Maserati Grecale review

The Maserati Grecale is the sort of posh, high-performance SUV you might buy if the likes of the Porsche Macan or BMW X3 M Competition were a bit too straight-laced and predictable for your tastes.

Think of it this way: if those cars were all professional chefs, the Porsche and the BMW might be Marco Pierre White, while the Maserati is a bit more like Gino D’Acampo. They’re all essentially the same thing, it’s just that the Grecale is supposed to be a bit more, erm, flamboyant and distinctive.

So you might think it’s a bit of a pity that Maserati hasn’t really pushed the boat out with regards to the Grecale’s styling. Sure, it’s handsome, but it doesn’t really scream Italian flair. You might even think it looks a bit like what would happen if someone drove a Jaguar F-Pace into the back of a Ford Puma.

Still, there are some nice performance touches, such as the prominent quad tailpipes and those sporty alloy wheels that go up to 21-inches in size. The three iconic Maserati slats above the front wheel arches are pretty cool, too.

Inside, things look a lot more convincing. You get a load of plush-feeling leather upholstery; comfortable, figure-hugging seats; and an impressively wizzy touchscreen infotainment system with smooth graphics and impressive response times. The driving position is weirdly off-set, though, with the pedals and steering wheel not quite being in line with one another; and the storage cubbies on offer are a bit on a small side.

Still, there’s loads of room in the second row for adult passengers, and three young teenagers should find the back seats comfy enough too. The boot is also a good size, and compares very well indeed to alternatives such as the Porsche Macan and BMW X3 M Competition.

Even the entry-level 300hp Grecale feels every bit as quick as you’d need a performance SUV to be, but I’d still go for the full-fat 530hp twin-turbo V6 model - if only for the extra thrill-factor!

You get a choice of three different petrol engines. The range kicks off with an impressively punchy 300hp four-cylinder unit, which is the one you’d go for if you didn’t want massive fuel bills to accompany your performance SUV purchase.

Then, at the other end of the spectrum sits the 530hp twin-turbo V6 Trofeo model, which is the one you’d have if you don’t have to worry so much about trips to the petrol station. In the middle sits the 330hp model, which also comes with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

All of these cars are impressively fast in a straight line, but if it’s outright performance you’re chasing then the twin-turbo V6 Grecale Trofeo is the one you want. It’ll accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds, and feels every bit as fast as that on the road. Its engine-note can sound a bit hard-edged and coarse when you floor it though – which might disappoint if you were hoping for a properly tuneful Italian performance engine.

Still, thanks to adjustable air-suspension the Grecale is comfortable and relaxing out on a motorway run. You’ll notice it bristle and fidget a bit over ruts and bumps around town, but for the most part it’s pleasant to drive here as well. Good visibility, and a suite of parking cameras and sensors help out here too.

It’s pretty good fun on a twistier road too. Its steering feels accurate and direct, and with its suspension in its sportiest, firmest setting it doesn’t roll too badly either. That said, a Porsche Macan or Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio feels even more exciting and accomplished when you really put your foot down.

Still, the Maserati Grecale will make for an interesting alternative choice if you’re after a fast, sporty family SUV. And if you like to be a bit different, there’s plenty to be impressed with here.

The Grecale will go on sale in the second half of 2022. In the meantime, head on over to our Maserati page to see how much you can save when you lease through carwow.