Overview
Maserati is trying to make a comeback, and a compact luxury SUV such as the forthcoming Grecale should only help with that mission. Slotting underneath the mid-size Levante SUV, this new entry is part of the Italian automaker’s aspirations to launch 10 new or heavily revised models by 2023. Although the Grecale is nowhere near as fantastical as the new MC20 supercar, it will certainly appeal to a wider audience—one that has shown an insatiable appetite for compact utes. We don’t currently have many details about the new Maserati, but we suspect it’ll borrow parts from the similarly sized Alfa Romeo Stelvio. This relationship and the brand’s performance heritage means the 2022 Grecale will challenge the likes of the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan.
What’s New for 2022?
During the reveal presentation of the MC20 supercar, Maserati teased an upcoming SUV—called the Grecale—that would be smaller than its Levante SUV. The announcement didn’t include many details other than that it’ll be built at the Cassino plant in Italy alongside the Stelvio and that pre-production models should start rolling off the assembly line in early 2021. We’ve even glimpsed a prototype version of the new ute driving on the street. We were also told it’ll be available with a traditional gas engine as well as all-electric and hybrid powertrains.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Since Maserati hasn’t disclosed any pricing details, we can only guess that the Grecale will cost about as much as the Stelvio and X3, which each starts at just under $43,000. Based on other models wearing the brand’s trident logo, we expect the compact ute to at least offer a high-performance Trofeo version. It could even potentially inherit the 505-hp twin-turbo V-6 that helps propel the incredible Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, but for now we can only hope and dream.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Grecale will be available with a gas engine as well as an all-electric and hybrid powertrain. While it’s difficult to speculate on the two latter options, we do believe the Maserati could receive a version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder that powers the base Stelvio. This also suggests it could feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive. If we’re lucky, a potential Trofeo version of the Grecale could even feature the Ferrari-derived twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 as seen in the fire-breathing Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Regardless of what’s under the hood, the smallest Maserati ute will likely attempt to appease people who enjoy having their luxury dish with an extra helping of performance.
Maserati
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Maserati hasn’t announced fuel-economy ratings for the 2022 Grecale. With the availability of all-electric and hybrid powertrains, it will have the chance to compete with alternatives such as the Mercedes-Benz EQC and the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid. Once we get official information and have the opportunity to take the Grecale variants on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate the lineup’s real-world mpg. For more information about the Grecale’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Maserati is known for integrating large amounts of both luxury and performance into its vehicles, which should continue to be the case with the Grecale. We haven’t a clue as to what the interior design will look like, but we’re confident it’ll reflect the brand’s affluent aesthetic. That means rich materials and lots of upscale amenities. Passengers should have enough space to be comfortable as long as those in the back aren’t too tall or riding three-across. If cargo space is anything like what the Stelvio has to offer, the Maserati won’t be among the most capacious crossovers in this class.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every compact luxury crossover offers a touchscreen infotainment system and popular connectivity features. We expect the Grecale to follow that trend by offering standard content such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as desirable options such as wireless charging and a premium audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
We expect the compact ute to have an array of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Grecale’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features should include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Maserati provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty, compared with other luxury brands that compete in this space. However, unlike BMW and Jaguar, the company doesn’t provide any complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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