2023 Maserati Grecale vs. Porsche Macan
When Maserati introduced its first SUV, the Levante, both automotive critics and luxury vehicle enthusiasts were enamored with its seductive styling and passionate Italian performance. With the debut of the compact Maserati Grecale, the ultra-competitive small luxury SUV segment now has a new entrant to contend with. Taking aim at even the most established models in the segment, the Grecale has caused quite a stir already. To demonstrate the compelling list of advantages of the Grecale, our team at Maserati Louisville has assembled this head-to-head model comparison. Curious how the Grecale stacks up against the formidable Porsche Macan? Let’s find out together!
Exterior Design Compared
Since styling can often be subjective, it’s fair to concede that the Maserati Grecale and Porsche Macan are impressive-looking SUVs. Beginning with the Grecale, it’s easy to see the lineage of its larger Maserati SUV sibling – the Levante. The Maserati Trident is prominently displayed on its front grille, providing a subtle hint at the performance and passion infused into the Grecale. One key difference between the Maserati and the Porsche is the fact that the Grecale rides on a wheelbase that’s roughly 7 inches longer than the Macan – providing a more comfortable ride for Grecale owners.
While the Grecale boasts the same unmistakable Italian design that’s made Maserati a global icon, the designers over at Porsche also have a history of manufacturing beautiful automobiles. The Porsche Macan is infused with race-inspired styling cues and boasts a number of customization options through the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur program. Not to be outdone, the Maserati Fuoriserie program offers virtually limitless options for personalizing your Grecale, helping it to reflect a personality as unique as your own. It’s certainly hard to pinpoint a clear winner in terms of styling, so let’s call this category a tie – with an individual’s personal preference being the ultimate tipping point.
Performance Compared
Shifting our attention towards the performance features of these performance SUVs, we’ll quickly see some key differences between them. The Maserati Grecale is powered by a standard 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine featuring mild-hybrid technology for a total of 296 horsepower. For comparison, the Porsche Macan comes equipped with a similarly sized 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder without electrification that cranks out just 261 horsepower. Moving up the trim range, the Grecale can be equipped with an available 330-horsepower variant of its 2.0L turbo MHEV engine. While over at Porsche, the Macan S and Macan Turbo are powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 434 horsepower, respectively
However, it’s the Maserati Grecale Trofeo that holds the title of the fastest SUV in this comparison. Sitting atop the Grecale range, the Trofeo boasts a muscular 3.0L twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine developed in tandem with the MC20 supercar. This race-proven powertrain delivers an astounding 530 horsepower. Both the Maserati and Porsche come equipped with all-wheel drive and automatic transmissions, 7 speeds for the Macan and 8 speeds for the Grecale. For true driving enthusiasts, the Maserati Grecale has the edge.
Interiors Compared
Looking objectively at the interiors of both the Maserati Grecale and Porsche Macan, it’s easy to understand how each model demonstrates its own unique personality. Featuring quintessential Italian design, the Grecale stands out with a dual-screen infotainment system featuring a 12.3-inch and 8.8-inch combination of touchscreens along with a digital gauge cluster. Exclusive Sonus faber audio systems add an audiophile-grade listening experience to the Grecale as well. Upscale materials available inside its cabin include leather, aluminum, genuine carbon fiber, and more.
Arguably less opulent and more driver-centric, the Porsche Macan includes a familiar layout with more tactile buttons scattered throughout the center console and dashboard. It has just a single – slightly smaller touchscreen display as compared to the Grecale, measuring just 10.9 inches. Upgraded audio systems are available from Bose and Burmester on the Porsche, ensuring an exceptional listening environment in both vehicles. But a final key difference between the two is cargo capacity. The Maserati Grecale offers 20 cubic feet of rear cargo capacity compared to 17.6 cubic feet inside the Porsche Macan. As a result, the Maserati Grecale tops the Porsche here with more space, additional tech, and iconic Italian hand-crafted interiors – making the Maserati Grecale a true feast for the senses.
