Maserati. The name itself evokes images of Italian luxury, performance, and a certain je ne sais quoi. The 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo aims to deliver on that promise in the form of a high-performance SUV. However, as you delve deeper into this vehicle, you’ll find a fascinating dichotomy, a constant swing between moments of genuine brilliance and frustrating shortcomings. Is the 2022 Levante a true gem in the luxury SUV segment, or are its flaws too significant to ignore? Let’s explore what this Italian contender has to offer.
Exterior Appeal: Italian Design at its Finest
From a distance, the 2022 Maserati Levante immediately grabs your attention. It’s undeniably an attractive SUV, boasting a muscular stance thanks to its pronounced fenders and a sharply sculpted hood. The iconic Maserati grille, often imposing, finds a harmonious balance on the Levante’s front fascia, arguably looking better here than on the brand’s sedans. The test model’s Rosso Magma paint, while a hefty $17,000 option, amplifies the vehicle’s aggressive character, perfectly complementing the blacked-out trim and substantial 22-inch anthracite alloy wheels. Subtle hints of carbon fiber on the lower bumper add a sporty touch without overdoing it, a welcome restraint in a market often saturated with excessive carbon fiber accents. The sloping roofline contributes to a hatchback-esque profile, adding a touch of dynamism to the rear, which is further enhanced by prominent quad exhaust pipes – a feature that’s sure to please any performance enthusiast. The exterior design of the 2022 Maserati Levante successfully captures the essence of Italian flair and sporty luxury.
Interior Disappointments: Where Luxury Meets Legacy Parts
Stepping inside the 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo reveals a more complex story. The pillarless doors open wide, inviting you into a cabin where some elements exude luxury, while others fall noticeably short. The leather upholstery is supple, the shift paddles are prominently placed for sporty driving, and the Alcantara headliner adds a premium touch overhead. However, the initial positive impressions begin to fade upon closer inspection. The high-gloss carbon-fiber trim, instead of conveying sophistication, feels somewhat cheap and plasticky. The satin-finish plastic surrounding the center console controls further detracts from the premium ambiance. Perhaps the most jarring aspect, especially considering the Trofeo’s starting price of nearly $160,000, is the carryover switchgear. The window and headlight controls, along with the windshield wiper stalk and start button, are instantly recognizable as components found in numerous other Stellantis vehicles. Despite attempts to elevate them with a bit of chrome, there’s no escaping the fact that these are legacy parts, designed in the DaimlerChrysler era, and they feel disappointingly low-rent in a vehicle of this price caliber.
Practicality and Space: Adequate but Not Class-Leading
In terms of practicality, the 2022 Maserati Levante offers a mixed bag. Door-panel cubbies are somewhat narrow but deep enough to accommodate water bottles. A storage tray ahead of the cupholders and a sizable compartment under the center armrest provide additional storage options. Despite the sloping roofline, rear passenger space is surprisingly generous, comfortably accommodating two adults. The main drawback in terms of practicality is the trunk space. Offering only 20.5 cubic feet behind the second row, the Levante falls short of competitors like the BMW X5 M (33.9 cu. ft.), Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S (33.3 cu. ft.), and Porsche Cayenne (27.2 cu. ft.). While adequate for daily errands, families prioritizing cargo space might find the Levante’s trunk limiting compared to its rivals in the luxury performance SUV segment.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Thrilling V8 Heart
Where the 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo truly shines is in its performance and driving experience. The heart of this beast is a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine, unleashing a formidable 580 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. This potent powerplant propels the Levante from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds, delivering exhilarating acceleration. The engine’s soundtrack is simply magnificent, producing a glorious V8 rumble that is captivating in both Strada (standard) and the more aggressive Corsa mode. Even during everyday driving, the V8 remains remarkably smooth and refined, devoid of unwanted harshness. The eight-speed automatic transmission complements the engine perfectly, providing seamless and silky gear changes. Manual gear selection via the fixed-position paddles feels largely unnecessary, as the automatic transmission is expertly tuned to the engine’s power delivery.
On winding roads, the 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo displays surprising agility for its size and weight. It eagerly tackles corners, exhibiting a willingness to be pushed. While there is noticeable body roll, even in Sport and Corsa modes, it’s communicative and predictable, allowing the driver to confidently explore the vehicle’s limits. For a 580-hp SUV weighing close to 5,000 pounds, this controlled body roll is actually reassuring. The 265/35R22 Continental CrossContact all-season tires provide ample grip, the steering is precise and well-weighted, and the throttle response is finely tuned, contributing to an engaging and enjoyable driving experience.
However, the suspension presents a somewhat contradictory character. In its default setting, the air suspension feels both floaty and stiff simultaneously, lacking composure over uneven surfaces. Switching to sportier settings firms things up, but the ride can become overly harsh on anything but perfectly smooth pavement. The brake pedal also exhibits a notably soft feel, which is unusual for a performance SUV and can make smooth stops challenging. The front seats, described as being designed for larger individuals, may lack sufficient lateral support for some drivers during spirited cornering, as the reviewer noted experiencing torso movement during quick transitions. Fuel economy is also a significant drawback, with EPA estimates of just 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, making frequent trips to the gas station a likely reality.
Technology and Infotainment: A Uconnect Success Story
One undeniable highlight of the 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo is its infotainment system. Running a Maserati-skinned version of Stellantis’ Uconnect, known as Maserati Touch Control Plus, the 8.4-inch touchscreen system is remarkably user-friendly and responsive. The menu layout is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a standout feature in the Levante. In terms of safety technology, the Levante is well-equipped for a performance vehicle in its class. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Driving Assist, which combines lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control for highway driving, is also included, although the reviewer found its lane-keeping microcorrections to be somewhat noticeable and preferred manual control.
Pricing and Value: A Steep Price of Entry
The 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo enters a highly competitive segment, and its pricing is undoubtedly a significant consideration. While the base Levante starts at a more accessible price point, the Trofeo variant demands nearly double that. Adding options like carbon fiber paddle shifters, upgraded wheels, gloss-black brake calipers, and the eye-catching Rosso Magma paint quickly escalates the price. The test vehicle, as reviewed, reached a staggering $173,550. This places the 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo significantly above rivals like the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo, both of which, while potentially offering slightly less horsepower, are arguably more refined and well-rounded vehicles in key areas.
Conclusion: An Emotional Purchase with Compromises
Purchasing a vehicle in this ultra-luxury, high-performance SUV segment is often driven by emotion as much as by rational considerations. The 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo certainly has emotional appeal. Its potent powertrain and engaging driving dynamics are genuinely delightful, and the exterior design is undeniably captivating. However, a closer examination reveals compromises. The interior quality is inconsistent, with dated components detracting from the luxury experience. The ride quality is also uneven, and the price is undeniably steep compared to established competitors. The 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo is a sport SUV that evokes a range of emotions, but unfortunately, not all of them are unequivocally positive. It’s a vehicle that requires buyers to weigh its undeniable strengths against its notable weaknesses and decide if the emotional allure of the Maserati badge outweighs the compromises.
