2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo

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 in that thing? Yes, they did and it’s being 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, says Maserati. Its designer exterior and well-tailored cabin are runway-ready, too, with attractively draped sheetmetal that makes rivals such as the Audi SQ5 and the BMW X3 M look frumpy in comparison. But the Grecale Trofeo’s performance and curb appeal come at an insanely steep price—a six-figure one, to be clear—which makes it far and away the most expensive performance SUV in its class.

What’s New for 2023?

The Grecale Trofeo is an all-new model for Maserati this year. It debuted alongside the standard Grecale (reviewed separately) and serves as the pinnacle of performance for the brand’s compact crossover.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

A six-figure price tag puts the Grecale Trofeo at a disadvantage among other hi-po SUV rivals that cost far 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. Luckily, the Trofeo comes standard with most every expected premium feature, including a power sunroof, 21-inch wheels on summer tires, 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heat, adaptive cruise control, and genuine leather upholstery. If we did feel like splurging on extras, we’d get the Trofeo Premium Plus Package for a few thousand dollar extra. It adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel (keep in mind, our office is in snowy Michigan), and Sonus Faber 21-speaker audio system.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Grecale Trofeo is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that’s borrowed from the MC20 sports car but detuned to make 523 horsepower. Maserati says that’s still enough to propel the SUV from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds en route to a 177-mph top speed. Handling the gear shifting is an eight-speed automatic transmission that helps deliver all that horsepower to the Grecale Trofeo’s all-wheel drive system. 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 driving mode firmed things up too much and made the ride uncomfortable over bumps in the road. Perhaps it’s best to save that for a spin around a racing circuit 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 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route and report its results here. For more information about the Grecale’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Grecale Trofeo’s elegant interior design incorporates some high-tech flourishes. Along with rich materials throughout the cabin, the dash includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and pair of touchscreens on the center stack. The upper unit measures 12.3 inches and handles the infotainment system while the 8.8-inch lower screen contains 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 aren’t too tall or riding three-across. 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 features a flat load 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 runs on a 12.3-inch touchscreen. There’s another 8.8-inch touchscreen below the main one 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 has 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 come equipped with several driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist and a driver-monitoring system. For more information about 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 automated emergency braking
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Maserati provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty, compared with other luxury brands that compete in this space. However, unlike BMW and Jaguar, the company doesn’t 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

More Features and Specs