Overview
When Maserati unveiled the Grecale compact SUV, we did a double take. Did they really drop the twin-turbo V-6 from the MC20 into that thing? Yes they have and it is called the Grecale Trofeo. With all 523 ponies at full gallop, this performance-oriented machine is capable of a 3.6-second run to 60 mph, Maserati says. Its designer exterior and well-tailored cabin are also runway-ready, with attractively draped sheetmetal that makes rivals such as the Audi SQ5 and the BMW X3 M look similar by comparison. But the Grecale Trofeo’s performance and appeal come at an insanely steep price—a six-figure one, to be clear—making it by far the most expensive performance SUV in its class.
What’s new for 2023?
The Grecale Trofeo is a brand 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 crossover.
Prices and which one to buy
A six-figure price puts the Grecale Trofeo at a disadvantage among other hi-po SUV rivals that cost much less. We’d tread carefully and avoid loading one up with expensive options that only serve to push the SUV’s price higher into the stratosphere. Fortunately, the Trofeo comes standard with just about every expected premium feature, including a power sunroof, 21-inch wheels on summer tires, 14-way power-adjustable heated 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 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 its way to a top speed of 177 mph. The Trofeo also comes standard with adaptive dampers and an air suspension, the latter of which can be adjusted based on driving needs. In our experience, the Corsa drive mode stiffened things up too much and made the ride uncomfortable over bumps in the road. Maybe it’s best to save it for a spin around a racetrack instead. When we get a chance to test drive the Grecale Trofeo on our home turf, we’ll take it to our test track and update this story with acceleration results and more driving impressions.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the Grecale Trofeo is rated for 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. When we get a chance, we’ll put the Grecale Trofeo through its paces our 75 mph highway fuel economy test route and report his results here. For more information on the Grecale’s fuel consumption, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
The Grecale Trofeo’s elegant interior design includes some high-tech flourishes. Along with rich materials throughout the cabin, the dashboard includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a pair of touchscreens on the center stack. The top unit measures 12.3 inches and handles the infotainment system while the 8.8 inch bottom screen houses HVAC and other controls. A 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 ride three over. The Grecale Trofeo’s cargo area offers up to 20 cubic feet of space, and Maserati says the area behind the power-folding rear seats has a flat cargo floor with a storage compartment underneath.
Infotainment and connectivity
Like the standard Grecale, the Grecale Trofeo comes with Maserati’s latest Google-based infotainment system, which operates on a 12.3-inch touchscreen. There’s another 8.8-inch touchscreen below the main display on the dashboard that controls other functions. Every model comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; A Wi-Fi hotspot is also included. Maserati contracted with Sonus Faber for the Grecale Trofeo’s stereo system, which comes with 14 speakers as standard, but can be upgraded to an even more powerful 21-speaker setup.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
All Grecale Trofeo models are equipped with several driver assistance features including lane keeping assist and a driver monitoring system. For more information on the Grecale’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features should include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control available
Warranty and Maintenance Cover
Maserati offers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty, compared to other luxury brands competing in this space. But other than BMW and Jaguarthe company does not provide any complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
