Maserati is an enigmatic Italian automaker that exists as part of the Stellantis family of car brands. The company has a long history of motorsport and performance vehicles. Its modern offerings are as exotic as an Italian auto can be without entering the realm of cars from Ferrari and Lamborghini. However, like all automakers, Maserati knows that the real money is in SUVs, which is why it built the Levante several years ago, and why it’s now releasing its second sport utility vehicle.
Called Grecale, the new compact ‘ute will be the first Maserati SUV offered with an all-electric powertrain, though versions available at launch will include mild-hybrid and gas powertrains. The Grecale will go on sale later in 2022 as a 2023 model, and the electric version is due within a year.
What’s New for the 2023 Maserati Grecale?
- Grecale is an all-new SUV from Maserati
- A 4-cylinder with mild hybrid and a V6 will be available at launch
- An all-electric Grecale will be available within a year of launch
- The Grecale promises zero-to-60-mph acceleration as quick as 3.6 seconds
2023 Maserati Grecale Exterior
The Grecale’s exterior design incorporates elements that look back to classic models from Maserati’s past and present. The boomerang taillight design comes from the Giugiaro-designed Maserati 3200 GT, while the front end features the new, more prominent trident logo that debuted on the MC20 supercar.
That said, the Grecale’s overall exterior shape is not a radical departure from Maserati’s larger SUV, the Levante. The new SUV features a sleek profile with a rising beltline toward the rear, sculpted sides, and Maserati’s signature three-porthole accents on the front quarter panels. The rear-end design is simple, with a Maserati logo, a Grecale logo, and a trim designation for the SUV.
2023 Maserati Grecale Interior
The Maserati Grecale features an interior with room for five people. Heated and ventilated front seats are available, and leather upholstery comes embossed with the trident logo on the headrests. Maserati says the cabin features a mix of materials to increase the luxury feel, such as aluminum components embedded into leather surfaces. The interior door handles set into leather panels are a great example of this, with an aluminum ring surrounding the door open button.
Most of the Grecale’s controls are touch-oriented, so the center console is free of physical controls and buttons. Without the clutter, Maserati fitted a large storage space under the center stack that also houses a wireless phone charger, and the cupholders are large to fit American-sized drink cups. However, where the dash is free from excess buttons, the Grecale’s steering wheel is full of them. The engine start/stop button is on the wheel, along with buttons for audio, cruise control, and drive mode selection.
2023 Maserati Grecale Specs
The Grecale’s base powertrain includes a 4-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid system with a combined output rating of 296 horsepower. The Modena trim comes with an upgraded mild-hybrid 4-cylinder that makes 325 hp, and the top Trofeo version gets a gas V6 derived from the MC20’s Nettuno engine that produces 523 hp. Maserati hasn’t divulged transmission details yet, but we expect an 8-speed automatic to be standard. Maserati says the Grecale will feature class-leading acceleration, with a zero-to-60-mph time as low as 3.6 seconds for the Trofeo. A full-electric Grecale Folgore—Maserati’s first electric SUV—will come later.
Five available driving modes are available that allow the driver to interact with and control various vehicle behaviors. Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa (for the Trofeo only), and Off-Road drive modes change how the engine, steering, exhaust, and other vehicle systems perform.
2023 Maserati Grecale Safety
Maserati typically offers a few advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) as standard but holds back many for added-cost options packages. Expect to see features such as automatic high-beam headlights and forward-collision warning as standard. Available ADAS will likely include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and more.
2023 Maserati Grecale Technology
Maserati notes that touch controls rather than physical buttons dominate the Grecale’s interior. To accomplish this, the automaker fitted a 12.3-inch touchscreen—the largest ever in a Maserati—and a second 8.8-inch display with vehicle controls right below it in the center stack. A third display is available for back-seat passengers.
The Grecale will run a modified version of Stellantis’ Uconnect 5 called Maserati Connect. Depending on the configuration, an available Sonus Faber 3D surround-sound audio system includes either 14 or 21 speakers. The traditional Maserati round clock is also present, but it’s entirely digital in the Grecale and includes displays for vehicle performance, a compass, and more.
2023 Maserati Grecale Competitors
The 2023 Maserati Grecale competes with the Genesis GV70, Porsche Macan, Volvo XC60, and upcoming electric SUVs, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
Maserati is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of March 22, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
You are now subscribed to the J.D. Power Cars Newsletter.
