The SUV market has been booming for over a decade, and luxury brands have been quick to expand their offerings in this high-demand segment. Enter the Maserati Grecale—the Italian marque’s compact luxury SUV that aims to blend performance, craftsmanship, and everyday practicality. Slotted below the larger Levante, the Grecale is Maserati’s bold attempt to capture a wider audience without compromising its distinctive DNA.
Launched in 2022, the Grecale represents more than just a new model—it signals Maserati’s commitment to innovation while staying true to its heritage of performance and style. In a market crowded with competent rivals like the Porsche Macan, BMW X3 M40i, and Audi SQ5, the Grecale has carved out its own niche with a distinctly Italian flair.
Italian Design, Inside and Out
At first glance, the Maserati Grecale commands attention. Its styling is elegant yet aggressive, characterized by a low-slung grille inspired by the MC20 supercar, slim LED headlights, and muscular proportions. The sleek body lines and prominent fender flares give it a sporty, poised stance that sets it apart from more utilitarian competitors.
The rear of the vehicle continues this theme with narrow taillights that echo the design of Maserati’s recent models, integrated exhaust tips, and a sculpted bumper. The Grecale is not just another SUV—it’s a statement on wheels, as comfortable pulling up to a five-star hotel as it is cruising the Amalfi Coast.
Step inside, and the cabin continues to impress. The interior is a harmonious blend of leather, real metal, and wood or carbon-fiber trims, depending on the trim level. A standout feature is the dual-screen layout: a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen paired with an 8.8-inch climate control and comfort screen below it. There’s also a digital instrument cluster and, in typical Maserati fashion, a beautifully designed analog clock in the center of the dash—now digital and customizable.
The use of space is thoughtful, offering both comfort and practicality. There’s ample room for passengers in both rows, and the cargo area is surprisingly generous for a compact SUV. Maserati’s attention to detail shines through in the soft-close doors, ambient lighting, and personalized drive modes.
Performance That Lives Up to the Trident Badge
While many luxury SUVs talk the talk, the Grecale walks the walk. It’s available in multiple trims: GT, Modena, and the performance-focused Trofeo.
The entry-level Grecale GT is powered by a mild-hybrid 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 296 horsepower. It’s responsive, refined, and delivers respectable acceleration while maintaining good fuel efficiency.
The Modena trim ups the ante with a more potent version of the same engine, bumping power up to 325 horsepower and enhancing the sporty feel with adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive.
However, the real fire-breather is the Grecale Trofeo, which packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 derived from the MC20 supercar. With 523 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, the Trofeo rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. It’s not just about straight-line speed either—the chassis tuning, rear limited-slip differential, and adaptive dampers make the Trofeo genuinely fun to drive on twisty roads.
All models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Maserati’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Drivers can toggle between various drive modes, including Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa (Trofeo only), and Off-Road, tailoring the experience to their mood and terrain.
Technology and Connectivity
The Grecale is the most technologically advanced Maserati to date. It features the latest version of the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) infotainment system, built on Google’s Android Automotive OS. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and an optional head-up display.
A standout optional feature is the 21-speaker Sonus Faber sound system, offering audiophile-grade quality rarely seen in this segment. There’s also Level 2 autonomous driving capability, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and traffic jam assist—features that make long drives more relaxed.
The Grecale Folgore: Maserati Goes Electric
In line with Maserati’s bold plan to go fully electric by 2030, an all-electric version of the Grecale—called the Grecale Folgore—is also part of the lineup. Powered by a 400V architecture and a 105 kWh battery pack, it’s expected to deliver strong performance with zero emissions, all wrapped in the same stylish package.
Final Thoughts
The Maserati Grecale is more than just Maserati’s compact SUV—it’s a symbol of the brand’s evolution. By combining seductive Italian design, strong performance credentials, modern technology, and daily usability, the Grecale has become a compelling alternative in a saturated luxury SUV market.