Best Car Reviews - 2019 Maserati Levante

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Introduction

The 2019 Maserati Levante is a premium midsize performance SUV aimed at buyers who want Italian style, a distinctive exhaust note and all-weather practicality without abandoning a driver-focused character. Available with twin-turbocharged V6 and V8 power, standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, it stands apart from more common German rivals through its dramatic design, exclusivity and grand-touring personality.

Design and Exterior Features

Long, low and unmistakably Maserati, the Levante has a coupe-like roofline, a prominent Trident grille, swept-back lamps and muscular rear haunches. It measures about 5,005 mm long with a 3,004 mm wheelbase, giving it a notably stretched stance for the class. For 2019, GranSport models received more aggressive bumpers, black exterior details, red brake calipers and 20-inch wheels, while GranLusso models emphasized chrome trim, a body-colour rear spoiler and a more elegant appearance.

Standard all-wheel-drive SUV proportions with a low, sporty roofline.
Signature Maserati grille, triple side vents and quad exhaust outlets.
GranSport exterior package with sportier bumpers and dark accents.
GranLusso treatment with chrome detailing and luxury-oriented styling.
Available adaptive LED matrix headlights and larger alloy wheels.

Interior and Comfort

The Levante cabin combines a high driving position with a cockpit-like layout. Leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel, Piano Black trim, dual-zone climate control and an 8.4-inch central display were standard in many markets. The dashboard’s analogue Maserati clock adds character, while the 7-inch driver information display keeps key data visible. Front-seat comfort is good for long-distance travel, although rear-seat space and cargo flexibility are less generous than in some larger luxury SUVs. Higher trims and options brought finer leather, heated and ventilated seats, four-zone climate control, soft-close doors and premium audio.

Leather-trimmed seating and steering wheel.
Driver-focused dashboard with analogue clock and 7-inch information display.
Dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and rain-sensing wipers.
Available heated and ventilated front seats.
Optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins premium sound systems.

Performance and Handling

The standard US-market 2019 Levante used a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged SIDI V6 producing 345 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and rear-biased Q4 all-wheel drive. The Levante S raised output to 424 hp and 428 lb-ft; tested 0-60 mph performance for the S was about 5.1 seconds. GTS and Trofeo versions added twin-turbo V8 power for substantially faster acceleration. The adjustable air suspension, selectable drive modes and quick steering make the Levante more engaging than most luxury SUVs, though Sport mode can make the ride firm on broken city streets. For the base V6, US EPA figures were 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined, equivalent to approximately 15.7, 11.2 and 13.8 l/100 km respectively.

3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with 345 hp in the standard Levante.
Eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Q4 all-wheel drive.
Levante S V6 delivers 424 hp and significantly stronger overtaking response.
Adjustable air suspension with Normal, Sport and Off-Road settings.
Base V6 EPA combined economy of 17 mpg, or about 13.8 l/100 km.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2019 Levante uses Maserati Touch Control Plus, an 8.4-inch touchscreen system with a rotary controller. Navigation, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, making smartphone integration more modern than the vehicle’s overall platform age suggests. The system also controls numerous vehicle and climate functions. Available upgrades included a Wi-Fi hotspot, surround-view camera, upgraded navigation functions and high-end audio systems.

8.4-inch Maserati Touch Control Plus touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Navigation, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and voice-assistant support.
7-inch colour driver information display.
Available 360-degree camera and premium surround-sound systems.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment included front, side and curtain airbags, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, tire-pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, hill-start assist and hill-descent control. Automatic high-beam assistance and blind-spot monitoring were also available or standard depending on market and configuration. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, advanced brake assist, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, active blind-spot assist, traffic-sign recognition and Highway Assist. No verified NHTSA or IIHS crash-test rating is available for the 2019 Maserati Levante.

Multiple airbags, stability control and rollover-mitigation functions.
Rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Hill-start assist and hill-descent control.
Available adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and emergency braking.
No verified NHTSA or IIHS crash-test score for this model year.

Pricing and Variants

In the United States, the 2019 Levante started at approximately $75,980 before destination and options. The range included the Levante, GranLusso, GranSport, Levante S, Levante S GranLusso, Levante S GranSport, GTS and Trofeo. Original pricing rose sharply with performance and equipment, reaching roughly $119,980 for the GTS and $169,980 for the Trofeo. Rivals included the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q8 and Range Rover Sport. The Maserati was less practical and less technology-forward than several competitors, but it offered rarer styling and a more emotional driving experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Distinctive Italian exterior design with genuine road presence.
Strong twin-turbo V6 performance and thrilling V8 variants.
Standard all-wheel drive and adjustable air suspension.
Excellent engine and exhaust character for a luxury SUV.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard.

Cons

High fuel consumption, especially in city driving.
Ride can become harsh when Sport mode is selected.
Rear-seat and cargo practicality trail several key competitors.
Advanced driver-assistance features were often optional.
Maintenance, parts and unexpected repairs can be expensive.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A precise annual maintenance cost for the 2019 Levante is not consistently published by a model-specific independent source. Maserati ownership cost data commonly places routine maintenance around $1,500 per year during the first four years, excluding tires, brakes, insurance, fuel and unexpected repairs; an older used example can cost materially more. Owner reports and complaint data for this generation most often point to electrical or infotainment faults, air-suspension concerns, cooling-system or engine ancillary issues, brake wear and suspension noises. A pre-purchase inspection, complete service history, recall check and verification of software updates are especially important.

Electrical warnings, battery-related faults and infotainment glitches.
Air-suspension faults or uneven ride-height behavior.
Cooling-system, thermostat or coolant-reservoir concerns.
Suspension noises, including control-arm or rear-end knocking reports.
High wear costs for brakes and large performance tires.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.4/10. Design: 9.0/10. Comfort: 7.5/10. Performance: 8.3/10. Technology: 7.2/10. Safety: 7.0/10. The Levante earns its score through style, sound and driving character, while its ownership costs, dated areas of the cabin and limited verified crash-test information prevent a higher overall result.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback tends to be passionate rather than neutral. Many drivers value the Levante’s rarity, sound and sense of occasion, while long-term buyers regularly advise budgeting carefully for premium fuel, tires, service and specialist repairs. Experiences with reliability vary widely, making condition and maintenance history more important than a low purchase price alone.

Owners often praise the styling and the sense of exclusivity.
The V6 and V8 exhaust character is frequently considered a major attraction.
Many drivers enjoy the handling and stable all-weather traction.
Some owners report software, electronics or suspension-related frustrations.
Maintenance pricing and parts availability are recurring ownership concerns.

Best Cars in This Category

2019 Porsche Cayenne
2019 BMW X5
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2019 Audi Q8
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Summary

The 2019 Maserati Levante is best suited to a buyer who values Italian design, performance and individuality more than maximum practicality or low running costs. The standard V6 model provides confident all-weather speed, while the S, GTS and Trofeo versions make the Levante increasingly compelling for enthusiasts. It remains an appealing used luxury SUV when purchased with a thorough inspection, documented maintenance history and a realistic budget for premium ownership.