2021 Maserati Levante

Maserati builds the midsize Levante crossover in four trim levels. All-wheel-drive comes standard, and shoppers can choose between turbocharged V6 and V8 engines. Pricing ranges from $78,000 to $153,000. Mechanical and exterior features include an adaptive air suspension, a limited-slip differential, alloy wheels, a compact spare tire, automatic xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, fog lamps, heated power-folding mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. Driver safety aids include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Cabin amenities include leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver's seat memory, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone climate control, remote engine start, a heated leather steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Shoppers get infotainment features like a 10-speaker sound system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, wireless internet access, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Like other Italian manufacturers, Maserati offers a range of luxury options. Those include wood cabin trim, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, heated rear seats, rear climate control, adaptive cruise control, a hands-free liftgate, and LED headlights. Shoppers get to choose from several upholstery colors and materials for the seats, headliner, carpet, steering wheel, and dashboard. There are several brake caliper colors to select. Carbon fiber paddle shifters are available.

The base engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that takes premium gas, connected to all-wheel-drive and 8-speed automatic transmission. The turbo V6 produces 345 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It makes ample power, which is plenty for rapid acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The EPA expects this motor to get fuel economy of 16/22/18 MPG. Stepping up to the S trim increases output to 424 horsepower, giving the Levante 0-60 MPH acceleration of 5.0 seconds. The Levante offers a turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine. It makes 550 horsepower in most trims, which returns a 0-60 MPH time of 4.0 seconds and a top track speed of 181 MPH. The EPA estimates fuel economy of 13/20/16 city/highway/combined. Choosing the Trofeo trim increases power to 580 HP. The V8-equipped models have blistering speed, able to keep up with several Italian sports cars.

Maserati treats passengers to a comfortable and elegant interior that is highly configurable. It's not as stylish as the exterior, nor does it have the refinement or quality one would expect at this price point. But occupants will like the cabin's roominess and supportive seats. The infotainment system is straightforward to use -- one of the best in the segment -- and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come included. Buyers get a lot of customization options. Those who want some help can choose one of Maserati's curated equipment packages. Rivals have larger infotainment systems and more powerful audio systems, but the Levante has a few unique items, like Ermenegildo Zegna silk and leather upholstery. While interior space is excellent, the Levante lacks the sizable cargo capacity of other midsize SUVs.