2019 Maserati Levante

Pros: Acceleration (especially with V8 engine); rich exhaust note; exclusivity

Cons: Ride/handling composure doesn’t match the best in class; fuel economy

CG Says: For 2019, Maserati’s midsize SUV gets a newly available V8 engine, updated infotainment-system graphics, and new interior and exterior trim. The base engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 345 horsepower in the base model or 424 in S. The new V8 is a turbocharged 3.8 that is rated at 550 hp in the GTS model, or 590 hp in the topline Trofeo. Both engines are built by Ferrari and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is standard. Maserati claims the Trofeo is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 187 mph. Available safety features include forward collision warning with autonomous braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and surround-view camera. Other available features include height-adjustable air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, and a Highway Assist System that keeps the vehicle centered in a lane at preselected speed. Maserati, an Italian automaker long synonymous with exotic sports cars and luxury sedans, entered the SUV market in 2017 with the Levante. This sleek crossover SUV delivers blistering performance (especially with V8 power) accompanied by an exotic soundtrack. Styling is rakish by SUV standards and the interior is sumptuously finished, although some Fiat-Chrysler-sourced controls seem out of place in this high-end cabin. The 2019 Maserati Levante has its quirks, and the ride/handling composure falls short of European high-performance-SUV rivals. Still, the Maserati Levante appeals to luxury SUV buyers searching for something both exotic and rare.