Compare the2022 Maserati LevanteVS 2021 Lexus LX 570

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Levante uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The LX 570 uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Levante and the LX 570 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

The battery on the Levante is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Levante’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The LX 570’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The Levante Modena’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 41 more horsepower (424 vs. 383) and 25 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 403) than the LX 570’s 5.7 DOHC V8. The Levante Modena S’ standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 167 more horsepower (550 vs. 383) and 135 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 403) than the LX 570’s 5.7 DOHC V8. The Levante Trofeo’s standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 197 more horsepower (580 vs. 383) and 135 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 403) than the LX 570’s 5.7 DOHC V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the Maserati Levante is faster than the Lexus LX 570:

On the EPA test cycle the Levante gets better mileage than the LX 570:

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Levante’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The LX 570 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Levante Trofeo’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The LX 570 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Levante S/GTS/Trofeo’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the LX 570:

The Levante stops much shorter than the LX 570:

The Levante’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LX 570’s standard 50 series tires. The Levante’s optional 265/35R22 front and 295/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the LX 570’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Levante offers optional 22-inch wheels. The LX 570’s largest wheels are only 21-inches.

For superior ride and handling, the Maserati Levante has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Lexus LX 570 has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Levante has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The LX 570’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The front and rear suspension of the Levante uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the LX 570, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The Levante’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The LX 570 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Levante’s wheelbase is 6.1 inches longer than on the LX 570 (118.3 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Levante is 1.6 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the LX 570.

The Levante Modena handles at .91 G’s, while the LX 570 pulls only .73 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Levante Modena executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.8 seconds quicker than the LX 570 (25.5 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 28.3 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Levante has a greater minimum ground clearance than the LX 570 (9.7 vs. 8.9 inches), allowing the Levante to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Maserati Levante may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 950 to 1150 pounds less than the Lexus LX 570.

The Levante is 3 inches shorter than the LX 570, making the Levante easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Levante is 9.1 inches shorter in height than the LX 570, making the Levante much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

Unibody construction lowers the Levante’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The LX 570 uses body-on-frame design instead.

The front grille of the Levante uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The LX 570 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Levante has a much larger cargo volume than the LX 570 with its rear seat up (20.5 vs. 16.3 cubic feet).

The Levante’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The LX 570’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Levante’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The LX 570 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its tailgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The power windows standard on both the Levante and the LX 570 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Levante is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The LX 570 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Levante to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The LX 570 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Levante offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The LX 570 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Levante to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The LX 570 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Levante’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The LX 570’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

The Levante has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the LX 570.