2023 Maserati Grecale | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #420

More info on the 2023 Maserati Grecale here:

Maserati’s first entry into the vibrant luxury small SUV segment is the all-new 2023 Grecale, which is meant to compete with many desirable models including the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The 2023 Maserati Grecale GT we bought for CR's auto test program promises high-performance flair by combining potent powerplants and an air of exclusivity. We discuss whether or not the Grecale's sporty handling, modern cabin, and Italian glamour will help to distinguish it from its rivals.

SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - First Impressions: 2023 Maserati Grecale GT
02:33 - What is Maserati?
05:10 - Maserati’s Reliability
08:48 - Which segment does the Grecale fit in?
11:29 - Controls
12:09 - Know what you’re getting into
12:45 - Functionality
13:42 - Driving Dynamics
14:57 - Competitors
18:43 - Question: When selling a used car is it better to sell privately or use a service like CarMax or Carvana?

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Preview: 2023 Maserati Grecale Promises Elegance and Performance

2023 Maserati Grecale

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

Car Safety Guide

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[RonT]

I have the modena trim and it literally puts a smile on my face every single time I drive it...

[garysandberg]

I have a 2023 Grecale Modena and the Maserati Road Side assistance. Had one issue with the 48 volt battery. Car was picked up and flat-decked to the dealership and then home to me. NO CHARGE FOR THE EXPENSE.

[jmwdba]

I always like watching different reviews on vehicles, particularly one that I love, which is Maserati. Anyone that buys Maserati, not just for the name, knows what they are buying and what the journey will be. I have owned 2 Ghiblis, 3 Levantes, and now have the Grecale. Only one of the Ghiblis ever had to go into the shape for a component failing (electrical); all other Maserati's owned had zero issues. My only grip over the years was that Maserati didn't push the technology boundaries dollar-for-dollar when compared to Porsche.

It took about 2 days for me to get adjusted to the technology of the Grecale because it was a significant step from previous Maseratis, but now the muscle memory has kicked in, and I can even interact with the touch screen without thinking about it. In what I call modern-day SUVs, they always say SUV/Wagon. SUVs of today are not built on the same platforms that they used to be (truck platforms). It is about 6 inches shorter than the Levante, about 45 horsepower (base) from the Levante, and while I was concerned I would miss the extra push of the V6, I can honestly say I haven't. The growl is not as intense as the Levante, but I wouldn't necessarily expect it to be also, the interior sounds are much more polite and gentle even though this still takes some adjusting; I welcome it over the intense lane departure sounds you got from previous generations that would scare you straight.

Also, Maserati's key focus with the Grecale was the Porsche Macan, you can make the case for I being a competitor to the X3 or the Audi A5 based on vehicle class, but they were not the focus of Maserati. Maserati has always been transparent about the competitor for this vehicle. Maserati Intelligence Assistance (MIA) based on UConnect is a welcome change because it strikes a balance between functionality and features without going overboard and being non-intuitive, like the current iteration of MBUX. Let's not forget that UConnect is still praised as being one of the most stable systems around. Now if they started adding anything beyond whats currently available, then I would say they are going overboard and need to dial it back. There are no overcomplicated menus with multiple layers that are not just intuitive. Everything is where you would expect it to be, and no more than 1-2 layers down from the top screen.

[Dan-ilpl]

My ex who I am still friendly with bought the Modena trim...zero issues...has had it a bit over 4 months.

[azizaziz]

Had it for a month. It is an exciting car to drive. It looks amazing and drive is thrilling. Ppl who buy Maserati don’t care for opinions. X

[FirstHandLLC]

Just had one as rental in Florida. Great to drive but ridiculous amount of electric problems on a car with 10k miles. It wouldn’t listen to the key fob, sometimes it would open, other times it wouldn’t. Rear power door would randomly stop working so I had to push it manually. Windshield wipers and music would turn on off randomly for bo reason, etc. I couldn’t wait to get rid of it!

[MaestroWenarto]

I love my car, I bought it a month ago....it is far superior than Mercedes and BMW

[remymedranda]

You guys need to check out the Primaserie trim, what an epic car!!

[dylans]

Selling a used cars can be hit or miss. I have sold a few private party. Only one via trade in. At the end of the day i suggest determining the real value (as in realistically based on the actual condition not what you want it to be) of the car private party. Thern determine how much time and costs you will incure trying to sell it (e.g., time to list and communicate with people, test drives, etc) and what repairs and maintenance you will need to do to make it sellable for that value you attribute to it (e.g., car washes, detailing, gas, insurance payments, repairs/maintenance items - such as brakes, tires, fluid changes, timing belt/chain service, water pump etc). Then you can figure out the value of each and decide whats best for you. Just going.... i want it gone is gonna get you ripped off. Dealer initially offered me 15k for my vehicle. I got them to 19.1k in 30 minutes. I probably had around 900$ in costs to get it sold and it may have sold for around 22k. Given the investment in time (I estimated 1-2 working days) and effort i decided to trade it in but you have to decide how much your time is worth.

[geoneo]

People who buy Maserati don't even care for other's opinion!

[meseahunt]

The Trident 🔱 unfortunately is just not worth it today here is the USA

[LearnAboutFlow]

Seems like for a little more money people should go for the Alfa Stelvio Q4, especially since Alfa is enjoying better reliability than it ever has in its past.

[garrettw]

What went wrong with the Grecale? I was hoping they would address that

[Richard]

Car Max twice paid me more on my cars than the dealers would give me.

[warrenber]

My Grecale is 3 months old and it’s been to the dealer twice. The first visit it was there for 37 days and the second visit is in progress and it’s been there for 40 days and counting.
I completely agree with the noises it makes. Some sound very 80’s. It’s a fun car but over time, the little strange things including a few that they mentioned become irritating.

[InternetDude]

So is it unreliable, I couldn't tell? LOL !!! The reason I have a Toyota and Lexus in the garage, no regrets. Rent/lease a Maserati but have another car in the garage!!

[josueelombre]

No one buys an Italian car expecting it to be a Toyota. Just like no one buys a Toyota expecting it to be a sporty engaging drive.

[mickparry]

It’s just a Alfa Romeo Stelvio with nice trim and 20hp more.

[Steve_in_NJ]

Isn't CarMax and Carvana both filing for bankruptcy? Would never sell my used car to any "dealership" who would low ball me, so that THEY can turn a bigger profit when THEY sell the vehicle!

[_Randwulf]

I thought Consumer Reports was about focusing on "Your average consumer" on the bell curve? It seems like a lot of investment that could have gone elsewhere... Sorry, just saying.