assisted hydraulic steering give you a clear feel of the road. More tall wagon than traditional SUV, that means you can slice through the corners and, despite its 4,650 pounds, you may soon forget you aren’t driving the Ghibli itself. Even though Maserati decided to forgo the Grand Cherokee underpinnings, the 2018 Levante still delivers surprisingly solid off-road manners, thanks in large part to its electronically controlled suspension. You can increase ride height with the touch of a button and, should you forget, the Levante will automatically lower itself when you hit highway speeds.

If you were expecting a rehashed Ghibli interior, you’ll be pleasantly surprised no such setup exists inside the 2018 Levante. There’s a refined feel here and, apart from the Chrysler-derived infotainment setup, a sense of luxury as only the Italians can do. The new GranLusso seats are designed for comfort, with wide bottoms and detailed stitching. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the GranSport, which gets more aggressively bolstered seats and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. Available adjustable pedals help drivers of all sizes find a comfortable position, while rear-seat passengers enjoy plenty of legroom, but somewhat tight headroom

Like the Ghibli it is based upon, the 2018 Maserati Levante rides low and wide, enhancing the sense of sportiness. It is more a tall wagon than a true SUV. The Levante has classic grand turismo looks, with cat’s-eye LED lights, and the familiar Maserati shark nose and concave grille. Those details do more than give it a sporty appearance. The Levante is surprisingly aerodynamic, with a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.31. For 2018, a new Nerissimo Package adds a blacked-out exterior treatment, 20-inch dark gray wheels and piano-black grille and trunk accents.

360-DEGREE CAMERA
Given the Levante’s height and sizable rear blind spots, the surround-view system is a welcome addition, especially when maneuvering tight off-road trails or confining shopping mall parking lots.

SKYHOOK SUSPENSION
The 2018 Maserati Levante’s driver-selectable suspension helps keep all four wheels firmly planted, be it during aggressive track maneuvers or bouncing over unpaved dirt roads.

A 360-degree camera with multiple views makes it easy to maneuver Maserati’s SUV in the tightest of parking spots. Even the base Levante offers an extensive array of safety gear, including emergency-braking assist and blind-spot monitor. The base car comes with an acceptable 8-way driver’s seat but we’d prefer to see the 12-way buckets come standard at this price point. Other standard features include 19-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights, all-wheel drive, an adaptive air suspension, heated front seats, Skyhook sport suspension, 8.4-inch infotainment with navigation plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Looking to chill out? Opt for the refrigerated and cooled glove box. It’ll keep that can of Red Bull at the ready when you’re out for some hard driving. The optional Climate Package adds heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated washer nozzles. Also on the Maserati menu are heated and ventilated front seats, Alcantara headliner and pillars, a choice of harman/kardon or Bowers & Wilkins sound systems, 4-zone climate control and the Driver Assist Package that adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go highway assist.

Globally, the 2018 Maserati Levante will be offered with four different engine packages, though no diesels are currently scheduled for the U.S. market. Instead, we get two versions of the same, Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V-6 that can best be described as ”fast and faster.” Both engines mate to an 8-speed automatic transmission. All Levantes are all-wheel drive.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6
345 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 (S model)
424 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
428 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg