Many consider luxury SUVs worth the price, but that isn’t always true. One of the lowest-rated midsize luxury SUVs starts at almost $90,000 this year. Did the 2023 Maserati Levante fall short of expectations? Sometimes, high-end luxury models don’t follow the same rules as mass-market vehicles. The Levante still has a lot to offer; it just comes with a heftier price tag.

What’s the best midsize luxury SUV of 2023?

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the highest-rated midsize luxury SUV, and the 2023 Maserati Levante is at the opposite end of the spectrum. While the base version starts at $87,600, a fully-loaded Levante can run upwards of $161,400. There are many reasons to like the luxury SUV, like the powerful engine and spirited driving dynamics.

U.S. News says the Maserati Levante also has comfortable front seats and more standard safety features for 2023. However, the interior doesn’t stand out like most $90,000 interiors. It looks like any midsize SUV from BMW or Mercedes that costs less. Passenger space and cargo room aren’t impressive, which is disappointing for an SUV. Maserati is a luxury brand that has been around for a while, but the Levante isn’t its best example.

Maserati uses Ferrari-built engines in the 2023 Levante with 345 to 572 horsepower. Choose from a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 with 345 (GT) or 424 horsepower (Modena). The Modena S has a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 with 523 horsepower, while the Trofeo gets 572 horsepower. Fuel economy is only 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with the base V8, which is even worse for the V8.

Is the Maserati Levante midsize luxury SUV worth it?

The 2023 Maserati Levante is a fun ride for those with some cash to burn. It offers one of the best driving experiences in the segment, but it comes at a price (literally). J.D. Power has no predicted reliability score, and scores from major outlets are reasonably subpar. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not rated the Levante, though it has all the required systems. Mazarati’s midsize luxury SUV also has no Insurance Institute for Highway Safety score.

Some standard safety features on the Levante include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking are also included. Adaptive pivoting headlights are an available feature.

The 2023 Maserati Levante is fun to drive and has some great engine choices but lacks in a few areas. That $90,000 price tag doesn’t help the situation, so what is a better alternative?

What luxury SUV should you get instead?

The best vehicle in the midsize luxury SUV segment is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class mentioned previously. A base model GLE will cost you $57,000, but a fully-loaded Mercedes-Benz GLE costs $120,700 or higher. Either has a high-end interior, roomy seats, and a quiet cabin. Mercedes-Benz offers many engines, ranging from 362 to 429 horsepower, on the AMG GLE 53.

The base models of the GLE, the 350 and 450, have plenty of power and features for around $60k. J.D. Power gave the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100, and it earned pretty high scores from the IIHS and NHTSA. The IIHS made it a Top Safety Pick Plus award, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating.

Spending a lot on the best midsize luxury SUV makes a little more sense, especially when it delivers on power and safety. Some vehicles are worth it, but spending more than $100,000 on a so-so luxury SUV might not be worth the experience.