Compare the2023 Maserati LevanteVS 2023 Audi SQ5

The Levante has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The SQ5 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Levante and the SQ5 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 and lane departure warning systems.

The Levante Modena’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 75 more horsepower (424 vs. 349) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 369) than the SQ5’s 3.0 turbo V6. The Levante Modena S’ standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 201 more horsepower (550 vs. 349) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 369) than the SQ5’s 3.0 turbo V6. The Levante Trofeo’s standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 223 more horsepower (572 vs. 349) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 369) than the SQ5’s 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Levante Modena 3.0 turbo V6 is faster than the Audi SQ5:

The Levante has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the SQ5 (21.1 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the Levante S/GTS/Trofeo’s brake rotors are larger than those on the SQ5:

The Levante stops shorter than the SQ5:

For better traction, the Levante has larger standard tires than the SQ5 (265/45R20 vs. 255/45R20). The Levante Modena/S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the SQ5 (F:265/45R20 & R:295/40R20 vs. 255/45R20).

The Levante’s optional 265/35R22 front and 295/30R22 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the SQ5’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Levante offers optional 22-inch wheels. The SQ5’s largest wheels are only 21-inches.

The front and rear suspension of the Levante uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the SQ5, 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 SQ5 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Levante’s wheelbase is 7.3 inches longer than on the SQ5 (118.3 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Levante is .6 inches wider in the front and 3.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the SQ5.

The Levante’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the SQ5’s (54.3% to 45.7%). This gives the Levante more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the Levante has a 1.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the SQ5 (9.7 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the Levante to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

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 SQ5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Levante has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the SQ5 with its rear seat folded (57.3 vs. 54.1 cubic feet).

The Levante’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the SQ5’s (5952 vs. 4400 pounds).

Standard Trailer Sway Mitigation on the Levante uses the Maserati Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The SQ5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Levante has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The SQ5 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Levante’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the SQ5.

The Levante’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The SQ5 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Levante has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the SQ5 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

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 SQ5 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

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 SQ5.