The Worst Midsize Luxury SUV of 2023 Is Also the Most Expensive
Most people expect a stress-free ownership experience with any car, truck, or SUV that costs more than $150,000. The worst midsize luxury SUV of 2023 will run you $90,000 at a minimum but doesn’t even have room for everyone’s luggage in the trunk. If the 2023 Maserati Levante is your dream vehicle, all hope is not lost. The Levante is quick and sporty, but this luxury sport utility vehicle scored lower than the Cadillac XT5. Do with that information what you will.
What is the worst midsize luxury SUV of 2023?
When Edmunds ranked the best midsize luxury SUVs, the 2023 Maserati Levante landed at the end of the list. Some brands have figured out the luxury SUV category, but Maserati isn’t one of them so far. Maserati says the Levante is “Undoubtedly SUV, unmistakably Maserati. Born from our grand touring tradition, ready to rise to every adventure.”
Even though the Levante has been on the market since 2017 and hasn’t received a redesign since then, the lux automaker doesn’t seem to be improving it much. Sure, it is fast, handles well, and is spacious. But the midsize luxury SUV category has some excellent contenders that come in $50,000 less and are still better.
| Trim | MSRP | Max Power | Top Speed |
| GT | $90,700 | 345 hp | 156 mph |
| Modena | $101,400 | 424 hp | 164 mph |
| Modena S | $127,600 | 523 hp | 181 mph |
| Trofeo | $167,000 | 537 hp | 187 mph |
Pricing for the 2023 year runs from $90,700 and goes up to $167,000. It has insane power, up to 537 hp, and can reach 187 mph for the newest Trofeo trim.
Why is the 2023 Maserati Levante the worst midsize luxury SUV?
Even though the Maserati Levante delivers on performance, the interior and ride fell short compared to the competition. The interior cabin is quiet, but the ride quality was too rough. Even on the softest setting, any bumps in the road resulted in a sharp response from the suspension.
The seats are comfortable but don’t offer ventilation. This means it can get hot quickly, especially for those in hotter temperatures. Non-ventilated seats are a bit nitpicky, but almost all of the midsize luxury SUVs of 2023 offer the feature. Some even have ventilated seats in the second row.
For an SUV, visibility is a bit compromised. The back window is a bit small, and the rear pillars compromise some of the views. Maserati hasn’t done much updating in the infotainment system or controls, and it shows. The Levante only has 20.5 cubic feet, and the seats don’t fold flat.
What is a better alternative?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is cheaper but still pretty luxurious. It offers a high-end interior, solid construction and materials, and all the newest technology on the market. Mercedes-Benz took the top spot with the GLE, and many owner reviews seem to agree.
For a similar cost, the 2023 Porsche Cayenne has a lot to offer buyers. Its looks are less flashy, but the Cayenne is quick, upscale, and comfortable. This can also be customized from the factory to suit many drivers’ needs, even though it can get pricey. Even the Cadillac XT5 scored higher than the worst midsize luxury SUV of 2023. Edmunds found that it delivers on cargo room and technology and offers good value. The 2023 Maserati Levante is still a luxurious vehicle, just maybe not the right SUV for everyone.
