Summary
When Maserati launched the Grecale compact SUV, we did a double take. Did they actually drop the twin-turbo V-6 from the MC20 in that regard? Yes, they did and it’s called the Grecale Trofeo. With all 523 horses at full throttle, this performance-oriented machine is capable of a 3.6-second sprint to 60 mph, says Maserati. Its designer exterior and well-designed cabin are also runway-ready, with attractively plated sheet metal that makes rivals such as the Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M look shabby in comparison. But the Grecale Trofeo’s performance and appeal come at a hefty price—six figures obviously—which makes it the most expensive performance SUV in its class.
What’s New for 2023?
Grecale Trofeo is the new model for Maserati this year. It debuts alongside the standard Grecale (reviewed separately) and serves as the pinnacle of performance for the brand’s compact crossovers.
Price and Which One to Buy
The six-figure price tag puts the Grecale Trofeo at a disadvantage among other hi-po SUV rivals that cost significantly less. We’ll tread carefully and avoid loading it up with expensive options that will only push SUV prices higher into the stratosphere. Fortunately, the Trofeo comes standard with almost all of the premium features one would expect, including a power sunroof, 21-inch wheels on summer tires, 14-way power-adjustable heat front seats, adaptive cruise control and genuine leather upholstery.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The Grecale Trofeo is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine borrowed from the MC20 sports car but detuned to produce 523 horsepower. Maserati says that’s still enough to propel the SUV from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 177 mph. The Trofeo also comes standard with adaptive dampers and air suspension, the latter of which can be adjusted based on riding requirements. In our experience, the Corsa’s driving mode is too accentuating and makes for an uncomfortable ride over bumps in the road. It’s probably best to save it for circling the racing circuit. When we get the chance to test the Grecale Trofeo at home, we’ll bring it to our test track and update this story with acceleration results and more driving impressions.
Real World Fuel and MPG Savings
According to the EPA, the Grecale Trofeo is rated for 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. When we get the chance, we’ll use the Grecale Trofeo our 75 mph fuel-efficient test route and report the results here. For more information on Grecale’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
The interior design of the elegant Grecale Trofeo incorporates several high-tech developments. Along with rich materials throughout the cabin, the dashboard includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a pair of touchscreens in the center stack. The top unit is 12.3 inches and handles the infotainment system while the bottom 8.8 inches screen contains HVAC and other controls. The three-zone climate system is standard. Passengers should have enough space to be comfortable as long as those in the back are not too tall or three opposite each other. The Grecale Trofeo cargo area offers up to 20 cubic feet of space, and Maserati says the area behind the rear seats that folds down has a flat cargo floor with storage compartments underneath.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Like the standard Grecale, the Grecale Trofeo comes with Maserati’s latest Google-based infotainment system, which runs on a 12.3-inch touchscreen. There’s another 8.8-inch touchscreen below the main one on the dash that controls other functions. Every model comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Wi-Fi hotspot is also included. Maserati has contracted Sonus Faber for its Grecale Trofeo stereo system, which comes with 14 speakers as standard, but can be upgraded to a more powerful 21-speaker setup.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
All Grecale Trofeo models are equipped with several driver assistance features, including lane maintenance assistance and a driver monitoring system. For more information on Grecale crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key security features should include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alerts
- Adaptive cruise control is available
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Maserati provides a limited warranty and a competitive powertrain, compared to other luxury brands competing in this space. However, unlike BMW and Jaguarthe company does not provide free scheduled maintenance.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No free scheduled maintenance
