2019 Maserati Levante Review: The Italian SUV with a Ferrari Soul
In a market dominated by clinical, hyper-engineered German crossovers like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5, the 2019 Maserati Levante offers something fundamentally different: soul, sound, and genuine driving passion.
Positioned as Maserati's flagship luxury crossover, the 2019 model year holds a special place in the Levante's lifecycle. It introduced key refinements to the infotainment system, redesigned gearshifter controls, and brought high-output V8 options (GTS and Trofeo) alongside the already beloved Ferrari-built Twin-Turbo V6 engines.
In this comprehensive review, we evaluate whether the 2019 Levante delivers enough performance, mechanical emotion, and daily usability to justify its place in your garage.
What Makes the 2019 Maserati Levante Distinctive?
Unlike many luxury SUVs built on shared mass-market platforms, the Levante shares its core mechanical layout with the Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. That means it sits on a rear-biased chassis with an ideal 50:50 weight distribution, a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), and an engine assembled directly by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy.
The Pure Driving Experience: Emotion Over Engineering
If you are looking for an SUV that feels like a sports car when you attack a winding mountain road, the Levante is one of the few vehicles that truly fulfills that promise.
1. That Unmistakable Exhaust Note
Press the Sport button, and bypass valves in the exhaust system open up. The 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (and especially the V8) sings an intoxicating tenor acoustic note that no synthetic sound generator can emulate. Downshifts are accompanied by satisfying crackles and pops that put a smile on your face every time you merge onto a highway or pass through a tunnel.
2. Hydraulic-Feel Steering & Chassis Dynamics
While most modern luxury crossovers switched to numb electric power steering setups, Maserati calibrated the Levante's steering to feel sharp, communicative, and weighted. You receive direct feedback from the front tires, allowing you to position the car with extreme precision through tight corners.
3. Skyhook Adaptive Air Suspension
Standard across all trims, Maserati’s Skyhook adaptive air suspension offers six different ride height levels (including Aero 1, Aero 2, and Off-Road modes). On highway stretches, the Levante drops low to optimize aerodynamics; on twisty roads, it stiffens to virtually eliminate body roll.
Stand-Out Advantages (The Pros)
- Exclusivity & Head-Turning Design: The aggressive front grille featuring the iconic Trident badge, frameless door windows, and sculpted rear haunches give the Levante an undeniable street presence that stands out in a parking lot full of understated German SUVs.
- Ferrari Engine Lineage: Having an engine designed and built by Ferrari gives the Levante a level of mechanical prestige that rivals in this price bracket simply cannot match.
- Standard Q4 AWD with Rear Bias: In normal conditions, 100% of the engine torque goes to the rear wheels. Up to 50% can be transferred to the front axle in milliseconds when slip is detected, retaining a true rear-wheel-drive sports car feel.
- Tactile Metal Paddle Shifters: The oversized, column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters feel like they were pulled straight out of a Ferrari supercar. They are cold to the touch and deeply satisfying to click.
Honest Drawbacks & Real-World Nuances (The Cons)
While the driving dynamics are intoxicating, potential buyers in the pre-owned market must weigh a few notable downsides:
1. Switchgear & Interior Component Sharing
Maserati was part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) during this era. As a result, eagle-eyed owners will spot subtle interior switchgear—such as the headlight switch, window controls, and steering wheel buttons—borrowed from more affordable Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. While functional, it slightly detracts from the ultra-luxury cabin feel.
2. Rear Seat & Cargo Space
Despite its long overall length, the Levante’s dramatic coupe-like roofline eats into rear passenger headroom and boot space.
- Levante Cargo Volume: ~20.5 cubic feet behind rear seats.
- Porsche Cayenne Comparison: ~27.2 cubic feet.
If your priority is hauling bulky cargo or transporting tall adults in the back row daily, the Levante feels tighter than its exterior dimensions suggest.
3. Fuel Economy
Performance and Italian acoustics come at a price at the fuel pump. The Twin-Turbo V6 consumes fuel quickly, particularly during spirited city driving. Expect real-world figures around 15 MPG City / 21 MPG Highway.
Crucial Pre-Owned Buyer’s Checklist
If you are evaluating a used 2019 Maserati Levante, pay extra attention to these ownership points:
- Air Suspension System Check: Test all ride-height settings during your pre-purchase inspection to ensure air struts and compressor pumps operate quietly without leaks.
- Brake Wear & Maintenance Records: Due to the vehicle's weight and high performance, factory Brembo brake pads and rotors wear relatively fast. Confirm when they were last replaced.
- Infotainment & Electrical Updates: The 2019 model features an upgraded 8.4-inch Touch Control Plus system. Ensure the software has been updated and test Apple CarPlay / Android Auto connectivity.
2019 Maserati Levante — Technical Specifications
1. Engine & Powertrain Options
| Feature / Model | Levante (Base) | Levante S | Levante GTS | Levante Trofeo |
|---|
| Engine Code | Ferrari F160 | Ferrari F160 | Ferrari F154 | Ferrari F154 |
| Engine Type | 60° V6 Twin-Turbo | 60° V6 Twin-Turbo | 90° V8 Twin-Turbo | 90° V8 Twin-Turbo |
| Displacement | 2,979 cc (3.0L) | 2,979 cc (3.0L) | 3,799 cc (3.8L) | 3,799 cc (3.8L) |
| Bore x Stroke | 86.5 x 84.5 mm | 86.5 x 84.5 mm | 86.5 x 80.8 mm | 86.5 x 80.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Max Power Output | 350 hp (345 bhp) @ 5,750 rpm | 430 hp (424 bhp) @ 5,750 rpm | 550 hp @ 6,250 rpm | 590 hp @ 6,250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 1,750–4,750 rpm | 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) @ 2,000–4,750 rpm | 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) @ 2,500–5,000 rpm | 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) @ 2,500–5,000 rpm |
| Specific Output | 117 hp/liter | 143 hp/liter | 145 hp/liter | 156 hp/liter |
2. Transmission & Drivetrain
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic by ZF (ZF 8HP70 on V6 models / ZF 8HP90 on V8 models) with adaptive shift control and manual mode via aluminum steering column paddle shifters.
- Drivetrain: Maserati Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with active torque vectoring.
- Default Power Split: 0% Front / 100% Rear (pure rear-wheel drive under normal traction conditions).
- Dynamic Power Split: Up to 50% torque transfer to the front axle in 150 milliseconds.
- Rear Differential: Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) standard on all trims.
3. Performance & Acceleration
| Metric | Levante (Base V6) | Levante S (V6) | Levante GTS (V8) | Levante Trofeo (V8) |
|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 6.0 seconds | 5.2 seconds | 4.2 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| 0–60 mph | 5.8 seconds | 5.0 seconds | 4.0 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 251 km/h (156 mph) | 264 km/h (164 mph) | 292 km/h (181 mph) | 304 km/h (189 mph) |
| Braking Distance (100–0 km/h) | 36.0 meters | 34.5 meters | 34.5 meters | 34.0 meters |
4. Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
- Front Suspension: Double wishbone in aluminum with Skyhook continuously variable adaptive dampers and air springs.
- Rear Suspension: Multi-link in aluminum with Skyhook continuously variable adaptive dampers and air springs.
- Air Suspension Heights: 6 ride levels total (Normal, Aero 1 [-20mm], Aero 2 [-35mm], Off-Road 1 [+25mm], Off-Road 2 [+40mm], Park/Easy Entry [-45mm]).
- Steering: Speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) calibrated for feedback.
- Braking System:
- Levante (Base): Front 2-piston floating calipers with 345x32 mm ventilated discs / Rear 1-piston floating calipers with 330x22 mm ventilated discs.
- Levante S / GTS / Trofeo: Front Brembo 6-piston monobloc aluminum calipers with 380x34 mm drilled/ventilated discs / Rear 1-piston floating calipers with 330x22 mm drilled/ventilated discs.
5. Dimensions, Capacities & Weight
- Overall Length: 5,005 mm (197.0 in) [Trofeo: 5,020 mm]
- Overall Width (Excluding Mirrors): 1,981 mm (78.0 in)
- Overall Height: 1,693 mm (66.7 in)
- Wheelbase: 3,004 mm (118.3 in)
- Front / Rear Track: 1,624 mm / 1,676 mm
- Curb Weight:
- V6 Models: ~2,109 kg (4,650 lbs)
- V8 Models: ~2,170 kg (4,784 lbs)
- Weight Distribution: 50:50 Front / Rear
- Drag Coefficient (C_d): 0.31
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 Liters (21.1 US gallons)
- Trunk Capacity (Cargo Volume):
- Seats Up: 580 Liters (20.5 cu. ft.)
- Seats Folded: 1,625 Liters (57.4 cu. ft.)
- Max Towing Capacity: 2,700 kg (5,950 lbs)
6. Fuel Economy & Emissions (EPA / WLTP)
- 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo:
- EPA Rating: 15 MPG City / 21 MPG Highway / 17 MPG Combined
- CO₂ Emissions: ~253 g/km
- 3.8L V8 Twin-Turbo:
- EPA Rating: 14 MPG City / 18 MPG Highway / 15 MPG Combined
- CO₂ Emissions: ~308 g/km
Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2019 Maserati Levante?
Buy it if: You buy cars with your heart rather than a spreadsheet. If you prioritize mechanical emotion, intoxicating exhaust notes, sports-car steering response, and head-turning Italian design over sterile perfection, the 2019 Levante is one of the most rewarding luxury SUVs on the used market.
Skip it if: You want maximum cargo space, whisper-quiet fuel efficiency, or the very latest interior digital screens found in competitors like the Audi Q8 or Mercedes-Benz GLE.
